Past Events

Washington, D.C., Feb. 10-The American Association of Political Consultants and Public Affairs Professionals (AAPC) Mid-Atlantic Chapter announced Monday the election of its 2010 officers and board directors.  The AAPC Mid-Atlantic Chapter elected Jessica Keegan, political media consultant and communications strategist, as its new president.  Keegan is Vice President of Accounts at Edmonds Associates, Inc., a nationally recognized Republican media consulting firm based in Vienna, Virginia.

“I’m honored to be elected president of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter,” stated Keegan. “We have a new and exciting year planned ahead of us. I look forward to working with the many talented and respected colleagues on our Board to expand on the successes of last year’s events and social activities” added Keegan.

The AAPC Mid-Atlantic Chapter has 11 officers and board directors. In addition to Keegan, newly elected officers include Dean Phillips, Vice President, Steve Rice, Secretary-Treasurer, Larry Ward, Member Communications Director, Michael Bronstein, Program Director and Courtney Sakai, Program Director.  Elected board directors include Scott Reiter, Christopher Quinn, John Jameson, Jason Roe, and Richard Fawal. Former AAPC Mid-Atlantic Chapter president, Bud Jackson becomes President Emeritus.

Democrats, Republicans and the media who cover them came out in force to sing karaoke for a good cause at the 1st Annual Karaoke in the Capital.  CBS’s Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer sang a Johnny Cash duet with a friend; Stephanie Green and Elizabeth Glover of the Washington Times sang Madonna; Politics Daily and Chicago Sun-Times’ Lynn Sweet sang some Rolling Stones; Politico’s Chris Frates sang Journey; Politics Magazine’s Jordan Lieberman  imitated Bruce Springsteen as best he could; Christina Bellantoni of Talking Points Memo rocked Joan Jett; and dozens of reporters and political professional sang badly (and even very well) for a good cause with part of the proceeds benefiting Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation.  The event was held at Washington, DC’s Rock and Roll Hotel and more than 250 people attended.  Thank you to everyone who helped make the event an enormous success.  We can’t wait for next year!

Mid-Atlantic Chapter President Bud Jackson presents CBS’s Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer with a “Golden Mic” Award for Best Duet.

For more information on the program and to register click here.

The storm clouds parted and the heavy rains ended just in time to allow the sun to shine and then to set on 100 people who came to Washington, DC's Cantina Marina for some Margaritas and Mischief, tacos and island music. There were leis, tiki gods, parrots and plenty of people having a great time with some event better drinks. If you didn't make it this year, make sure to come to next year's Margaritas and Mischief party! Don't forget to check out the photos in our photo gallery!

May 12, 2009

The Huffington Post hosted a private reception for the American Association of Political Consultants and Public Affairs Professionals. More than 50 political professionals from the New Jersey area were treated to an impressive spread of food and an open bar during the inside peek of Huffington Post's SoHo loft corporate headquarters and editorial nerve center.

Huffington Post Chief Executive Officer Betsy Morgan spoke about the rapid four-year growth of the company and Vice President of Sales Neil Shapiro talked briefly about the ins and outs of online advertising. Senior News Editor Katherine Zaleski also attended and spoke.

National AAPC President Whit Ayres and chapter President Bud Jackson offered brief remarks about the AAPC. Ayres and Jackson were accompanied on their trip from Washington, DC by Board Secretary-Treasurer Dean Phillips and AAPC Executive Director Angela McMillen. Board Director Bill McClintock and the event's organizers, Program Director Joseph Mercurio and Board Director Bart Robbett are all from the area and attended the reception.

For more information about Huffington Post contact Neil Shapiro, neilshapiro@huffingtonpost.com .

March 11, 2009
More than 60 people were on-hand to learn about opportunities for international political consulting and volunteer work.

The event, hosted by Oceana, featured the International Republican Institute (IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI). Special guests Elizabeth Dugan, vice president for programs at IRI and Sef Ashiagbor, senior advisor for political party development at NDI, spoke about international consulting opportunities available through IRI and NDI and how individuals can get involved in these programs.

IRI and NDI need our help. The expertise of political and public affairs professionals is greatly needed to help emerging democracies build stronger government structures, establish political parties and open elections, and improve civic participation. IRI and NDI offer a wide range of paid and volunteer postings, some as short as only 1 week.

For more than 25 years, IRI and NDI have sent hundreds of consultants and volunteers to more than 100 countries.

To learn more about IRI and NDI programs, please visit www.iri.org or www.ndi.org. When you are ready to take the next step to promote democracy and travel the world, we encourage you to start your own dialogue with our speakers and guests from IRI and NDI.

Elizabeth Dugan, Vice President for Programs, IRI, edugan@iri.org
Alicia O’Donnell, Manager, External Affairs, NDI, ao’donnell@iri.org
Sef Ashiagbor, Senior Advisor for Political Party Development, sefakor@ndi.org