Roger Williams University School of Law alumnus Kenneth K. McKay IV ’96 has been selected as the new executive director of the Republican National Committee, RNC Chairman Michael Steele announced this March (3/12/09).
“I am excited to have such an outstanding leader become part of our team,” Steele said. “Ken’s background and expertise will help revitalize the RNC and elect more Republicans.”
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 went on to serve 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.”
“Ken’s commitment to public service is a trademark of a Roger Williams lawyer,” added RWU Law Dean David A. Logan. “We are confident that his intelligence, training and interpersonal skills will serve him well as he moves from the state to the national stage.”
As Chief of Staff, McKay will be charged with the day-to-day operations of the RNC, including overseeing personnel and managing resources.
“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.”
Rhode Island GOP chairman Gio Cicione also praised Steele’s selection of McKay.
“Ken has a proven track record of electing Republicans in challenging environments,” Cicione said. “As our party rebuilds in the Northeast, his perspective will be invaluable.”
Roger Williams University School of Law is the only law school in Rhode Island, and offers future attorneys a rigorous, world-class legal education in a supportive, personalized environment. A top-quality faculty and strong student culture, plus a commitment to public service, drive the school’s rapidly growing reputation for preparing graduates for practice in the 21st century.
About RWU: Roger Williams University is a leading independent, coeducational liberal arts university at which students live and learn to be global citizens. With 39 academic programs and an array of co-curricular activities on its Bristol, R.I., campus, RWU is committed to its mantra of learning to bridge the world. Under the leadership of President Roy J. Nirschel, Ph.D., the University has achieved unprecedented academic and financial successes. In 2008, U.S. News & World Report named RWU the eighth-ranked baccalaureate college in the north.