Kentucky Republicans tap longtime operative as interim executive director of state party
The Republican Party of Kentucky has a new leader — at least for a little while.
Adam Feldman, a Louisville native who recently served as political director for the state GOP, will serve as interim executive director starting next year, the party announced Wednesday. This comes as longtime Executive Director Sarah Van Wallaghen is stepping down to join the Frankfort lobbying firm The Rotunda Group. Van Wallaghen has held that role since 2017.
The party’s release said this will be Feldman’s fourth role at the organization — he served as political director from 2018 to 2022.
Feldman will take a “temporary leave of absence” from his role as vice president at the Nashville-based political firm Direct Edge Campaigns.
“We are thrilled that Adam will be returning to RPK during this transition period, and we can’t think of a better person to step in as we begin our search for the next permanent executive director,” Chairman Robert Benvenuti said. “Adam is no stranger to Kentucky electoral politics, having been involved in numerous races. He understands what is needed to build on the success we’ve enjoyed under Sarah Van Wallaghen’s leadership.”
One date to keep in mind as the party continues through its “transition period” is party reorganization. Set to take place this June, reorganization is mandated in every year following a presidential election year and involves the election of party officers at the local and state level. As such, reorganization can have major implications on the direction of the party.
Aside from his role as political director, Feldman cut his teeth on former governor Ernie Fletcher’s successful 2003 campaign and President George W. Bush’s 2004 reelection campaign. He has also served as executive director of the Republican Party of New Mexico, and has been involved in GOP politics there in a myriad of other ways.
Feldman, in a quote from the press release, thanked Benvenuti and lauded the work of Van Wallaghen.
“The successes we’ve seen over the last decade are the result of the hard work of many dedicated individuals, but the one constant has been Sarah Van Wallaghen. Without her dedication and the sacrifices she and her family have made for this party, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Sarah is leaving behind big shoes to fill, but I know that with the strong team we have in place, we will continue to move Kentucky Republicans and the state party forward,” Feldman wrote.
