Our Approach


We've been on the ground in local campaigns and at the planning table for a presidential campaign.

We limit our engagements so we can give you the attention you deserve. Our aim is to connect you with the right people to achieve your goals and make your project a success. Whether you have an immediate need or a long-term strategic objective, we welcome the opportunity to craft winning solutions for you.

Ford O’Connell, Managing Director

Ford_OConnell_on_Hannity.pngFord is a political strategist well versed in new media communications, traditional journalism and campaign field operations. A frequent commentator on FOX News, CNN and other broadcast media, Ford writes regularly for Politico's "The Arena," the Washington Times, U.S. News & World Report, The American Spectator, Campaigns & Elections magazine and The Daily Caller. Ford’s devotion to the conservative causes of limited government, free enterprise and personal responsibility were instilled in him by his grandfather, Henry Salvatori, a longtime Republican activist and advisor to three U.S. Presidents.

Ford’s experience with running the nationwide rural outreach program for the McCain-Palin 2008 presidential campaign and participation in numerous campaign get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts, including Haley Barbour’s gubernatorial campaign in 2007 and Saxby Chambliss' 2008 senatorial runoff reelection, drives his focus on connecting the evolving capabilities of social media to the best practices of traditional voter outreach. In 2009, Mr. O’Connell co-founded ProjectVirginia to help Virginia Republicans implement innovative digital media and voter mobilization technologies, with the goal of increasing the Republican majority in Virginia’s House of Delegates. ProjectVirginia was recognized by Campaigns & Elections magazine for this effort, winning the inaugural Reed Award for “Best Use of Twitter” for its work on behalf of multiple campaigns during 2009. Mr. O’Connell was also named a 2010 Rising Star by Campaigns & Elections magazine for his work with ProjectVirginia.

A graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Mr. O’Connell holds graduate degrees from the University of Mississippi, Duke University and Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College where he was a member of the football, basketball and lacrosse teams.

Mr. O'Connell is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar and is a member of the National Press Club.

http://youtu.be/eiDHhDNaBcU

Political Strategy for
Winning Campaigns

Understanding the political landscape is the critical first step in a winning campaign.


Combining strategic insights and campaign experience, Civic Forum Strategies aims you in the right direction, connects your message with your audience and keeps your campaign on track.