News

Log Cabin Republicans Names Five New Members to National Board of Directors

Largest, Most Diverse Board in Organization's History

March 14, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Log Cabin Republicans (LCR), a Republican organization dedicated to representing the interests of gay Americans and their allies, has named five new members to its board of directors: Daniel J. Enea, David C. Lampo, Joseph A. Mendola, Kim Taylor, and Robert Traynham. For the first time in its history, The Log Cabin Republicans Board of Directors includes five women, three African Americans, and straight allies representing communities across the nation.

Chairman of the Board Jerry Katlin issued the following statement regarding the board's ongoing expansion: "It's exceptionally pleasing to see the continued growth of the Log Cabin Republicans Board of Directors. These latest additions to our organization represent an array of political influencers from across the country with a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive GOP."

The newly-elected board members are:

Daniel J. Enea, former-longtime Committeeman of the Herkimer County Republican Committee in New York State. For nearly six years, he held the title of Herkimer County Coroner in addition to working with numerous community service organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America (Nominating Committee), Knights of Columbus, and the Herkimer Salvation Army Board of Directors. Enea received his degree in Mortuary Science from SUNY Canton. He resides in Central Florida.

David C. Lampo, Publications Director at the Cato Institute and the author of dozens of op-eds, book reviews, and analysis pieces championing libertarian ideals and constitutionalism. He is the author of the book "A Fundamental Freedom: Why Republicans, Conservatives, and Libertarians Should Support Gay Rights," which was distributed to the platform committee at the 2012 Republican National Convention. Lampo holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Penn State University and currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia. He is cofounder of the organization Virginia Republicans Moving Forward (VRMF), which aims to promote social tolerance within the Republican Party of Virginia.

Joseph A. Mendola, Chief Compliance Officer and Legal Counsel for M.R. Beal & Company. Joe was the Republican candidate for NYC Comptroller in 2009. He currently serves on the SIFMA General Counsel's Committee and remains active with the New York Young Republicans and the Westside Republican Club of New York. He has donated legal services to many notable gay causes, including United for the Freedom to Marry and the Gay Men's Health Crisis. A single dad of 2, Joe graduated Summa Cum Laude from Fordham University and received his J.D. from Columbia University School of Law.

Kim Taylor, a public finance expert recently retired from the Office of the Treasurer of the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey. Kim holds a wealth of public, private, and non-profit sector experience, as well as experience on both candidate and issues campaigns. She has served on Senator John McCain's Presidential campaign, various congressional races, and dozens of local races  – including her own (New Jersey State Assembly, '09 and County Freeholder races, '06). Ms. Taylor is a Committeeperson on the Mercer County Republican Committee and continues to be engaged actively at the regional, state, and local levels. She is a sought after campaign adviser, and was appointed by Governor Chris Christie as a commissioner on the Trenton Housing Authority in 2011. She has numerous community and volunteer involvements including leadership on local government statutory boards, membership in public/private sector advisory boards (including charitable foundations and local gay organizations), and service to various court/child welfare volunteer programs. Ms. Taylor holds undergraduate degrees in business administration and gender studies at New Jersey City University and has completed graduate work in criminal justice at Boston University. A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Kim Taylor is both the first New Jersey resident and the first African American female named to the LCR Board.

Robert Traynham, a veteran communications specialist, political analyst, speaker, writer and educator. He is currently an Assistant Dean at Georgetown University where he helps to manage a $75 million budget with a 120-person staff and a student body of 1,500. Currently, Traynham appears on television as a Political Analyst for MSNBC and as a radio host on XM Satellite Radio on the POTUS channel. Additionally, Traynham writes a weekly column for the Philadelphia Tribune and contributes to The Grio, a website of current events, news and information for African Americans. Traynham is also an appointed member of the Council of Trustees at Cheyney University, where he serves the board of directors of the oldest of the country's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Previously, Traynham was a staff member in Congress for the leadership offices of the Senate Republican Conference as its Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director. At the time, Traynham was the most senior African American Republican in Congress among its members or staff. Traynham also served as a senior aide and press secretary for Senator Rick Santorum. During his tenure in the Senate, Traynham was often ranked among the most influential staff members on the Hill and was elected President of the U.S. Senate Press Secretaries Association. Traynham has served as a senior advisor to several presidential campaigns and has also worked closely with the Republican National Committee and its nominating conventions.