2020 Club for Growth
Foundation Fellows

Dan Barry

Weddington, North Carolina

Dan Barry is an 8 generation native of Charlotte.  Raised in south Charlotte and educated in public schools until the 11^th grade.  Dan has been active in GOP politics since a young age and has early memories putting out yard signs for Congressman Sue Myrick in his pre-teen years.  While attending The College of Charleston, he volunteered on the Bush ’88 Committee.  After graduating from College, Dan joined the campaign team of 9^th District Congressman Alex McMillan.  Over the past 30 years, Dan has served in numerous party roles, campaign roles, served in public office and ran for the 9^th Congressional District seat in 2012.  Dan’s tireless work for the GOP, our candidates, our elected officials, and our voters is recognized by his election to be a 2020 Republican Elector for North Carolina’s 9^th District.  Dan lent his expertise to the Association of Advanced Life Underwriting, serving on their National Board of Directors.  In addition, Daniel served on a number of committees including: Governmental Affairs, Regulatory Reform, Fiduciary standards Taskforce, and Best Practices Committee.

Daniel is a consistent voice in Washington, DC working with Legislators, Rule Makers, and Regulators protecting our interests.  Dan is routinely sought for testimony and expertise in the area of federal regulatory reform and taxation regarding, Income Tax, Entitlement Reform, Regulatory Reform in the investment and insurance arena.  Dan’s message on conservatism is simple, Conservative ideals implemented into public policy changes lives and provides liberty and freedom.  That the Liberty and Freedoms we enjoy are not indivisible.  “Political freedom cannot long exist without economic freedom.”

Jennifer Baysinger

Wichita, Kansas

As Vice-President of Political Affairs for the Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Jennifer Baysinger oversees the Chamber’s political action committee as well as its candidate recruitment and grassroots development efforts.  Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience launching, growing, and selling successful businesses. As a 5th generation Kansan raised in a family of independent oil producers, she knows firsthand the importance of a strong and prosperous business community. She often says, “Government should roll out the red carpet for business, not the red tape.”  In the 2018 elections, under Jennifer’s leadership, the Kansas Chamber PAC experienced record fundraising and an 89% win ratio. 49 of their 55 candidates saw victory, with six “tax-and-spend” incumbents ousted in the primary alone.  Jennifer and her husband, Blake, live in Wichita. They have three sons which translates to, “They can’t have anything nice.”

Rick Becker

Bismarck, North Dakota

Rick Becker is a North Dakota state representative, first elected to office in 2012. He has been a staunch conservative and advocate of limited government and free markets.  He launched the Bastiat Caucus in 2013 – North Dakota’s version of a “freedom caucus”, and ran for Governor in 2016.  He is a father of 4, grandfather of 1, a plastic surgeon, businessman, traveler, and hunter.

Nicholas Begich III

Chugiak, Alaska

Nicholas Begich III is the CEO and founder of FarShore Partners, a global software development company with over 120 full-time employees, having worked with more than 400 clients and completed more than 3,500 distinct projects. He is also the Co-founder of Dashfire, a firm that has assisted in creating, advising, and launching more than 50 technology-supported businesses across the United States. Additionally, Nicholas is a Board Director for MTA (one of the nation’s largest telecommunications cooperatives), Stuaqpak Inc. (Alaska’s newest rural grocer), and Wrangell St. Elias at Elliot Creek (an exploratory-stage copper prospect), is President of the MTA Foundation, Board President for the Alaska Policy Forum, and has served as an Advisory Board Member for Baylor University’s Business Accelerator and as an Advisory Member of the State of Alaska’s New Industry Development Team. Nicholas is also a co-chair for the OneAlaska campaign and an honorary co-chair for Congressman Don Young’s 2020 re-election campaign.  Nicholas holds a BBA in Entrepreneurship from Baylor University and an MBA from Indiana University Bloomington. He resides in Chugiak, Alaska with his wife and their 8 year old son, Nicholas.

Bo Biteman

Ranchester, Wyoming

Bo Biteman is a “Constitutional Conservative” Republican State Senator who represents Wyoming’s 21st District (Sheridan County).  Senator Biteman was first elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in 2016, serving a two year term there before making the move to the Senate in 2018. He is a staunch defender of free markets, the Constitution, federalism and individual rights. Bo knows freedom! He is often touted by the media as “one of the most conservative legislators” in Wyoming and has racked up awards for his conservative voting record from the American Conservative Union and Principles of Liberty. Bo is well known for being a budget hawk and prides himself on being the voice of the taxpayer in Cheyenne, calling himself the lobbyist for the working men and women of Wyoming. In his short time in Cheyenne, Senator Biteman has also garnered recognition as a champion for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault for his work on their behalf, as well as earning respect from his colleagues for his willingness to listen, kindness and bipartisanship. Bo pursues excellence and brings expertise and high standards to everything he does. As a Certified Professional Landman (CPL) with over 16 years of experience in the oil, gas, and mining industry, he has attained the industry’s highest designation of certification for Landmen. Bo knows firsthand the challenges we face regarding the cyclical nature of the coal, oil and gas industries and how government overreach and job killing regulations negatively impact our state and local communities. Senator Biteman currently serves on the Senate Minerals, Business and Economic Development Committee, the Senate Revenue Committee, the Select Federal Natural Resource Management Committee, and the Management Audit Committee.  Bo and his wife Mercedes have two daughters, Alyssa (10) and Holly (8). The girls are involved in hockey, ballet, softball, swimming, and 4H. Bo is also a volunteer firefighter with the Tongue River Fire Department in Ranchester.  Once you get to know Bo, you’ll soon find out he is passionate about sports and the outdoors. He loves to be in the mountains hunting and fishing. Bo is a tireless protector of the right to keep and bear arms, and will never compromise your constitutional rights, period.  With Bo you know what you’re getting: honesty, integrity, family values, and passion for doing the right thing; leadership with a genuine love of Wyoming, its people and its values.

