Alum Ken McKay Named Executive Director of the Republican National Committee

I am delighted to report that the Republican National Committee (RNC) has named RWU Law alumnus Kenneth K. McKay IV (class of 1996) as its new Executive Director. Reviving the national Republican Party after stinging defeats in 2006 and especially 2008 is a big task, but Ken is very smart, has terrific interpersonal skills and, perhaps most importantly, he has operated with considerable success in a very Blue State.

Michael Steele, the GOP Party Chairman agreed: “Ken has proven that voters in both parties gravitate to reform-minded conservative governance, and that our principles can work in all parts of this country,” Steele said. “I’m excited about the fresh approach from out in the states that Ken will bring to the RNC.”

McKay brings extensive campaign-leadership experience to the job. He successfully managed Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri’s gubernatorial win in 2002, as well as his re-election in 2006. He also served as Carcieri’s chief of staff from 2002 to 2006, before becoming a partner in the Providence office of the international law firm Brown Rudnick LLP. McKay is also a veteran of the U.S. Army Infantry.

“I attribute a large part of my successful career path to RWU Law,” said McKay. “I received a first-class education and a strong sense of community that has remained with me. My time at RWU helped shape the way I view the legal profession, public service, and matters of public interest.”

As Chief of Staff, McKay will be charged with the day-to-day operations of the RNC, including overseeing personnel and managing resources.

Congratulations to Ken as he moves from the state to the national stage.