Mike Duncan (National Chair) Mel Martínez (General Chair)
White House Director of Political Affairs
In office January 20, 2001 – May 23, 2003
President
George W. Bush
Preceded by
Minyon Moore
Succeeded by
Matt Schlapp
Personal details
Born
Kenneth Brian Mehlman
(1966-08-21) August 21, 1966 (age 57) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Political party
Republican
Education
Franklin and Marshall College (BA) Harvard University (JD)
Kenneth Brian Mehlman (born August 21, 1966) is an American social entrepreneur and businessman. He serves as a member, global head of public affairs, and co-head of KKR global impact at investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts. He oversees the firm's responsible investment efforts, leading the firm's Environmental Social Governance programs. Prior to joining KKR, Mehlman spent a year as an attorney and partner at law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. In January 2017, Mehlman announced that he would act as chairman of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Policy Advisory Board.[1]
Mehlman held several national posts in the Republican Party and the George W. Bush administration. In 2000, he was appointed director of the White House Office of Political Affairs. Mehlman managed Bush's 2004 re-election campaign, and was 62nd Chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2005 to 2007. In 2007, Bush appointed Mehlman to a five-year term on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council.[2]
In 2010, Mehlman came out as gay in an interview with journalist Marc Ambinder, which made him one of the few prominent openly gay figures in the Republican Party.[3] He told Ambinder that he was aware that the Republican Party emphasized an anti-gay agenda but felt that he could not "go against the party consensus" when he held leadership positions.[4] After coming out, Mehlman advocated for the recognition of same-sex marriage.[5]
^Mehlman, Kenneth. "Announcement of Chairmanship of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Policy Advisory Board". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-02-26. Retrieved 11 January 2017.
^Paul, Scott (June 6, 2007). "Mehlman to Join Holocaust Memorial Council". Washington Note. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
^Luo, Michael (August 26, 2010). "Former Republican Leader Ken Mehlman Discloses That He Is Gay". New York Times. Retrieved August 26, 2010.
^Cite error: The named reference Atlantic was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
^Stolberg, Sheryl (June 19, 2013). "Strategist Out of Closet and Into Fray, This Time for Gay Marriage". New York Times. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
Kenneth Brian Mehlman (born August 21, 1966) is an American social entrepreneur and businessman. He serves as a member, global head of public affairs...
Mehlman is a surname. Notable people with the surname include: Jeffrey Mehlman, literary critic and historian of ideas KenMehlman, chair of the US Republican...
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the original on November 6, 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2024. Dilanian, Ken (November 5, 2020). "The Russians have no need to spread misinformation....
2001 President Bill Clinton Preceded by Craig T. Smith Succeeded by KenMehlman Director of the Office of Public Liaison In office June 29, 1998 – February...
chairman. In January 2007, he was elected Chairman of the RNC, replacing KenMehlman, and served until January 30, 2009, when he withdrew from renomination...
roles have been criticized include Reynolds, John Boehner, John Shimkus, KenMehlman, and Sue W. Kelly. Also significant in the scandal is the office of Clerk...
effectively.[citation needed] He is a protégé of Republican National Chairman KenMehlman and Terry Nelson. As a Regional Political Director for Bush-Cheney presidential...
Clive Hollick, Baron Hollick, CEO of United News and Media (1996–2005) KenMehlman joined KKR in 2008 as global head of public affairs. David Petraeus,...
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lights," he said. Six people ran for the 2009 RNC Chairmanship: Steele, Ken Blackwell, Mike Duncan, Saul Anuzis, Katon Dawson and Chip Saltsman. After...
Cillizza of The Washington Post reported that Steele was hoping to succeed KenMehlman as the chairman of the Republican National Committee. Senator Mel Martinez...
Democratic National Committee Chairman, Howard Dean. In return, GOP Chairman KenMehlman condemned Wilkins' activities, as well as Governor Dean. Keith Olbermann...
July 25, 2003 – January 20, 2005 Preceded by Marc Racicot Succeeded by KenMehlman Personal details Born Edward Walter Gillespie (1961-08-01) August 1,...
members included Dustin Lance Black, Chad Griffin, Jonathan D. Lewis, KenMehlman, and Rob Reiner. AFER's advisory board was co-chaired by Robert A. Levy...
Director of Congressional Affairs and senior adviser to its then-chairman, KenMehlman. Nguyen is an adviser to a number of charitable organizations that focus...
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