Ken Mehlman

Former RNC Chairman

Ken Mehlman is an attorney who has been active in both the public and private sectors. Mehlman served as chairman of the Republican National Committee from 2005-2007, during which he reached out to constituents not traditionally part of the Republican base. Mehlman also served in high-level positions in Congress and the White House, including as White House political director during President George W. Bush's first term and as the the campaign manager for Bush's 2004 re-election campaign.

Mehlman currently oversees global external affairs for the private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, LLP. Before joining KKR, Ken Mehlman was a Partner at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer and Feld, where he helped businesses and individuals manage risk and seize opportunities at the nexus of business and public policy.

In 2010 Mehlman made headlines by coming out as gay, making him one of the highest-ranking openly gay figures in the Republican Party.