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Staff for Virginia
American Majority Virginia serves as the company headquarters of American Majority and is located in Purcellville, VA. Our proximity to D.C. is far enough that it allows the national team to operate within the grassroots, outside the confining standards of the Beltway. The Virginia staff provides training materials, resources, and other direct support to our state offices and field representatives. American Majority Virginia also conducts candidate and activist trainings along the East Coast as needed.
You are invited to browse the national staff bios below, learn more about the individuals that drive American Majority, and connect with AM elsewhere on the Internet.
Contact the National Office:
American Majority
P.O. Box 87
Purcellville, VA 20134
Phone: 540-338-1251
Fax: 540-338-2326
Ned Ryun ~ President
A former presidential writer for George W. Bush and son of former U.S. Congressman Jim Ryun, Ned Ryun is currently the President of American Majority, a national organization committed to identifying and training liberty‐minded leaders. Ned was the co‐founder and former director of the Generation Joshua program.
Ned earned degrees in English and History from the University of Kansas and has co‐authored Heroes Among Us and The Courage to Run with his father and his twin brother, Drew. Ned and his wife, Becca, reside in Northern Virginia with their sons, Nathaniel and James and their daughter, Charlotte “Lottie.”
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
Roger Sherman. I am fascinated by a man who is not well known, but who signed the Articles of Confederation, helped draft and then signed the Declaration of Independence, and then also signed the Constitution and was a member of the First Congress, sitting on the committee that helped draft the Bill of Rights. He had a tremendous impact on the founding of this country.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
Topeka, KS. Because of the amazing ocean views and warm weather. Actually, because it takes me back home to Lawrence, where I was raised and went to college.
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
So You Think You Can Dance. Because I’m very good at krumping. . . (Or maybe best to say I don’t watch reality shows.)
How does Ned compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
I eat it all at once. Especially if it’s chocolate frosting on chocolate cake with chocolate bits in and on it.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
Learned to drive on stick, so yes.
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
Umm, no. I destroy the paper to get to the gift.
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
I own three guns, so yes.
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
I do. Pretty much every day with Facebook or Twitter.
Stay in touch. Connect with Ned elsewhere:
Matt Robbins ~ National Executive Director
Matt Robbins is the national Executive Director for American Majority. Previously he was political director for the California Republican Party, the largest Republican state party in the United States. He has also served as a Coalitions director on McCain-Palin 2008 and as the Director of Training at the Leadership Institute. Matt has personally trained thousands of political activists nationwide and in several foreign countries on campaign management, communications and party and candidate development.
Additionally, Matt has worked as a “friendly-fire” analyst in the Office of the Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon, and in both state-level races and state government.
Matt is an Arkansas native and holds a degree in English from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. He lives on a 90-acre farm near Harper’s Ferry.
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
Benjamin Franklin. Anyone who could persuade the French to fight for America was a truly gifted diplomat. In seriousness though, it was said of him that “In Franklin could be merged the virtues of Puritanism without its defects, the illumination of the Enlightenment without its heat”.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
Austin, Texas. It’s the perfect combination of southern hospitality and southern California. Plus they have all those bats.
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
Rock of Love. It would let my hidden hair-metal self out for all the world to see.
How does Matt compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
Only if it’s yellow cake. I love moist yellow cake. Otherwise it’s icing first every time.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
No. I grew up on the Mississippi River delta—flatter than flat so no need for different gears.
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
No. I want future anthropologists to find the Star Wars wrapping paper from my childhood presents and be puzzled by the prescience of the imagery.
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
Yes. Are you reporting me?
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
Does email and texting count? I send about a gigabillion texts per day.
Stay in touch. Connect with Matt elsewhere:
Jaoni Wood ~ Director of Administration
Jaoni Wood joined American Majority as Office Manager in October of 2008. Jaoni graduated with honors from Liberty University, with a degree in History and a minor in Government. As part of her school experience, she completed internships with the Republican National Committee and the White House, wrote for the campus newspaper, was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, and organized students as campaign volunteers. She has professional experience as a medical receptionist, and teaching 7th and 8th grade World History.
Jaoni and her husband Gabe have 2 adorable boys, Theo and Noah, and love their hometown of Purcellville, Virginia.
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
It’s hard to chose one… I really admire George Washington’s quiet, yet firm leadership and humility.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
I work mostly on the logistics and planning so this really doesn’t apply to me.
