In an email on Wednesday to State Central Committee members and Republican unit chairs, Virginia GOP Chairman Rich Anderson announced the selection of Ken Nunnenkamp as the new Executive Director of the Republican Party of Virginia:
I designed this to be a careful and deliberative process that was intentionally competitive in nature and was premised fully on the basis of merit and without bias. Ken prevailed in the selection process because of his exceptional political and personal credentials and his respected and successful service in these executive-level positions:
- Director of Data Analytics and Digital Media, Glenn Youngkin for Governor
- Director of Voter Contact and Targeting, Republican National Committee
- State Director, Republican Party of North Dakota
- Political Director, Barbara Comstock for Congress
Of note, Ken earned numerous top rankings and recommendations from senior officials in major organizations that span the spectrum of political activity—from elected officials, to other state parties where he has worked, to staff at the Republican National Committee.
Nunnenkamp begins his new role on Wednesday, September 15th.
Chairman Anderson’s full email:
Fellow SCC members and Republican unit chairs,
As you know, the RPV Executive Director (ED) Search Committee completed its vetting process last week and transmitted its report of findings and recommendations to me on September 2nd. I then began my interview of candidates, which I completed yesterday evening.
I’m pleased to announce that I have selected Mr. Ken Nunnenkamp as RPV Executive Director, with an employment start date of Wednesday, September 15, 2021.
I designed this to be a careful and deliberative process that was intentionally competitive in nature and was premised fully on the basis of merit and without bias. Ken prevailed in the selection process because of his exceptional political and personal credentials and his respected and successful service in these executive-level positions:
- Director of Data Analytics and Digital Media, Glenn Youngkin for Governor
- Director of Voter Contact and Targeting, Republican National Committee
- State Director, Republican Party of North Dakota
- Political Director, Barbara Comstock for Congress
Of note, Ken earned numerous top rankings and recommendations from senior officials in major organizations that span the spectrum of political activity—from elected officials, to other state parties where he has worked, to staff at the Republican National Committee.
In his private capacity, Ken notably possesses a BA in History (minor in Business) from Georgetown University and earned the respected Eagle Scout Award in his youth.
Ken’s selection represents a seamless integration of our state party apparatus with that of our Republican candidate for governor. This will surely unify and strengthen RPV’s partnership with the Youngkin campaign between now and election day…and beyond during Glenn’s transition period and after his inauguration on January 15th. This is precisely aligned with the overarching goal shared by all elements of our party: That we elect Glenn as the 74th Governor of Virginia in just seven short weeks.
Much of the initial vetting and candidate interviews was accomplished by an RPV ED Search Committee in which I placed considerable trust. On behalf of the Republican Party of Virginia, I thank these members for their service and contributions:
- The Honorable L. Scott Lingamfelter, former 31st House District Delegate and retired US Army Colonel, acting as chairman of the RPV ED Search Committee
- Ms. Shannon Golden, Executive Director, Republican Party of Kansas
- Ms. Kate Obenshain Keeler, former Chairwoman, Republican Party of Virginia
- Mr. D. J. Jordan, former Communications Director for US Senator James P. Langford (R-OK), former Virginia House of Delegates candidate, and former GOP unit vice chair
- Mr. Tim Phillips, National President, Americans for Prosperity (AFP)
- Mr. Chris Marston, RPV General Counsel, acting as executive secretary of the RPV ED Search Committee
In closing, Ken’s appointment as RPV Executive Director represents a major milestone in the life of our state party, and I look forward to moving forward with him and all of you to Republican electoral victories this November 2nd—and to leveraging that energy next year to achieve victories in our Congressional races in November 2022.
Please join me in congratulating Ken on his assumption of duties at RPV HQ as Executive Director. Agility is the stuff of victory in politics, and he shares my belief that the RPV staff must be readily available, reachable, and responsive by phone and email at all times. In that spirit, Ken’s email address is xxxxxxx (which will soon change to an RPV email address), and his cell number is 703-731-4466.
It’s time to fight and win again!
RICHARD L. ANDERSON
Chairman, Virginia.