Accommodations Chair

Eric Rosato

Hometown: Homer, NY
Major: Biology/Pre-Med
Greek Affiliation: Sigma Chi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I decided to become a part of the Mock Con Committee to get involved in W&L's most intricate and exciting student-run organization. I want to help contribute to such a historical organization steeped in rich tradition.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I'm looking forward to working with my fellow peers to put on a great Convention. I am also excited to see who we get to come for the Convention; working with those guests to make their visit to Lexington, VA as smooth and enjoyable as possible will also be exciting.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing so far about Mock Convention is getting to know the rest of the Steering Committee; as the Convention nears, I'm sure there will be more to be excited about.

Advisory Board Liaison

Matt Simpson

Hometown: Smyrna GA
Major: Politics, History
Greek Affiliation: Lambda Chi Alpha

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Mock Convention is one of the oldest and biggest traditions at Washington and Lee. I was excited to be able to become a leader in an activity that so much of the student body participates in. Mock Con has an incredible legacy and provides a entirely unique opportunity to become involved in the national political process. I am glad to be able to contribute to something that is such a huge part of Washington and Lee’s tradition.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am looking forward to continuing to learn about the political process and engaging with national political leaders. Mock Convention provides for an unbelievable amount of exposure to some of our nation’s most prominent leaders and brings the spotlight to Lexington for a few short days. I am excited to see what Mock Convention will be able to do in 2012.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I have thoroughly enjoyed the chance to really dive into the political world and experience our country’s political process outside of the classroom. The familiarity with our system that I have already gained in the short time in which I have been involved with Mock Con will no doubt be invaluable in the future, both at W&L and after school.

Chief Political Consultant

Tim McAleenan 

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
Major: Politics, English
Greek Affiliation: Lambda Chi Alpha

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I couldn’t resist the opportunity to be a part of our school’s most cherished tradition- there is absolutely no other school in the country that provides this kind of hands-on activity to really make an impact on our country’s electoral process.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I can’t wait to see W&L students interacting with America’s most prominent political figures. College students are generally stereotyped as being apathetic to politics, and I am eager to show the C-SPAN faithful that we’re the notable exception.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I have been impressed by the hard work of all the members of the Steering Committee, and I’m glad to see that we are all doing are best to make this event both fun and meaningful.

Facilities Chair

Ali Greenberg

Hometown: Blacksburg, VA
Major: Politics and Romance Languages
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Alpha Theta

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I decided to get involved in Mock Con because it is one of W&L's greatest traditions and I really wanted to take full advantage of being in a position to help put this event together.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: The Gala, the fireworks and getting the prediction right!

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: The amazing Executive and Steering Committees and hearing everyone’s incredible and creative ideas and visions.

Finance Chair

Ben Turnbull

Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Major: Accounting and Business Administration
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Alpha Order

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: The Mock Convention is a very complex undertaking that requires significant planning and hard work from persons with a wide range of talents and skills. It is a multi-dimensional, long-term project that offers many opportunities for involvement. While my primary role is serving as Finance Chair, I was attracted to Mock Con by the chance to work across disciplines on many facets of the Convention with a diverse and enthusiastic group of fellow students.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am looking forward to creating our own convention. The Steering Committee knows that no two conventions are alike. This will be particularly true for the 2012 Convention as we work to use the power of social networking and the internet to take the Convention’s activities and influence beyond just the W&L Community.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with people that I might not otherwise have had a chance to get to know. Having the opportunity to work with a group people with such a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and majors has been a great experience. I am looking forward to learning more about everyone and creating new, lasting friendships as we move towards an exciting Convention in 2012.

Fundraising Chair

Becky Mickel

Hometown: Monroe, LA
Major: Journalism
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Delta

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I’m fascinated with the challenge of appealing to a particular market. This said market could be the student who “swipes home” Mock Con memorabilia or the smiling alumnus who donates money in memory of his or her days at W&L.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am determined to reach Washington and Lee’s student body and the Lexington community. The success of 2012 Mock Convention not only depends on reaching monetary goals, but also prides itself on this involvement.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My fellow Steering Committee members radiate energy and bright ideas. Although the “Mock Con experience” has just begun, I have already learned so much from Mock Con’s dynamic group of student standouts.

Fundraising Chair

Bobby Rutherford

Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Major: Economics and Accounting
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Alpha

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Because of its long history of substantial student involvement and national fame, Mock Convention has long been one of W&L’s most valued traditions. I want to be a part of this event in every way possible.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am looking forward to meeting and working with the many students that will make this convention the best one yet.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I have enjoyed learning what is involved in making a fun and successful convention.