Chad Blackburn

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville native Chad Blackburn serves as Director of Business Development at Cherry Bekaert, a top 25 national accounting firm. He oversees the business development activities in the Nashville market primarily with some focus in the Washington DC market.  Prior to Cherry Bekaert, Blackburn serviced as Senior Vice President of Business Development for Pathway Health Partners which provides patented, cloud-based preventive care services to millions of individuals through healthcare providers and benefit plans. Before Pathway Health Partners, Blackburn served as Vice President of Business Development for MDSave which provides a consumer based healthcare transactional platform to hospital systems. Before MDSave he worked with ACS/Xerox providing an inpatient predictive clinical analytics tool to multi facility hospital systems.  Blackburn earned his MBA from Western Governors University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Mississippi, where he was a Division 1 Varsity Track athlete. He served as Vice President of the business school and was an officer of the Sigma Chi fraternity in which he remains an active alumnus.  Blackburn is an Eagle Scout, and serves as member of the Board of Directors for the Middle Tennessee Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Blackburn is active in both local and national charitable organizations. He is a competitive triathlete and a dedicated member of Christ Presbyterian Church. He and Hillary Freeman married in April 2015.

Charles Blain

Houston, Texas

Charles is the President of Urban Reform and Urban Reform Institute.  Originally from New Jersey, Charles attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he studied Political Science with a concentration on American Political Studies.  He relocated to Texas to join Texans for Greg Abbott for Gov. Abbott’s first run for governor in 2o14. Following that, and seeing an opportunity to make a difference in Houston, Charles joined Empower Texans, launching and managing their first Houston operation. While focusing on Houston and Harris County government, he noticed a void left in urban policy and politics by those right-of-center. To fill that void, he launched Urban Reform in 2019, and in 2020, Urban Reform partnered with the Center for Opportunity Urbanism to create Urban Reform Institute. Through Urban Reform and Urban Reform institute, Charles has focused on free market solutions to urban issues and creating opportunity for all in America’s metropolitan areas. Charles has been published in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, the Houston Chronicle, the Hill, Wired, and other publications. He is a Fox 26 Houston (KRIV) regular political commentator and weekly panelist on Sunday talk show, What’s Your Point. He is also a regular guest speaking about local issues on I Heart Radio’s Pursuit of Happiness, The Michael Berry Show, and Houston’s Morning News w/ Jimmy Barrett & Shara Fryer. He lives in Houston and enjoys volunteering with Prison Entrepreneurship Program where he serves on the Houston Advisory Board.

Josh Brecheen

Coalgate, Oklahoma

Josh Brecheen is a committed Christian, husband, father, and is a fourth generation rancher in Coal County, Oklahoma. Prior to his time in Congress, he owned and operated a small excavation and trucking business. He served as an Oklahoma State Senator from 2010 to 2018, obtaining an overall voting record as the third most conservative senator among those with whom he served. He was the original author of measures that included capping state debt, banning dismemberment abortions, and a true repeal and replace of the common core educational standards—the nation’s first. From 2004 to 2010, Brecheen worked for U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, M.D. as a field representative, working directly with Oklahoma constituents and evaluating federal programs for waste and inefficiencies.

Brecheen is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, where he earned a dual degree in agriculture. He served the Oklahoma FFA Association as State President in 1999 and later worked seasonally for the National FFA Organization as an ALD conference presenter. Until 2010, he brought inspirational messages into approximately 500 public schools, universities, and conferences through his motivational speaking business, Brecheen Keynotes and Seminars and also as a free service when employed by Tom Coburn.

Brecheen grew up in the professional cutting horse industry and in his youth was a two-time national qualifier for the National Cutting Horse Association Eastern Championship show. After college, Brecheen started training cutting horse futurity prospects as a “non pro” and has been raising quality cow horses for over 20 years.

As a member of Congress, he is focused on reining in our unsustainable debt and deficit spending, which he is convinced is undermining our national security.

Eric Burlison

Battlefield, Missouri

Eric Burlison, is a Republican State Senator, who represents the 20th Senatorial District, South-west Missouri. Before his election to the Senate, he was a state Representative in the House, where he was named the Missouri Republican Assembly’s Legislator of the Year in 2011, received a 100 percent conservative ranking from groups like the American Conservatives Union and Club for Growth. in addition he was named the Business Advocate of the Year by the Springfield Business Journal in 2016. His legislative accomplishments among many include sponsoring and passing Constitutional Carry and Stand Your Ground Laws, for which he had to overcome a Governor’s veto. In his private life he earns a living as a tax consultant and investment adviser as well as software consultant for Cerner. In his free time, Sen. Burlison enjoys hunting and fishing in the Ozarks. He and his wife, Angie, are active members of the Destiny Church in Republic, MO. They live in Battlefield with their two daughters, Reese and Aubrey.

Tina Cannon

Mountain Green, Utah

Tina Cannon is a small business owner and entrepreneur who has run her own successful accounting company for over twenty years, specializing in tax law for hundreds of small businesses in Utah.   For the past 20 years, Tina and her husband Dave have called Morgan County Utah home, raising their four amazing children and staying active in their community.

