A passion for politics, a penchant for technology, and a pioneering spirit that strives for the best sets New Media’s people apart.
Meet Mike Connell
Chief Political Strategist
and CEO |
Who are these unsung heroes who make our company and our clients look good, cycle after cycle? You’ll have to work with us to meet them. But we will tell you this, our production work is done right here in the United States at our Cleveland facility. Mike Connell leads the talented group of creative and technical specialists, including web architects, advanced programmers, interactive graphic designers and project managers, at New Media.
Connell helped to pioneer the industry, seeing its potential and making a significant investment in technology early on. Under his leadership, New Media continues to be a driving force for his clients and for the industry -- bringing emerging technologies and fresh ideas into the political arena, through every campaign cycle.
In the realm of campaign politics, Connell has provided technical expertise to the McCain presidential campaign in 2008, as well as internet strategy to the Bush-Cheney presidential campaigns of 2000 and 2004. He has served as Internet consultant to scores of prominent senators, governors and members of Congress, as well as the Republican National Committee and five Republican National Conventions.
Not limited to the United States in its online activities, New Media began working on innovative projects in emerging democracies in the mid1990’s. In fact, New Media is credited with the very first GOTV project utilizing text messaging via mobile phones in Slovenia in 2000. In the wake of the Balkan Wars, New Media expanded its work into post-conflict nations. Over the past several years, New Media has begun working in closed societies where we work to leverage the Internet to promote freedom in the face of repressive governments. As a result, USAID, the International Republican Institute, International Democratic Union, International Foundation for Election Systems and Freedom House have all engaged our firm for international projects.
Numerous organizations and publications have recognized Connell for his achievements. Under his leadership, New Media Communications has received over 40 Pollie awards from the AAPC, and has also been recognized by George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management for Best Presidential Website – Bush/Cheney ’04 and Best National Website – GOP.org. He was also named one of 25 “Net Pioneers Changing the World of Politics” by Harvard’s Institute of Politics, an “Interactive Pioneer” by Interactive Week, and a “Political Rising Star” and “Mover & Shaker” by Campaigns & Elections Magazine.
Elected to the Board of Directors of the American Association of Political Consultants in 2003, Connell was named a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards competition in 2005. Additionally Connell was elected to the Board of Directors of the International Association of Political Consultants in 2007.