Chad Banghart, Executive Director

Chad Banghart joined the Committee to Defend the President (CDP) as Executive Director in May 2019.

Prior to joining CDP, Banghart served in various roles inside and outside of the Beltway. He most recently served at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in the Corporate Fundraising and Development division. In this division, Chad focused on membership strategy and increasing the Chamber’s annual renewals.

Banghart also served as the Deputy Political Director for “the most popular governor in America,” Gov. Charlie Baker, and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. In that role, he oversaw the political operation for nearly half of Massachusetts, building coalitions, seeking legislative endorsements, and planning local tours for incumbent candidates.

Banghart previously worked at the Republican National Committee (RNC), first serving at the pleasure of then-Chairman and former Chief of Staff to President Trump, Reince Priebus. While working for Chairman Priebus, Banghart assisted with inaugural event planning and the broader transition process. After President Trump’s inauguration, he worked directly for the second Chairwoman in RNC history, Ronna McDaniel, helping her settle into the top post. Banghart also earned valuable experience in the digital department, assisting in the procurement of Trump campaign merchandise and interacting directly with donors.

Although Banghart has now worked across the country, he often reminisces about the opportunities that he found in his home state of Michigan. Banghart served in former Gov. Rick Snyder’s (R-MI) Executive Office as a scheduling assistant and legislative briefer during the year of the Flint water crisis.

Banghart is an alumnus of Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. He currently resides in Washington, D.C., but often finds himself back in East Lansing, Michigan to visit with friends and family.

Follow Chad Banghart on Twitter: @ChadBanghart