Journal Chair

Brooke Sutherland

Hometown: Lawrence, Kansas
Major: Journalism and French
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Alpha Theta

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Mock Convention is one of the things that makes Washington and Lee unique. I have heard so much about Mock Convention from my father, who graduated in 1981, and being a part of the steering committee means doing my part to make sure this special tradition continues.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I'm really looking forward to actual Mock Convention event during winter term of our senior year. I can't wait to see all of our hard work come together into a great final result.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing about the Mock Convention experience so far has been getting to know the other members of the steering committee. We have a great group of people and I'm really excited about working with everyone.

Media and Communications
Chair

Kali McFarland

Hometown: Norfolk, VA
Major: Economics and Politics
Greek Affiliation: Alpha Delta Pi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Mock Con is one of W&L's most unique and exciting events, and I wanted to be a part of such a great tradition. I think it's great to prove how many young people still care about politics!

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: Since I'm one of the Media Chairs, I'm most excited to get a lot of national media here to shine a light on all the hard work we've been doing.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I love that the Steering Committee has such a wide range of people on it. I've become friends so many great students that I probably wouldn't know without Mock Con and we've already had so much fun together!

Media and Communications Chair

Katy Stewart

Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Major: Business Journalism and Politics
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Alpha Theta

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I decided to become a part of Mock Con because I found an organization that fit my interests– mass communications, writing, politics– that also involved a huge element of fun and school spirit. I was looking for a way to mesh all these areas of interest, as well as a way to utilize my talents. I'm thrilled to be involved with media and communications, an area that will truly give me a taste of what my future career might be.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I'm looking forward to the wide array of incredible events that make up Mock Con, especially because I, along with my co-chair Kali McFarland, have the exciting job of spreading the word of these events to the nation. Mock Con has so many social functions– parties, barbeques, bands, and the Presidential Gala– that we will by publicizing just as much as the prediction itself. So the opportunity will be ideal for me, a journalism major, to get hands-on experience in my future field, all while enjoying every minute!

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing so far about Mock Convention is that I've met so many new friends, people that I might not have otherwise known. It's great knowing so many fun people who are also smart, motivated, and dedicated to working towards an amazing end goal.

Memorabilia Chair

Briegel Moss

Hometown: Louisville, KY
Major: Politics and Education
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Delta

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: It is such a wonderful, iconic, and respected tradition that our school has the fortune of hosting. I wanted to be involved as much as possible in this once in a lifetime experience.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: Seeing all of our hard work and careful preparation come together to create an unforgettable event full of influential people, unique learning experiences, and lots of fun!

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: Starting the planning process with a great group of people who will make this Mock Con the best one yet.

Midwest Regional Chair

Alex Rosenfeld

Hometown: Barrington, IL
Major: Politics, Economics
Greek Affiliation: Pi Kappa Phi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I have always been interested in politics so Mock Con seemed like the perfect activity for me to get involved in. The Convention has a rich history and I thought that it would be a really good experience to be a part of one of the best parts of W&L’s student life.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I’m looking forward to the events leading up to the Mock Convention as well as the event itself. The Mock Convention is not just a one-day event and events like the parade and guest speakers will be very exciting to participate in.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing about Mock Con so far is getting to work with a lot of smart and interesting people. Everyone brings unique skills to the table and working with so many great people is a pleasure.

Northeast Regional Chair

Mike Decembrino

Hometown: Yardley, PA
Major: Global Politics
Greek Affiliation: Phi Kappa Psi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I decided to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee because I want to be heavily involved in a tradition that is a serious part of our school's history.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: The thing that I'm looking forward to most about Mock Con is meeting the high profile speakers that will come to campus in 2012.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing so far about Mock Con is making connections with local politicians and members of the Republican Party.

Parade Chair

Matt Sears

Hometown: Northport, NY
Major: Economics and Business Administration
Greek Affiliation: Phi Kappa Psi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Like several others, I joined the Mock Convention Steering Committee to become part of a W&L tradition that I am certain will heavily impact my experience here.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: As parade chair, I’m going to have to say I’m looking forward to the parade most.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I really have enjoyed working with the Lexington police. They have been extremely helpful in the parade route planning process and in gaining all proper permits from city hall.

Platform Chair

Sam Campbell

Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois
Major: English and Politics
Greek Affiliation: Pi Kappa Phi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Mock Convention takes political analysis outside the classroom. Just like political pundits and campaign operatives around the country, we are trying to figure out what will happen in 2012. For me, the opportunity to gain such practical experience while still in school was too great to ignore, so I joined the Mock Con team.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: All the great speakers.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: From Davidson Park to the law school, Mock Convention brings all types of W&L students together. Meeting all these great people has been my favorite part of Mock Convention so far.