Tina has dedicated her life to public service, serving as the Utah Republican Party Chair for Morgan County Chair from 2013 to 2014. She is currently serving her second term as a Morgan County Councilmember. Tina’s proudest accomplishment is being a mother to her four children. This life-long service to her family and community contributed to her being named Utah Mother of the Year in 2018.

Travis Couture-Lovelady

Hays, Kansas

Travis Couture-Lovelady has been a State Director with the National Rifle Association since 2015. Previously he served as a Kansas State Representative first being elected in 2012. While in the legislature he served as Majority Caucus Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the important Federal and State Affairs Committee. He also managed Congressman Tim Huelskamp’s successful 2014 re-election campaign. Prior to serving in the legislature he worked for State Treasurer (now Congressman) Ron Estes. He spent two years working on Capitol Hill with Senator Sam Brownback and also worked on his gubernatorial campaign. Travis resides in Hays, Kansas and graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in Political Science.

John Crane

Avon, Indiana

The Honorable John B. Crane has served in the Indiana Senate since 2016 and is the Ranking Majority member of the Senate Education Committee, as well as the Assistant Majority Caucus Chairman for Operations. In 2018, John established the onboarding process for newly elected Republican Senators, and in 2020, he followed that up with creating the annual Senate Majority Leadership Summit, a 3-day series of high-level strategic policy discussions which sets the strategic vision for the Senate prior to every legislative session. John is a Colson Fellow with the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview and serves on their national Board of Directors. Previously, he was a Cook Fellow with the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty. Additionally, for many years he was the Director of the Hoosier Leadership Series, a leadership training program for conservative leaders in Indiana whose mission is “educating Indiana leaders on policy and culture.” Recognizing the cultural imperative to raise up a new generation of strong conservative Christian leaders, John has founded the Sagamore Leadership Initiative in 2009, which continues to equip and position next generation leaders for greater cultural influence. In 2021, John also started JBC Leadership Strategies (craneleadership.org) which focuses on leadership development for leaders in the professional, political, and non-profit spaces. Bringing over 30 years of real-world leadership experience as an entrepreneur, pastor, and Senator has fueled his passion to equip leaders across the country and around the world through an extensive speaking schedule every year. As a part of this effort, John launched the Crane Leadership Roundtable experience in Indianapolis, Indiana to help leaders get better at being their best in whatever professional environment they serve. John graduated from Taylor University with a B.A. in History and Psychology, and he went on to receive his M.A. in Communications and Culture from Trinity International University in Chicago. In 2008, John completed a two-month apologetics training program through the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, in partnership with Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University. John and his wife, Jean, live on the west side of Indianapolis with their family.

Paul Curtman

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Paul Curtman is a veteran of the U. S. Marine Corps and a former Missouri lawmaker. After graduating from high school in 1999, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served as an infantry squad leader while deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  After his time in the Marines, Paul attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, earning a Political Science degree. After graduation, Paul went to work in the financial services industry as an Investment Representative. In 2010, Paul was elected to the Missouri General Assembly where he co-founded the House Conservative Caucus and served as chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means as well as the committee on Government Efficiency. After leaving office in 2019, Paul and his family moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he works in the financial industry. Paul is also an author and frequent conference speaker. Paul and his wife, Ruth, have three children, Oliver, Piper and Jack and are members of Northside Baptist Church.

Nathan Dahm

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Oklahoma State Senator Nathan Dahm experienced the terrible results of socialism and communism firsthand as the child of missionaries in Eastern Europe. Upon returning to America he saw the challenges facing the nation as the federal government continued out of control spending and persistent violations of the Constitution. Nathan was the youngest member of the Oklahoma Senate when elected in 2012 and during his time of service he has been consistently ranked the most conservative member of the Senate and is known for reading every bill.

Justin Ferira

Charleston, South Carolina

Mr. Justin Ferira serves as the founder and CEO of The Seine Group, which invests in real estate acquisition and development deals.  Mr. Ferira previously served as an investment professional at The Baupost Group focused on real estate investments and joint ventures, also worked at McKinsey & Company.  He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia, and was nominated for the Rhodes Scholarship.  He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.  Mr. Ferira has guest lectured at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and served as an Adjunct Professor of Real Estate Finance at the College of Charleston.  Mr. Ferira is a Liberty Fellow in South Carolina and serves on non-profit and municipal boards related to entrepreneurship and economic development.

Randy Fine

Melbourne Beach, Florida

Randy Fine is the State Representative for the 53^rd District of the Florida House of Representatives, which is comprised of the southern portion of Brevard County on Florida’s Space Coast.  In the legislature, Representative Fine is the Chairman of the Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee, where he has consistently advocated for smaller, more efficient budgets.  He serves on the Appropriations Committee, Education Committee, Public Integrity & Ethics Committee, Business & Professions Subcommittee, and Gaming Control Subcommittee.  He also has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve as one of Florida’s six Commissioners to the Education Commission of the States and as a member of the Republican Party of Florida’s Executive Committee.  Prior to first being elected in 2016, Representative Fine spent more than 20 years as a successful entrepreneur, starting the first of several businesses while in college.    He received his undergraduate degree in government, magna cum laude, from Harvard College, and his MBA, with high distinction, from Harvard Business School, where he was the youngest graduate in decades and was named a Baker Scholar, the school’s highest academic honor. While at Harvard Business School, he also served as a Teaching Fellow in Economics.  Randy is married to his wife, Wendy, and together they have two boys, Jacob (12) and David (8).   A Boy Scouting family, Randy served as Cubmaster to his sons’ Pack while his wife is a Den Leader, Jacob is a Star Boy Scout, and David a Bear Cub Scout.   Randy organized the first-ever Boy Scout Day in the Capitol in 2018 and has continued it annually.

