Rick Ahearn, a savvy advance man for Republican presidents who had an unrivaled eye for presentation and organization, died on April 29th, 2021, at 74 after a long illness.
Ahearn was an influential Republican figure for more than two decades, most notably in the turbulent era for the party in which current Republican leaders have their roots. He was among the first staffers to join the Reagan-Bush campaign in 1979, and eventually worked his way up to become the Chief of Staff for the Reagan-Bush Re-Election campaign in 1984.
His work was immensely respected by both Presidents Reagan and Bush, who both referred to him as a “magician” for his ability to pool resources and create compelling visuals. “Rick could make something out of nothing,” Bush wrote in a letter of condolences to Ahearn’s family. He was also renowned for his ability to effectively manage huge crowds and quickly create an event atmosphere.
Ahearn’s work was often highly visible on presidential trips. He organized the popular “We’re on the Move” tour across the Midwest in 1983 and the highly successful “Hands Across the Gulf” tour to Mexico and Central America during Reagan’s second term, which resulted in numerous political successes.
Ahearn’s skill at bringing the president’s message to life also extended to the Clinton administration. He worked on the first-ever presidential visits to India and Nepal in 1994 and 1995, respectively, and was a key advisor in the White House through the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
But beyond his years in formal politics, Ahearn was known as a great mentor to many of the Republican party’s rising stars. He shaped the careers of a number of prominent Republican communications directors including Mark Wallace, Bill Shine, and Ari Fleischer. He also founded the National Republican Advance Union to provide resources to young Republican staffers and volunteers.
Rick Ahearn will be remembered as a master of political stagecraft and an integral force of the Republican party. He left behind a legacy of successful campaigns, memorable experiences, and countless political contacts that will be cherished for years to come.
Rick Ahearn, a savvy advance man for Republican presidents who had an unrivaled eye for presentation and organization, died on April 29th, 2021, at 74 after a long illness.
Ahearn was an influential Republican figure for more than two decades, most notably in the turbulent era for the party in which current Republican leaders have their roots. He was among the first staffers to join the Reagan-Bush campaign in 1979, and eventually worked his way up to become the Chief of Staff for the Reagan-Bush Re-Election campaign in 1984.
His work was immensely respected by both Presidents Reagan and Bush, who both referred to him as a “magician” for his ability to pool resources and create compelling visuals. “Rick could make something out of nothing,” Bush wrote in a letter of condolences to Ahearn’s family. He was also renowned for his ability to effectively manage huge crowds and quickly create an event atmosphere.
Ahearn’s work was often highly visible on presidential trips. He organized the popular “We’re on the Move” tour across the Midwest in 1983 and the highly successful “Hands Across the Gulf” tour to Mexico and Central America during Reagan’s second term, which resulted in numerous political successes.
Ahearn’s skill at bringing the president’s message to life also extended to the Clinton administration. He worked on the first-ever presidential visits to India and Nepal in 1994 and 1995, respectively, and was a key advisor in the White House through the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
But beyond his years in formal politics, Ahearn was known as a great mentor to many of the Republican party’s rising stars. He shaped the careers of a number of prominent Republican communications directors including Mark Wallace, Bill Shine, and Ari Fleischer. He also founded the National Republican Advance Union to provide resources to young Republican staffers and volunteers.
Rick Ahearn will be remembered as a master of political stagecraft and an integral force of the Republican party. He left behind a legacy of successful campaigns, memorable experiences, and countless political contacts that will be cherished for years to come.