Public Relations Chair

Kelli Jarrell

Hometown: Dry Creek, WV
Major: Biochemistry/pre-med; minor - Poverty Studies
Greek Affiliation: Rho Gamma

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Mock Con is one of W&L's greatest traditions. It embodies the spirit of the school and the community. The opportunity to have a large involvement in such an important school tradition is really exciting.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am looking forward to the overall experience that comes with a W&L Mock Convention. Being on the Steering Committee is like being a small part of W&L history. This represents the opportunity to meet people, hear speakers, and participate in a tradition that combines the things that we does so well in a uniquely W&L fashion.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: The hilltop toast at the Steering Committee Ladder Party and what it represents. The Steeringand Executive Committees are going to be working hard to plan and put on the 2012 Convention, but in the process we have, so far, and will, in the future, make lasting memories and friendships.

Public Relations Chair

Ellis Pretlow (W&L Law)

Hometown: Suffolk, VA
Major: English and Government (UVA)
Greek Affiliation: Alpha Phi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I wanted to get more involved in W&L traditions as a law student and try to bridge the gap between undergrad and law students. Mock Con is also something that lends itself to the legal education because so much of what we study is about politics and how it shapes our public policy and law.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am most looking forward to seeing elephants walk down Main Street in Lexington and seeing who our amazing speakers will be!

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing about the Mock Con experience so far is getting to meet lots of great Undergraduate students I wouldn't have been able to meet and work with otherwise!

Publications Chair

Annie Vesoulis

Hometown: Sylvania, OH
Major: Journalism and Politics

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I became a part of the Steering Committee because I am a political "junkie" with a knack for design and a love of journalism. I really enjoy talking to people, learning about their lives, and hearing their stories.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am most looking forward to meeting all of the speakers we bring in for various events.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing so far has been getting to know the rest of the Steering Committee and working with them to make this the best Mock Convention yet!

Social Chair

Victoria Mercer

Hometown: Richmond, Virginia
Major: Accounting and Business
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Delta

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: When I came to school as a first-year, I noticed how students still talked about Mock Convention even though it took place the previous year. It was then that I realized the impact that Mock Con makes on one’s W&L experience. As one of Washington and Lee’s largest and nationally recognized student organizations, I knew I wanted to become involved. The beauty of Mock Convention is its ability to unify the student body through its committee positions as well as its social gatherings. As part of the Steering Committee, I have witnessed first-hand the amount of effort it takes to run Mock Convention smoothly but I have greatly enjoyed being a part of the process.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: The ultimate goal for the Social Committee is to plan and throw social events unlike any other party at Washington and Lee. Since becoming Co-Social Chair, I have been eagerly looking forward to being behind the scenes of all the party planning! Jordan and I hope to introduce fresh, innovative ideas while still maintaining a patriotic and celebratory theme. Because Mock Convention occurs over a two-year span, students will attend a range of events including Meet and Greets with notable politicians to the Presidential Gala in November 2011.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: Because it takes so many individuals to make Mock Con run smoothly, I have had the wonderful experience to meet and interact with a diverse group of students on the Steering Committee. Mock Con has allowed me the opportunity to develop new relationships with students outside of my sorority and major as well as work individuals and companies around Lexington. As more students become involved in Mock Con, I look forward to working with each of them over the next two years.

Social Chair

Jordan Shelby

Hometown: Madison, NJ
Major: Business Administration with a Studio Art Minor
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Kappa Gamma

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I had heard about the widespread student involvement in Mock Con and really wanted to be a part of such a great W&L tradition. While my political knowledge is limited, I knew I could help to ensure that the events of Mock Con live up to their reputation, while surpassing expectations.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: The Presidential Gala

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I have loved meeting with other chairs to discuss our ideas and plans for Mock Con. Everyone has so much to contribute and I really look forward to working with them all over the next two years.

Writer in Residence

Kate Norvelle

Hometown: Richmond, VA
Major: English and Politics
Greek Affiliation: Alpha Delta Pi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I always wanted to become involved in this Mock Convention considering the event was one of the main factors that initially drew me to Washington and Lee University. Mock Convention is a chance for our class to showcase its talents and capabilities and leave our mark on this school. I decided to join the Steering Committee, specifically the political team, because it is a way to experience American political practices outside of textbooks and classrooms

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I am looking forward to witnessing the utilization of every participant's strengths in order to create a great convention. A correct prediction would also be nice, though.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: Actually getting a position and working with people I would not have had the chance to otherwise!