Timothy Furey

New York, New York

Timothy Furey, CFA is the CEO of one of the Nation’s leading digital asset investment banks. Timothy has a 15-year career in finance/strategy that began in the public sector with the Federal Reserve before expanding into international capital markets for firms such as UBS, Cantor Fitzgerald, Bear Stearns, and Oppenheimer. His experience spans numerous sectors and geographies, such as financial institutions, real estate, tech, and industry in the United States, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. Timothy is also an ardent supporter of economic freedom and civil rights and has worked on numerous campaigns advancing these causes. He has assumed various leadership positions in his home state of NY and ran for statewide office to promote economic growth and transparency. Timothy received an MBA from INSEAD and has degrees in physics and economics from Vassar College where he graduated cum laude.

Mike Hill

Pensacola, Florida

Representative Hill was elected the Florida State Legislature in November 2018. He serves in District 1, which includes a part of Pensacola and North Escambia County. He serves on the following Florida House Legislative Committees: Judiciary Committee, Civil Justice Subcommittee, and PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee. Representative Mike Hill was previously elected to the Florida State Legislature in June 2013-November 2016. He served District 2 which includes the city of Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Perdido Key and Gulf Breeze. Mike Hill began his professional career as a State Farm Agent in Fort Walton Beach, Florida in July 1990. Prior to becoming an agent, Mike was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force for ten years, after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was selected as the Company Grade Officer of the Year in 1988 while stationed at Eglin AFB, Florida. Also, while on active duty, Mike earned an MBA from the University of West Florida in 1988. Mike was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Pensacola Christian College in 2015. Mike has been married to the former Greta Fields for the past 37 years and has three adult children: Joshua, 27; Jessica, 24; and Jonathan, 23. He enjoys reading, Jazz and classical music, and sailing.

Jonathan Jakubowski

Bowling Green, Ohio

Jonathan received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University where he played collegiate football and a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University. Jonathan is an author, entrepreneur, founder, and inventor. He is the President of SmartSolve, an award-winning business focused on zero waste packaging, and was recently awarded a patent for bio-based packaging innovation. He is the founder of Champions in Action, chairman of the Forge Leadership Network Board of Directors, and author of an award-winning book, Bellwether Blues, that has gained national attention. In 2023, he was awarded with a Spirit of Wood County Award for Outstanding Public Service in Education for Civic Responsibility. In 2024, he was awarded the Hero Award by the Bowling Green Pregnancy Center and named one of three finalists for the Club For Growth Fellow of the Year. Jonathan, his wife Missy, and their four children reside in Northwest Ohio.

David Johnson

Indianapolis, Indiana

“David Johnson currently serves as the Chief Counsel for the Advisory Division in the Indiana Office of the Attorney General. In this role, David crafts Attorney General opinions, answers questions from the General Assembly, provides counsel to state agencies, and helps craft policy. Prior to joining the Office of Attorney General, David served as corporation counsel for a mid-sized city. Previously, David worked for the State of Indiana in different roles – including as deputy general counsel and policy director for Governor Pence, Executive Director of the Office of State-Based Initiatives, and as a staff attorney for the Indiana Gaming Commission.  David received his AB from Wabash College and his JD from the IU McKinney School of Law, and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and two kids.”

Jake Johnson

Columbus, North Carolina

Representative Jake Johnson was born and raised in the small town of Saluda, N.C. about 25 miles south of Asheville. After becoming the first one on either side of his family to attend college, he graduated The University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in economics. Within two weeks of graduating college, Jake won his primary election for Polk County Commissioner as the high vote winner and would go on to do the same in the general election. He is the youngest person in North Carolina history to serve as chairman of a county commission and would have three successful years on that board. During his tenure as Chairman, Polk County would see monumental successes such as hosting the World Equestrian Games, completing a new law enforcement facility,  obtaining the lowest unemployment rates in recent history, and having the number one ranked county school system in the state; all without any tax increases.

At 25 years old, Jake is currently the youngest member of the North Carolina General Assembly where he represents Polk, Southern Henderson, and Transylvania counties. He is a Christian and strong conservative who supports pro-life, pro-second amendment, and pro-business policies. He currently sits on the following standing committees: Finance, Regulatory Reform, Education k-12, Homeland Security/Veterans Affairs, and Wildlife Resources. When he is back home in the district he works for Berkshire Hathaway in Hendersonville N.C. and enjoys hunting and fishing.

Anthony Kern

Glendale, Arizona

Anthony Kern is married to Jenny and have 4 children. Anthony worked as a Reserve Deputy Marshal in Tombstone, AZ and is currently certified as a Law Enforcement Peace Officer. Anthony was first elected to the State House of Representatives in November of 2014 and has continued to carry an active, ongoing role within the Republican Party. Anthony is passionate about job creation, limiting the size of government at all levels, government transparency, protecting Second Amendment rights, and tax reduction. He is pro-family, firmly believes in the Arizona and United States Constitution and works diligently to promote individual liberty and freedom. Anthony has a degree in Business Administration and owns a private investigation business, A & J Investigations LLC. Anthony started the City of Phoenix Employees for Christ organization in 1995 which has grown exponentially throughout metro-Phoenix. He also founded the Arizona Hoarding Task Force to deal with “hoarders”, and is a current member of the National Rifle Association.

Tracy Marshall

Dallas, Texas

Tracy Marshall is the founder and Board Chairman of Transparency USA, an organization dedicated to making it easy for citizens to get answers about state politics. She also serves on the board of Grace School of Theology and the American Energy Association.