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
I guess The Amazing Race, because I love traveling, and have been known to get pretty competitive.
How does Jaoni compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
Actually, I don’t even eat most of the frosting, I scrape it off, and what I do eat is with the cake- it’s a crime, I know.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
I could if I absolutely had to, but it wouldn’t be good for the car- I guess that’s a no.
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
I always tear the paper to get to the gift, so it is not reuseable. But I do reuse gift bags!
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
Yes, and I actually hit what I was aiming for!
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
Yes, too much!
Stay in touch. Connect with Jaoni elsewhere:
Douglas Price ~ Director of Operations
Douglas Price began working for American Majority at its inception in January 2008 and now serves as Director Operations. Douglas has worn many hats for the organization including directing American Majority’s web development and content, technology services, and grant solicitation. Douglas’ primary efforts are directed toward program development and management, organizational operations, and strategic and event planning.
Prior to joining American Majority, Douglas was the Deputy Director of Generation Joshua, a civics education program for middle and high school students. Douglas is pursuing a Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and holds a B.A. in Government from Patrick Henry College. Douglas lives with his wife, Amy, in Charlotte, North Carolina and attends Lake Wylie Christian Assembly in Lake Wylie, South Carolina where he serves as Missions Director.
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
I’ve always esteemed the Separatists who risked lives to come to America in 1620. The Mayflower Compact, America’s first constitution of sorts affirmed the reason they came: “for the Glory of God and advancement of the Christian Faith, and Honour of our King and Country.” While self-government, individual liberty and economic prosperity have all been a part of America’s legacy, our Founders are correct when they say that any good that comes from our nation is ultimately the result God’s providence and favor.
Other favorites include James Madison, John Dickinson and Roger Sherman.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
I’ve met many great patriots in my years working in the conservative movement. Some of my favorite places have included Davenport (IA), Orlando (FL), Indianapolis (IN), Charlotte (NC), Northern Virginia and anywhere in New England, particularly my hometown: New London (CT).
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
I find the Amazing Race fascinating, given my love to travel, but I honestly would have to say the Price is Right. There’s no reality show that I’ve spent more time watching in my life. Of course, I’d love to play Plinko.
How does Doug compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
Now that’s just silly. The frosting is the only redeeming feature in cake. I’m in the minority.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
I’m in the majority, but this number seems high. Most people of my generation don’t seem to know how. Thankfully, my father taught me how to be a man.
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
I’m in the minority. What’s the fun of receiving a wrapped gift, if you can’t tear it open?
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
I’m in the majority, but I can’t hit the broad side of a barn. My wife is a straight shot, though. Guns make me a little nervous (maybe that’s growing up in New England), but I enjoy shooting a recurve bow once in awhile.
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
I definitely use it. Does it consume my day? No, but I’m on them everyday at least.
Stay in touch. Connect with Doug elsewhere:
Allison James ~ Director of Public Relations
Allison James joined American Majority in November 2009 as Director of Public Relations. Prior to this position she worked as the government relations and communications specialist at a non-profit business coalition in Washington D.C. and at a large public relations agency in Pittsburgh. Allison graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in public relations and a minor in marketing. In college she was the vice president of the Public Relations Student Society of America, a national association comprised of about 20,000 students across the country. She currently lives in Purcellville, VA, with her husband Austin and dog Montgomery.
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
George Washington. Not only was he the founder of the United States, but he was also a strong, humbled and well-respected leader. He was also very practical and loyal, which I can identify with.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
I haven’t gotten to go anywhere yet.
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
Even though I am almost happily married, I have always wanted to be on The Bachelor. It has been my favorite reality TV show for years!
How does Allison compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
I like a little bit of both in each bite; however, I always steal extra icing.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
Unfortunately, I am in the minority. I have never gotten the hang of it– my dad tried to teach me, but we gave up!
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
No. The perfectionist in me doesn’t like one wrinkle or tear in my wrapping paper, so that usually rules out reusing paper.
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
I am in the majority. And a pretty good shot.
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
Yes, I do. I am still addicted to Facebook, even though I have been on it since 2004. I do not use Twitter as much, just because I can’t keep up with it and it overwhelms me!