Speakers Chair

SoRelle Peat

Hometown: St. Louis, MO
Major: Economics and Politics with a Philosophy Minor
Greek Affiliation: Alpha Delta Pi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: While at Washington and Lee, one thing of many that I have discovered is my interest in American Politics. Mock Convention is an awesome exercise in American politics and offers a perfect opportunity to work hands-on with other student leaders to run the much-loved, campus-wide tradition that brings famous political speakers to campus and ultimately selects the non-incumbent party's presidential nominee. I knew I wanted to be a part of Mock Con when I realized that I wanted to pursue a career that focuses on American government, and that I could be a part of one of W&L's oldest traditions in bringing the forefront of the political scene to Lexington, Virginia.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: Naturally, as the Speakers Chair, I'm most looking forward to the wide range of incredible speakers from political gurus to rising stars to potential presidential nominees that we are bringing to campus for the convention. I'm excited to hear the different perspectives offered by people that have worked on all aspects of the political spectrum, and I can't wait to host some of the nation's most influential thinkers, the leaders of our country, to the campus of W&L to share their views on the future direction of the Republican Party and the United States of America.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: Over the summer, I worked in DC for my Congressman from Missouri. During my time as an intern on the Hill I had the opportunity to meet Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, and I was able to personnally tell her about W&L's Mock Convention while handing her my Mock Con business card. Not only was it amazing to be personally inviting a rising power in American politics to W&L, but she also expressed interest in speaking on campus. Without Mock Convention I probably would not have had the opporthunity to approach her, so it was a wonderful experience overall.

Southwest Regional Chair

Andrea Seffens

Hometown: Irvine, CA
Major: Global Politics and U.S. History
Greek Affiliation: Pi Beta Phi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: Mock Con is such an important tradition at W&L, and after visiting the last Mock Convention in 2008, I decided that I had to be involved. I especially wanted to be part of the political arm of the Steering Commitee as grass roots, for the first time in ages, are shaping up to be a major factor in 2012.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: One of the things I am most looking forward to regarding Mock Con is the chance to interact with various political figures, from the heavy-hitters on the national scene to leaders of local grass roots chapters.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: My favorite thing about Mock Con so far is that I now have an excuse to give free reign to my inner political junkie. On another note, I truly enjoy being around students who are determined to succeed at a job that highly paid political analysts do.

West Regional Chair

Brad Harder

Hometown: Newport Beach, CA
Major: English and International Politics
Greek Affiliation: Sigma Chi

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: After choosing to major in International Politics and English, I jumped at the chance to apply my classroom learning to real-world events. And I wasn't the only one. There are many other Washington and Lee students excited to work together towards the fulfillment of one of W&L's richest traditions. I joined the Steering Committee in order to better contribute to that tradition and to become a part of its excitement.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: The Convention may be many months down the road but preparation has already begun. I'm most looking forward to working with my peers to build a solid foundation for the Mock Convention.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: The past few months have been a testament to the fact that working on the Steering Committee offers engaging opportunities around every turn. Some of these opportunities are challenges to be overcome together and others require a personal contribution. Thus far my favorite experience has been closely watching the Western Region's state politics and thinking about the effects they will have in the future.

Web Chair

Robbie Day

Hometown: Roanoke, VA
Major: Politics
Greek Affiliation: Pi Kappa Alpha

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: From day one as a student at W&L I was interested in becoming a part of W&L’s Mock Convention. My grandfather attended the 1948 Convention; hearing his stories and excitement from his experience with the process inspired me to work to join the Mock Con 2012 team.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: Above all, I am looking forward to getting the prediction right. Student involvement, an increased role in technology, and a healthy and robust political atmosphere around campus are also aspects of the 2012 Convention that I am excited about.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: I have enjoyed learning new aspects of web design and development and watching this knowledge play a role in the Convention. There is still plenty to learn, design, and develop, but the potential is thrilling to me.

Web Chair

Jessica Strait

Hometown: Katy, TX
Major: Journalism 
Greek Affiliation: Kappa Delta

Q: Why did you decide to become a part of the Mock Con Steering Committee?
A: I wanted to be involved in something important and influential, so what could be better than participating in Mock Con? Mock Con is W&L’s greatest and most respected traditions, and it provides a great way to branch out and meet new people that you might not know otherwise.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the Convention?
A: I’m looking forward to all of the social events, especially the Presidential Gala. And, of course, making a correct prediction in 2012! It’s so exciting to be a part of something with so much build up and widespread acknowledgement. Our new and improved website will help Mock Con and W&L receive even more recognition than ever before.

Q: What is your favorite thing so far about the Mock Con experience?
A: So far, I’ve loved revamping the website and brainstorming with Tricia and Robbie to give Mock Con a virtual facelift. We’re excited to use all the available social media outreach, including Facebook and Twitter, to share the most up-to-date Mock Con news. The delicious Mock Convention Steering Committee welcome dinner at Southern Inn wasn’t too bad, either!