Tracy received both her B.A. and her law degree from Duke University. She practiced employment law in Dallas before moving with her family to Midland, Texas, where she helped found the Grammar School at Midland Classical Academy. Since 2016, she’s worked to promote ethical, transparent state governments.

Tracy and her husband, Billy, reside in Dallas. Tracy enjoys spending her free time with her family, exercising, and finding new ways to promote transparency and freedom.

Sam McCown

Charleston, SC

Dr. Sam McCown is a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Administrative Economics.  He attended medical school, completed radiology residency, and a nuclear medicine fellowship, all at MUSC in Charleston, South Carolina. He practiced radiology at McLeod Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina, before retiring from medicine. While practicing as a physician, Sam served as the medical director of radiology and nuclear medicine among other positions.  In practice, he was heavily involved in women’s health, diagnosing and helping treat breast cancer patients for many years. He served on the hospital foundation board, chair of the board for a Christian homeless shelter, president of the county medical society, and is currently president of the MUSC College of Medicine Alumni Association. He is a 2020 Club for Growth Foundation Fellow. In addition to his work as a physician, Sam has been an entrepreneur his entire life and invested in companies across South Carolina and the rest of the country.

He is married to Dr. Heather Funke McCown of Summerville, South Carolina. They have 4 children and have been active members of their church for 20 years. Sam is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys sharing the outdoors hiking, skiing, cycling, and boating with his family. He has also supported scouting throughout his life, including serving on the Scouting Executive Board. He and his three sons are Eagle Scouts. He played soccer as a youth and as an adult as well as coached several seasons of youth soccer. He also mentors youth, teaching them about investing and personal finance.

Ruth McNeil

Columbus, Ohio

Ruth McNeil is Director of Church Relations for the statewide family policy council organization, Citizens for Community Values. The Church Ambassador Network she leads is a coalition of pastors across the state of Ohio who engage their influence as Shepherds of God’s Church through strategic times with their state lawmakers in prayer, wise counsel, and ongoing connectivity opportunities to impact culture. She’s previously served in the offices of U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Pryce, Ohio Governor Bob Taft, and Franklin County Auditor Clarence Mingo. She was a delegate to the 2000 RNC convention and has twice run for public office as the GOP endorsed candidate.

Melissa Melendez

Lake Elsinore, California

Senator Melissa Melendez is a native of Youngstown, Ohio. She entered the United States Navy upon graduating high school and attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, where she became a fluent Russian language speaker.  Melissa then became one of the first women approved by the U.S. Navy to fly aboard EP- 3E reconnaissance aircraft overseas, conducting intelligence gathering operations. She served her country with honor and distinction as a Russian translator during the height of the Cold War, and flew covert missions during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  Melissa has 5 children with her husband Nico Melendez, a Commander in the Navy Reserves. Their oldest son currently serves on active duty as a U.S. Navy Diver.

Patrick Neville

Castle Rock, Colorado

Representative Patrick Neville is serving his third term in the Colorado House of Representatives, representing House District 45, Castle Rock. He has served as the House Republican Leader since November 2016.  Representative Neville grew up in Littleton, Colorado where he attended and graduated from Columbine High School in 2001. After high school, he attended the University of Colorado at Denver, where he studied Economics. While attending college, he worked full time as a manager of a grocery store and later as an insurance producer. After graduation, he decided he wanted to serve his country and joined the US Army.

While in the Army, Representative Neville was deployed to Iraq and served in the battle of Sadr City as a Platoon Leader. He was fortunate to be surrounded by the best Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and owes much of his success to them. His awards include the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal (OLC) and Army Achievement Medal. He retired from the Army at the rank of Captain. Representative Neville was blessed to marry his high school sweetheart Kristi at the age of 22. They currently live in Castle Rock, where they raise their three girls, Mary Katelyn, Hannah, and Lydia.

William O’Neill

Newport Beach, CA

Chairman Will O’Neill leads the Republican Party of Orange County, representing over 650,000 Republicans. He also serves on the Republican Mayors Association National Board, having previously served as Mayor of Newport Beach, CA (2020 · 2024). Will graduated from Stanford University (B.A. History) and then U.C. Hastings College of the Law (J.D.). He is a partner at a small law firm and previously worked for California Supreme Court Justice Marvin Baxter (Ret.). Will has led Newport Beach’s pension reform, overhauled his city’s civil asset seizure reform, and reduced his city’s overly-bureaucratic set of Council polices by over 30,000 words and municipal code by over 20,000 words. As former Chair of the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency and former Finance Committee Chair, Will co-authored debt policies and helped lead an effort that reduced debt by $1.275 billion.

Andy Ogles

Columbia, Tennessee

Andy Ogles is a Middle TN native with deep roots dating back to the founding of our state.  Andy studied Economics and Political Science at MTSU and pursued his graduate work in Marketing at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management.  He’s had a successful career as an entrepreneur, in the non-profit sector and is nationally recognized as an expert on tax policy and healthcare; having been featured in numerous publications including the Wall Street Journal and Investor’s Business Daily.  Andy currently serves as the Mayor / CEO of Maury County Tennessee.  Maury County is one of the fastest growing communities in the state with a population of approximately 100k and an annual budget of just under 200 million.  Prior to Mayor, Andy served as Executive Director of the Laffer Center which advises the White House and multiple Governors on tax policy.  Prior to that, he was Exec Dir of AFP where Andy wrote the Amendment that resulted in the largest tax cut in TN history; repeal of the Hall Income Tax.  Additionally, Andy served as an advisor to Newt Gingrich and was COO of Abolition International where he oversaw operations and investments in 12 countries.  As an entrepreneur Andy started, owned and operated restaurants and a real estate investment business for 12 years.  Andy and his high school sweet heart, Monica, live on a small farm south of Columbia with their three children Adley, Drew and Isaac.  After the death of their infant son Lincoln four years ago, Andy and Monica relocated from Franklin to pursue their dream of raising their children on a farm.  As a family man, Andy is committed to protecting the rich heritage, natural resources and family values of Maury county whilst managing the county’s ever accelerating growth.