Stay in touch. Connect with Allison elsewhere:
Kasey Ginsberg ~ Program Coordinator
Kasey Ginsberg joined American Majority in August 2010 as a Program Coordinator. A May 2010 graduate of Meredith College in Raleigh, N.C., Kasey majored in political science and minored in communication and ethics. Kasey was very involved in college, serving as Senior Class Vice-President, Fundraising Co-Chair and a member of various clubs and organizations. Additionally, she interned in a variety of political fields including for the state party, statewide and local campaigns, as well as a state-based think-tank. She currently lives in Leesburg, V.A.
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
Benjamin Franklin. Not only was he a statesman and an inventor, but he is also credited with introducing the social concept of paying it forward. I’m all about going above and beyond at work and in life.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
I haven’t been anywhere yet! But I’m excited to travel!
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
The Apprentice. For sure.
How does Kasey compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
Occasionally? Although, if it’s a cupcake, frosting is definitely first.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
Nope. Not at all. But I can parallel park!
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
No, but I’ll save pretty ribbons.
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
Do BB guns count?
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
Oh yes. Facebook and Twitter all day, every day.
Stay in touch. Connect with Kasey elsewhere:
Sarah Mehrens ~ Director of Finance and Human Resources
Sarah Mehrens began working for American Majority at its inception in January 2008 and serves as the Director of Finance and HR. Prior to joining American Majority, Sarah was the Administrator for Generation Joshua for several years. She also worked as the Events Coordinator and Office Administrator for the Federal Relations division of the Home School Legal Defense Association. Sarah is a certified paralegal with an Associate’s degree in Paralegal Law. She and her husband and daughter live in the Washington, DC metro area.
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
Henry Laurens, a president of the Second Continental Congress and diplomat to Holland on behalf of the colonies….even if Wikipedia has a slanted bio about him.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
Not applicable. I don’t participate in trainings.
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
I don’t know because I don’t like reality TV shows.
How does Sarah compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
Neither. I eat them together.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
With the majority, Yes.
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
Not, unless it’s worth saving.
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
With the majority, yes.
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
Only Facebook, but I use that daily.
Stay in touch. Connect with Sarah elsewhere:
Austin James ~ Director of New Media Strategy
Austin joined American Majority in May of 2009, serving as Director of New Media Strategy. In this capacity, Austin is driving American Majority’s online communication and brand management.
Prior to joining American Majority, Austin worked at the public affairs firm Powell Tate in Washington, DC. Austin left the corporate world to co-found RWG Strategies, a political consultancy specializing in digital communication and Web strategy. Austin earned his undergraduate degree from Auburn University and his master’s degree in public relations from the University of Alabama. Austin and his wife Allison currently reside in Northern Virginia.
Which Founding Father do you relate most with, and why?
Thomas Jefferson. I have always been able to relate to his practical approach to law, religion, and individual freedom. He was a compassionate dreamer and that really resonates with me.
What is your favorite city to train in and why?
Nashville. I am from Alabama and it was good to return to the South. Ned and I were training a group of women from the Smart Girl Politics network, but we were each in different rooms. We had to time the presentations right so that we could switch places, having to jump on elevators and make the whole thing look seamless. The crowd was energized and whole thing was lot of fun.
What reality show do you think you would perform best on?
I am not much of a reality show fan, but if I had to pick one, I think I would pick the Amazing Race. I would love to see the world, regardless if I won.
How does Austin compare to the American majority:
69% of Americans eat the cake before the frosting, do you?
I love the frosting, so I would be in the minority. I tend to leave the cake for someone else.
71% of Americans can drive a stick shift, can you?
I am in the majority. I use to own a Jeep Wrangler. I loved that vehicle.
57% of Americans save pretty wrapping paper for reuse, do you?
I am in the minority. I rarely come across wrapping paper that is worth digging out of the garbage
67% of Americans report having fired a gun, have you?
I am in the majority. I own a 12-gauge Browning shotgun that I use for waterfowl hunting.
68% of Americans engage in social media, do you? How often?
I am definitely in the majority. As Director of New Media Strategies for American Majority, I spend most of my day online.
Stay in touch. Connect with Austin elsewhere:
At American Majority, we believe that change must begin at the local level, through engaged citizens effectively implementing freedom. We believe that individual liberty is achieved through limited government and free markets. We believe in lowering the barrier to entry for citizen participation in our republic. By training candidates and activists to be effective today, we are enhancing America's tomorrow.
