2026 AAPC Trailblazer Award Honorees
Charles Guggenheim (1924-2002)
Charles Guggenheim (1924–2002) was a true pioneer of political media and one of the founding architects of modern campaign advertising. In 1956, he produced the first political commercial ever aired on television, fundamentally changing how candidates communicate with voters. Over his career he worked on four presidential campaigns and hundreds of gubernatorial and senatorial campaigns, becoming one of the most trusted media strategists in Democratic politics. He pioneered the use of documentary filmmaking techniques to produce personal, emotional candidate biographies, an innovative approach designed to persuade voters and his creative genius extended beyond politics, earning him 12 Academy Award nominations and four Oscars.
Lisa MacLean
Lisa MacLean is the Founder of Moxie Media, the first female-founded political direct mail firm in the United States, established in 1999. One of the most experienced political direct mail consultants in America, she and her firm have helped elect candidates and advance state ballot initiatives for more than a quarter-century. An acclaimed industry leader and innovative strategist, Lisa was awarded a Powerful Ideas Transformational Talent & Leadership Award as the 2023 Direct Mail Consultant of the Year. Through Moxie Media, she has expanded power and opportunity for those who have been left out or left behind by harnessing proven strategy and bold design to help win elections and policy change at every level of government. Her pioneering work has opened doors for non-traditional players in political consulting and set new standards for creative excellence in direct mail strategy.
Becki Donatelli
R. Rebecca “Becki” Donatelli was the president and founder of Campaign Solutions/Connell Donatelli and Right Country Lists, celebrating 25 years in the digital space as the first person to write the software to raise political money on the internet. Virtually every online innovation for over twenty years came out of her team at Campaign Solutions and Connell Donatelli before she sold the company to Push Digital Group in 2022. As chief internet consultant to John McCain’s two presidential races, she directed the online campaigns that brought the internet to the forefront of politics and public affairs, breaking fundraising records in 2008 by raising $100 million for McCain-Palin—the first Republican campaign to reach that milestone. Beginning her political career as the youngest staffer on the Reagan 1976 campaign, she brought decades of experience to revolutionizing political fundraising. The Non-Profit Times named her one of the top “12 most powerful women in direct response marketing.” She is a former President of the
American Association of Political Consultants and continues to serve on the AAPC Foundation Board as immediate past Chair, recognizing her transformational impact on how campaigns connect with supporters and raise funds in the digital age.
2025 AAPC Trailblazer Award Honorees
Created to recognize those at the forefront of change, the Trailblazer Award honors true pioneers: creators of groundbreaking technologies, bold strategists, and changemakers whose leadership and vision have expanded the boundaries of political consulting. This year’s class is particularly historic-it consists entirely of women whose extraordinary contributions have reshaped the industry and inspired generations of practitioners. These honorees exemplify not only excellence, but originality, leadership, and lasting influence.
A global force for democratic engagement, Nancy has trained aspiring leaders in all 50 states and 28 countries. A former Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, she has advanced civic education and leadership development through organizations like Running Start and The Campaign School at Yale, and continues to champion inclusive political participation.
A Democratic media consultant whose groundbreaking work helped shape modern campaign messaging. As one of the first women to helm a national consulting firm, Jill co-founded Rothstein/Buckley and produced iconic media for high-profile campaigns, while also championing candidate training and mentorship for women through her work with the DNC and USAID.
With a career spanning the RNC, federal service, and corporate leadership, Maria has been a strategic architect of Republican success. She directed the 2008 GOP Convention, oversaw a $61 billion budget as Deputy Secretary of Transportation, and rose to prominence in the private sector as a powerhouse coalition builder and mentor.
A trailblazing pollster and educator, Dotty was the first woman to lead polling on a U.S. presidential campaign. From her pioneering work on the gender gap to her tenure at CBS News and American University, Dotty’s insight, innovation, and commitment to mentorship revolutionized how campaigns understand voters.