OJ Oleka

Frankfort, Kentucky

Dr. O.J. Oleka is the second Chief Executive Officer of the State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF), a national organization dedicated to advancing fiscally responsible public policy, protecting taxpayer dollars, and promoting economic freedom in a free-market economy.

Born in the United States to Nigerian immigrant parents who arrived with little more than faith and determination, Dr. Oleka’s life story is a powerful testament to the American Dream. Through hard work, opportunity, and commitment to merit and personal responsibility, his family rose from poverty to prosperity and he has carried those values with him into every phase of his career.

A lifelong advocate for conservative principles, Dr. Oleka has dedicated himself to public service and preserving America as a beacon of hope. He earned a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Louisville, an M.B.A., and a Ph.D. in Leadership in Higher Education from Bellarmine University. His distinguished career includes serving as Deputy Treasurer of Kentucky, where he protected millions in taxpayer dollars from fraud, defended private property rights, and helped the office earn national recognition for unprecedented budget transparency. He later served as President of the Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities (AIKCU), successfully fighting government overreach during the COVID pandemic to keep campuses open, preserve thousands of jobs, and keep students learning. He is also the founder of Oleka Management Consulting.

A published op-ed contributor to The Wall Street Journal and author of the leadership devotional As It Is In Heaven, Dr. Oleka is a respected public speaker and thought leader on organizational leadership, financial literacy, policy advocacy, and conservative values.

Dr. Oleka resides in Frankfort, Kentucky, with his wife Jamie and their three children. Deeply committed to their faith, they serve as leaders at Multiply Church in Frankfort.

Warren Petersen

Gilbert, Arizona

Arizona House Majority Leader Warren Petersen is a third generation Gilbert, AZ resident. As a small business owner with 20 plus years in the private sector, Warren has helped create thousands of jobs. He is currently the VP of Sales for VIP Homes and the owner of a real estate brokerage.  Since he was elected to the legislature in 2012 he has received numerous awards including: Top American Conservative Union score, Friend of the Family, Legislator of the Year for Business, Champion of the Taxpayer, Free Market Champion, Guardian of Small business and many more. He graduated from ASU Law, a top law school as a CALI award recipient and a Pedrick Scholar. His passion and love for the Constitution and free markets is evident from his voting record and proposed legislation. His legislation made Arizona the first to offer universal occupational license recognition in the country and is now model legislation.

Bunni Pounds

Garland, Texas

With over thirteen years of experience in campaign management & fundraising, Bunni Pounds has gained a reputation around Texas as a strategic campaign consultant and a motivational public speaker. She started her career as the campaign manager for U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling, then launched her own firm, Bunni Pounds & Associates – building a consulting firm with nine associates and thirty-one clients in under two years. Running for Congress herself in TX-05 during the primary season of 2018 – she raised more money than any GOP open seat candidate in the State of Texas, became the only Republican woman Congressional candidate in the state to make the runoff election, and won the endorsement of Vice President Mike Pence.  Since 2018 – she has continued to work in political consulting, campaign management, and volunteering for the Texas GOP,  but also launched a Christian educational nonprofit called Christians Engaged  – with its mission to  empower and educate the Body of Christ in Texas to pray, vote, and engage regularly. She has a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree in Political Science from Dallas Baptist University and an associate degree in Theology. Married for 24 years to Tim Pounds, she has two grown sons and two daughter-in-laws and several books that she has poured her life into – to encourage people in the Word of God as we walk in this culture.

Amelia Powers Gardner

Pleasant Grove, Utah

Amelia Powers Gardner is the Utah County Clerk/Auditor for Utah County, Utah. Prior to being elected as the County Clerk/Auditor, Amelia was an account executive for Caterpillar and was a small business consultant. Since being elected, Amelia has received national recognition for her election reforms. In addition to being the only County Clerk in Utah to administer a Ranked Choice election, she also is the first Clerk in the nation to implement mobile voting for overseas and disabled voters and offer end-to-end automated marriage licenses. Amelia continues to receive local and national attention for improving efficiencies and increasing election security, including being featured as one of Government Technology’s top 25 Doers, Dreamers & Drivers for 2020. Amelia Powers Gardner is a proud mother of six children. She is married to her husband Tobin Gardner and lives in Pleasant Grove, Utah.

Jordan Rasmusson

Fergus Falls, Minnesota

Jordan Rasmusson is a Republican candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives. After graduating from Fergus Falls High School and Harvard College, Jordan has spent his career helping businesses grow and create good jobs. Jordan worked as a Management Consultant at McKinsey & Co. and an Investment Professional at Bain Capital. Today, Jordan is the founder of The Rasmusson Group, which advises businesses and investors on strategic decisions. Later this year, Jordan will be marrying his high school sweetheart, Emma.

Matt Rinaldi

Irving, Texas

Matt Rinaldi is General Counsel for Quantas Healthcare Management and a corporate director for Braemar Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: BHR). He represented northwest Dallas County in the Texas Legislature from 2015 to 2019.  During his time in office, Rinaldi was consistently rated among the top two most conservative members of the House by Rice University, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility, Young Conservatives of Texas and Texas Eagle Forum.  Rinaldi was, according to the Dallas Morning News, “instrumental in strengthening the punishments in the sanctuary cities ban,” and authored and passed into law a measure that repealed the prohibition on churches to utilized volunteers to provide security services.  He was named one of the Top 10 Legislators in 2017 by Empower Texans.  Matt is an avid hockey player and attends St. Ann’s Catholic Parish with his wife Corley and son Rush.

