Thomas J. Ratcliff, a West Point graduate, former Army Scout/Attack helicopter pilot and campaign staffer of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, has been named Partner and Chief Operating Officer of American Strategies, a national political strategy, public policy, government affairs and public relations firm.
Columbus, OH (PRWEB) February 3, 2004 -- American Strategies President & CEO Brett A. Sciotto announced that Thomas J. Ratcliff has joined the firm as partner and chief operating officer.
Until late 2003, Ratcliff served as spokesman and speechwriter for Ohios Lt. Governor and Director of Commerce Jennette B. Bradley.
For over a decade, Thomas and I have worked together for our shared vision of a stronger America," said Sciotto. From the halls of West Point to our days in the White House and in the Army, we have always shared a common passion for our nation."
Sciotto continued, I am proud to once again have the opportunity to work side-by-side with my long-time friend and confidant. His leadership, experience, and vision will not only enhance American Strategies in all that we do, but his strength of character will serve as a daily reminder of the relevance of our mission. This company, and indeed our nation are better with Thomas Ratcliff doing what he does best - inspiring others and leading the way."
Ratcliff also currently serves as national press secretary for GradPAC, a service academy political action committee based in Washington, DC and comprised of graduates of West Point, Annapolis, the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. GradPAC holds as it mission the support of fellow service academy graduates who have served their nation with distinction and valor in uniform and now seek election to the U.S. House, U.S. Senate or the Presidency of the United States.
Lieutenant (Retired) Ratcliff is a Deans List graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point. Prior to attending West Point, he was an honors student and inductee of Omicron Delta Kappa and five other national honoraries at Miami University. He was also named West Points first-ever White House intern as a cadet.
He served on active duty as an Army Scout/Attack helicopter pilot until experiencing a career-ending injury. During the 96 presidential election cycle, he served as Senator Bob Doles veterans director, events coordinator and coalitions chairman for Ohio. After the 96 campaign, Ratcliff was appointed to serve as spokesman and public information officer for Governor George V. Voinovichs Department of Commerce, fielding more than 1500 media calls and crafting hundreds of news releases during his tenure under both Governor Voinovich and Governor Bob Taft.
In late 1998, Ratcliff was part of a small group of ardent Elizabeth Dole supporters who—through nationwide polling and empirical data collection—illustrated to Mrs. Dole that she could become the first legitimate female candidate for the presidency in 2000. After serving as the Midwest director of operations during this successful draft" effort, Ratcliff became Mrs. Doles Ohio campaign manager and political director during her candidacy.
Ratcliff is a member of numerous military and aviation organizations including the Army Aviation Association of America, the American Institute of Avionics and Astronautics, the Association of Graduates of West Point, and the Society of American Military Engineers.
He is also active in veterans organizations including the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, WWII Memorial and the Ohio Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. In early 2003, he became a member of the board of trustees of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Foundation. More recently, Ratcliff was named to the Ohio steering committee of Veterans for Bush-Cheney 04.
He is also involved in many philanthropic and historical preservation endeavors including the White House Historical Association, the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court Historical Societies, the Smithsonian Institution and the presidential library foundations of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Reagan and Bush. Additionally, he is a benefactor of the U.S. Holocaust Museum and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Ratcliff maintains his residence in Powell, Ohio.
# # #
American Strategies is a national political strategy, public policy, government affairs and public relations firm. American Strategies primary mission is to keep our nation strong by helping leaders of character successfully navigate dynamic political and business environments while making positive change for their communities and our country. Beyond their general consulting and public policy endeavors, as service academy graduates, Ratcliff and Sciotto also recognize the critical need for increased representation by military veterans in the Halls of Congress, statehouses and local governments across the country.
For more information, log onto www.American-Strategies.com.
|
