RELEASE: Executive Producer Named for GOP Convention

This just in...

(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - With a promise to make the 2008 Republican National Convention the most exciting in GOP history, convention President and Chief Executive Officer Maria Cino today named veteran television and stage producer David J. Nash as the convention's Executive Producer.

Nash will helm his fifth-straight Republican National Convention, to be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center, Sept. 1-4. Nash's executive credits include Executive Vice President of Production at Radio City Music Hall and Director of Technical Operations at the John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts, in Washington, D.C.

"Every four years the Republican National Convention is the center of the political universe, and 2008 will be no different," said Cino. "In Minneapolis-Saint Paul, we will launch Sen. John McCain to the White House by providing him with every tool possible to share his positive message with the American people. David Nash and his talented team will play an integral role in our efforts, and we're pleased to have him on board."

Nash, a native of New York City, got his start on Broadway as a stagehand and has since worked in more than 200 shows along the Great White Way, holding such titles as production supervisor and associate producer. Nash has also produced 17 seasons of the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular in New York and across the nation, as well as American appearances of the Bolshoi Opera and Ballet companies and the La Scala Opera. Mr. Nash also has several television production credits, including the Academy Awards and Kennedy Center Honors.

"It is fun to be back in the saddle again, working on the Republican Convention," Nash said. "It's been four years, and after that time you forget the hard work of the last convention and remember the satisfaction that came with it. I am looking forward to September."

Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com.