Marc Roberts

Salem, Utah

Marc was elected to the Utah State Legislature in 2012. During his time in office Marc has served on several committees, the most recent of which has been as a member of the Business and Labor Committee and as Chair of the Government Operations Committee and House Chair of the Administrative Rules Committee. He also serves on the Executive Offices and Criminal Justice appropriations committees. Marc has been a consistent conservative voice in the Utah legislature advocating for limited government, free markets and individual liberty. Marc has championed issues from criminal justice reform, privacy, food freedom, and deregulation of occupational licensing.  Marc was raised in Provo Utah. From 2000-2002 he lived in Argentina as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He attended college at Brigham Young University in Provo Utah where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and played on the BYU basketball team. Marc owns and operates a payment technology company. He currently lives in Salem Utah with his wife Casey and 5 kids.

Kevin Roberts

Liberty Hill, Texas

Kevin Roberts is Executive Director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, headquartered in Austin. During his four-year tenure, the Foundation has more than doubled in size, and has opened an office in Washington, D.C.  Prior to moving back to Texas, Roberts enjoyed a noteworthy career as an educator, first as a history professor, then as founder and headmaster of a K-12 school, and finally, as President of Wyoming Catholic College—which the New York Times described as being full of “cowboy Catholics” for refusing federal student loans and grants.  Roberts lives in the Texas Hill Country with his wife and four children, all of whom are avid outdoorsmen.

Nicole Rodden

Atlanta, Georgia

Nicole was born in Manhattan, New York to an Ecuadorian mother and Greek father, both of whom are first-generation Americans. As a teen, she moved to Lilburn, Georgia.  Nicole attended the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating in 2002 as a Third Mate in the United States Coast Guard with the capability of shipping unlimited tonnage in any ocean. She also holds certificates in Marine Fire Fighting, Water Survival, Trafficking in Persons prevention, and Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Defense. Nicole served ten years in the United States Navy Reserves, leaving with the rank of Lieutenant. During her time in the military, she collaborated with international teams, implemented safety operations and procedures on large shipping vessels and oversaw navigation, operational safety, drilling, and well control in the Black Sea.  Following her service, Nicole spent time working in the private sector working for Transocean. In 2019, in a pursuit to live by the Merchant Marine’s motto of Acta Non Verba – Deeds Not Words, she ran for Congress in Georgia’s 6^th district seeking to bring common-sense conservative reform to Washington. She believes in upholding constitutional values and constraining the growth of government.  Since exiting the race, Nicole continues to use her voice as a public figure and influencer to promote her message. She also volunteers at various anti-human trafficking efforts, such as Encounter with Out of Darkness, and Princes Night with the Atlanta Dream Center, and the at the annual Tim Tebow’s Night to Shine. Nicole is bilingual, speaking in English, Spanish, and Greek and teaches English as a second language to individuals studying to become United States Citizens.  Nicole has visited over 25 countries and is married to Robert Rodden; they are members at First Baptist Church of Atlanta.

Bob Rommel

Naples, Florida

Naples entrepreneur Bob Rommel was born and raised in Keyport, New Jersey. He is the product of a hard-working, small town where most families struggled just to survive.  Growing up with parents that focused on hard work and respect for others, Bob learned valuable life lessons that help lead him to a very successful business life.  In New Jersey, Bob owned a mortgage company that started with two people and grew to 120 employees.  Over the next five years, the company expanded to several offices in New Jersey, Florida, California and Pennsylvania.  After selling the company, Bob and his wife, Sandra, moved to Naples, Florida.  Bob then ventured into the hospitality business where he and his business partner currently own two restaurants.  Bob feels what sets him apart is that he has signed the front of paychecks for the past 25 years.   Bob has met many great elected officials but most have never signed the front of a paycheck.  Bob has helped many of his employees become owners of their own business too.  Bob was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016. He currently Chairman of Civil Justice, Vice Chair of Judiciary and Vice Chair of Local, Federal and Veteran Affairs. In 2019 the Speaker of the Florida House appointed Bob to the Government Efficiency task force.  Bob lives in Naples with his wife Sandra and their dog Ginger. They are both very active in numerous charities. Bob has demonstrated leadership in his family, in business and in the community.

David Rowe

Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

Steve Smith

Maricopa, Arizona

In 2010, Steve was elected as one of the youngest Senators in Arizona’s history by defeating a Democrat dynasty and became the first Republican elected in his district in nearly 100 years.  He served in the Legislature for 8 years and was the Chairman of the Commerce and Public Safety/Military Committee where he was a champion for defending our Constitution, promoting limited government, and bringing fiscal responsibility to the budget.

During his service in the legislature, Steve was ranked as the #1 conservative legislator in Arizona by every top scorecard and gained national attention after authoring the bill to build the border wall.  Additionally, he was awarded the distinguished Copper Shield and a Commendation from the US Department of Defense for his work supporting our military, was named ‘Guardian of Small Business’ and ‘Champion of the Taxpayer’, received the lifetime achievement award from the Arizona Police Association, was A+-rated by the NRA, named ‘Friend of the Family’ for his perfect pro-family/religious voting record, was the recipient of the ‘Golden Apple Award’ for championing impactful education, named Legislator of the Year for his work for the disabled community, and much more. Steve currently serves as the Arizona State Director for the American Federation for Children, the nation’s leading organization supporting school choice, where he works to achieve the best educational options for Arizona families. Steve graduated with Honors from Michigan State University with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Business Law and he and his wife Jamie live and raise their 5 children in Arizona.

