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Log Cabin Republicans Names R. Clarke Cooper as New Executive Director

May 25, 2010

(Washington, DC) – R. Clarke Cooper, a former diplomat and veteran, has been named the Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans by its National Board of Directors.

Cooper is an eight-year veteran of the George W. Bush Administration, most recently serving as Counselor and Chief of Staff at the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN) and as an Alternative Representative to the U.N. Security Council from 2007 to 2009. Prior to his service in New York, he served as the Senior Legislative Advisor for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, Office of Iraq Affairs from 2006-2007, and as the Legislative Affairs Advisor for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad from 2005-2006. Cooper initially came to Iraq as an Army reserve officer on active duty, for which he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Iraq Campaign Medal with two stars and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.

"Log Cabin is fortunate to have Clarke's skills and experience to lead the organization at this critical time," said Log Cabin Republicans National Board Chairman Terry Hamilton. "His 16 years of public policy and political experience have prepared him to lead Log Cabin and ensure our role as a key player in strengthening an inclusive Republican Party. As Congress is debating the failed 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, we could not have a better advocate in ensuring that this policy gets overturned. The National Board looks forward to working with Clarke."

Cooper first entered the Bush Administration in 2001 as the Assistant Director of the National Park Service for Legislative and Congressional Affairs. Prior to the Bush Administration, Cooper served as Deputy Director of the Florida-Washington Office from 1999-2001 for Governor Jeb Bush.

"During my administration, Clarke was part of an excellent team that built improved relations with the federal government that benefited the citizens of Florida," said former Governor Bush, now Chairman of the Foundation for Florida's Future. "He proved himself to be hardworking and results driven and a genuine public servant."

Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Gay Equality Caucus member, welcomed Cooper's appointment: "I have known Clarke his entire career from when he served on my legislative staff and am thrilled to see him lead Log Cabin. I look forward to working with him to further advocate and secure equal rights for all Americans."

"Log Cabin's mission derives from our firm belief in the principles of limited government, individual liberty, individual responsibility, free markets and a strong national defense," said Cooper. "We emphasize these principles and the moral values on which they stand are consistent with the pursuit of equal treatment under the law for gay and lesbian Americans. I look forward to working with Log Cabin members and our allies in the Republican Party as we fight for the principles that are so important to our nation."

Cooper will also serve as Executive Director of the Liberty Education Forum, a non-partisan educational foundation that is associated with Log Cabin, which focuses on reaching out to conservatives and people of faith about issues affecting gay and lesbian Americans.