Richard Grenell
Richard Grenell | |
---|---|
Citizenship | United States |
Occupation | Speechwriter, Lobbyist |
Religion | Christian |
Richard Grenell (born September 18, 1966) is an American media commentator and former diplomat. He is the longest serving U.S. Spokesman at the United Nations and briefly served as national security spokesman for Mitt Romney in his campaign for president of the United States.[1] [2] He became the first openly gay spokesman for a Republican presidential candidate, after being hired by Mitt Romney. He resigned after pressure from social conservatives and gay liberals.[3]
Career
In 2001 Grenell was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as director of communications and public diplomacy for the United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations. In 2009 Grenell launched Capitol Media Partners, an international strategic media and public affairs consultancy.[4] Media have reported that prior to his post with the United Nations, he was a political adviser to major Republican figures, including George Pataki and Dave Camp.[5]
In 2013 Grenell was a signatory to an amicus curiae brief submitted to the Supreme Court in support of same-sex marriage during the Hollingsworth v. Perry case.[6]
Personal
Richard Grenell lives in California with his partner of nine years, Matthew Lashey, a media and entertainment company executive.[7] He is a registered Republican.[7] Grenell received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and his bachelor's degree in Government and Public Administration from Evangel College. [citation needed] In June 2013, Grenell revealed that he has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and recently started chemotherapy.[8] In September 2013, Grenell announced that he had been declared in remission and was cancer free.[9]
References
- ↑ "Mitt Romney’s Appointment of Gay Aide Richard Grenell Signals New Attitude". ABC News. Retrieved 4 February 2014.
- ↑ "Mitt Romney's Gay Spokesman: A Milestone in Republican Politics". The Atlantic. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
- ↑ Rubin, Jennifer (May 1, 2012). "EXCLUSIVE: Richard Grenell hounded from Romney campaign by anti-gay conservatives". Washington Post.
- ↑ Capitol Media Partners Web Site "Capitol Media Partners: Principals", November 7, 2011.
- ↑ Saenz, Arlette (May 1, 2012). "Richard Grenell, Openly Gay Romney Spokesman, Resigns From Post". ABC News.
- ↑ http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/02/28/the-pro-freedom-republicans-are-coming-131-sign-gay-marriage-brief.html
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Eleveld, Kerry (March 12, 2009), "Gay Bush Appointee Loses Appeal for Fair Treatment", The Advocate (Here Media Inc.), retrieved May 2, 2012
- ↑ http://richardgrenell.com/2013/06/joining-the-fight/
- ↑ https://twitter.com/RichardGrenell/status/384850091195895809