Lisa Sparks

Newport Beach, California

Dr. Sparks serves as Founding Dean and Endowed Professor in Behavioral Sciences in the School of Communication at Chapman University. Dr. Sparks previously served as Department Chair and Director of Graduate Studies. Dr. Sparks has also served as Full Member of the Chao Family/NCI Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and Adjunct Professor of Public Health at the University of California, Irvine. Prior to joining Chapman in 2006, Dr. Sparks occupied faculty positions at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is an internationally renowned teacher-scholar whose published work spans more than 150 research articles and book chapters and 12 books in the areas of health risk communication and aging and is cited as top ten most prolific authors in Health Communication. Dr. Sparks was competitively selected as an International Research Fellow at Vriet Universitiet Amsterdam; Cancer Communication Research Fellow for the National Cancer Institute and External Scientific Reviewer for NIH; Consultant for U. S. House of Representatives; Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, and Consultant on various research grants; Editor, Guest Editor, and Reviewer of numerous academic journals and editorial boards. Her innovative research has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, and TED.  In terms of service to the community, Dr. Sparks serves as Trustee on the Orange County Board of Education, elected in 2018 to promote and advocate for quality public school choice options in K12 Orange County school districts. In 2019, Dr. Sparks made a bid to run for United States House of Representatives (CA-45) campaigning in a crowded field of 7 candidates, and unfortunately was defeated in the 2020 primary election. Dr. Sparks continues to be engaged in her local Orange County community with her involvement on several boards including: Board of Directors for the Laguna Playhouse; Susan G. Komen Foundation of Orange County; and Fairmont Schools (K12).

Elianor Vessali

College Station, Texas

Elianor is Director of Property Management with the Stafford Barrett Commercial Brokerage group. She is also a partner in Vessali Family LTD where she manages the administrative side of the business along with their single family and multi-family real estate investments. In 2018, Elianor was elected to College Station City Council place 4. Prior to that, she served two years as an appointed College Station Planning and Zoning Commissioner. In 2019, Elianor resigned her Council seat to run for the open Congressional Republican Primary in TX-17. She placed fourth out of eleven Republican Primary candidates. Elianor graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Biomedical Science and obtained her law license following her graduation from South Texas College of Law. Prior to settling in College Station, she worked for Ernst & Young in Geneva, Switzerland and then returned to Houston, Texas to teach high school Chemistry as a certified Science teacher. During her free time, Elianor enjoys serving the community as a CASA (court appointed special advocate) and as a Bryan Rotarian. As a former cadet at Texas A&M, she serves on the Board of the Corps of Cadets Association.

Zachary WalkerLieb

Las Vegas, Nevada

Zachary WalkerLieb is the owner of The WalkerLieb Group, a real estate team headquartered in Las Vegas, NV. Zach has been recognized nationally and internationally for his success in real estate. He has received honors such as Top 30 Under 30 in the world and 30 Under 30 through the National Association of Realtors and Coldwell Banker International. Zach is highly focused on what he can change within his community. He currently sits on the Legislative Committee for the Nevada Association of Realtors and serves in the President’s Circle for the Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Zach has been married to his wife, Laura, for just over a year, and they plan on starting a family.

Phil Williams

Rainbow City, Alabama

Phil Williams is the Director of Policy Strategy and General Counsel for the Alabama Policy Institute, a conservative think-tank and advocacy organization that promotes state policies for limited government, free markets and strong families in the State of Alabama. Phil is also a practicing Attorney and the managing member of Williams, Driskill, Huffstutler & King, a law firm based in Gadsden, AL. Prior to practicing law Phil was in full time ministry for seven years with the international youth outreach organization YoungLife for which he served as an Area Director. In addition to his day-to-day employment Phil recently completed two terms as the State Senator for the Tenth District of Alabama. During his eight years in the Legislature Phil served as the Chairman for the Alabama Senate Committee on Fiscal Responsibility & Economic Development, and the Vice Chair for the Committee on Judiciary. Aside from his civilian experience Phil also comes from a family with a strong military tradition. He is an Airborne Ranger and recently retired with the rank of Colonel after 30 years of service. Phil served two combat tours in the Global War on Terror, one each in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as one tour in the Pentagon on the Army Staff’s Special Operations Division. Phil’s education includes a BS from the University of South Alabama and a Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law. Phil has been married for 34 years to his wife Charlene – they have two adult children, son: Josh (and wife Anna) and daughter Caitlin, and one grandchild.

Colm Willis

Stayton, Oregon

Colm Willis serves as the Chair of the Marion County Board of Commissioners in Marion County, Oregon, home of the state capital and second largest metropolitan area in the state. Commissioner Willis also serves his community as a board member of the Strategic Economic Development Corporation of the Mid-Willamette Valley (SEDCOR), Mid-Willamette Homeless Initiative, Willamette Health Council, and leads the Marion County Housing Initiative. Commissioner Willis’ policy areas of focus include economic development, housing, homelessness, health care, transportation, waste management, land use, and public safety.  Prior to being elected to the Marion County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Willis served as an aide to the U.S. Senate Joint Economic Committee and represented small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits as a business attorney. Commissioner Willis holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College and a Juris Doctor from the Willamette University College of Law where he earned the civil rights award and graduated first in his class as valedictorian. He lives in Stayton with his wife and daughters.