Leadership Lecture Series - 1/26/2005
Mary Beth Cahill
Mary Beth Cahill has spent her professional life in public service and has established herself as a force in democratic politics. Most recently, Cahill served as Campaign Manager for John Kerry for President. Prior to joining the campaign, she served as Chief of Staff to Senator Edward Kennedy. She also served as Assistant to the President and Director of Public Liaison in the Clinton Administration.
Ms. Cahill began her career as a staff associate for former Congressman Robert F. Drinan of Massachusetts. Before working her way to Washington, Ms. Cahill successfully managed Edward J. Markey’s campaign for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and then went on to manage Senate campaigns for Patrick Leahy in Vermont, Claiborne Pell in Rhode Island and Les AuCoin in Oregon. She also served in various positions for the Governor of Massachusetts, Governor Michael Dukakis.
Mary Beth Cahill is recognized as an expert on Women and Politics. For over five years, she served as Executive Director of EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest political action committee. She has trained female candidates for political office in Russia, Macedonia and Ireland.
Ken Mehlman
Ken Mehlman has been asked by President George W. Bush to serve as the next chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC). Until the election for chairman at the RNC’s winter meeting this month, Mr. Mehlman will serve as a senior advisor to the RNC. He served as campaign manager for Bush/Cheney 2004.
Prior to joining the campaign, Mehlman served as White House Political Director for President George W. Bush’s first two and a half years where he oversaw and executed all aspects of the President’s and the Administration’s political strategy, working with state parties, national committees, candidates and state and local elected officials. He also served as National Field Director for Bush-Cheney 2000 where he worked with the campaign leadership in all fifty states and the RNC.
Before joining President Bush, Mr. Mehlman served as Chief of staff for Congresswoman Kay Granger (TX-12) and Legislative Director for Congressman Lamar Smith (TX-21). He practiced environmental law in Washington and assisted campaigns in Massachusetts, Ohio, Virginia, Texas, and Georgia as well as the 1992 and 1996 Presidential campaigns.