Kevin O'Neill Named AAPC Executive Director Press Release, November 19, 2003 (WASHINGTON, DC)-----The American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC) announced today that Kevin O'Neill has been promoted to Executive Director. Formerly AAPC's Membership Director, O'Neill will now oversee all operations and strategic planning of the nation's largest trade association of political and public affairs consultants. In announcing O'Neill's promotion, AAPC President, Nancy Todd Tyner said, "We're pleased to have Kevin take the helm. He's been an outstanding member of the team who, as Membership Director, oversaw the AAPC's record membership growth. We know Kevin will bring much to the position of Executive Director." Under O'Neill's guidance, membership grew from 750 to 1,100, he increased visibility at trade shows and political events, and assisted with both the Pollie Awards and the Academic Outreach Conference. O'Neill Succeeds Tracy Allman who served as AAPC Executive Director for the past three years. Speaking about his new role O'Neill said, "The AAPC has evolved over the years from a small group of professionals to a growing trade association with an expanding national presence. I will work diligently to see this evolution continues, while following the AAPC's mission and increasing value and service to the membership, our sponsors, partners, and exhibitors." The AAPC is a bipartisan trade association for political and public affair professionals. With membership in all fifty states and many countries, the AAPC reflects a wide range of ideologies, partisan affiliations and professional specialties. The AAPC is the host of the annual Pollie Awards which recognizes the best work in the political and public affairs arena and the annual Academic Outreach Conference, which reaches out to young people who are interested in the political consulting profession. O'Neill is a graduate of the University at Albany and recently became engaged on Labor Day.