3310 E. Collins Ave. #1Orange, CA 92867

Phone (714) 402-1430E-mail chip@gastrategies.com

Chip Ahlswede, RCE

Professional experience

2010 Government Affairs Strategies, LLC North Potomac, MD

Partner Approved National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Strategic

Planning Facilitator for core standards – working with all sizes and focus’ of associations (including commercial);

Original development with NAR of the REALTOR® Party Consultant program, and has served in this capacity since working in and with 9 states and 2 US territories including over 300 local associations – increased adoption of NAR programs by an average of 30% annually;

Strategic development of State and Local Government Affairs programming of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions;

Oversaw the re-organization and re-constitution of the Los Angeles County Boards of Real Estate – a coalition organizing real estate interests in Los Angeles County representing 19 Associations of REALTORS®, 3 Apartment Associations, and the Homebuilders;

Coordinated PAC and membership research for 3 state associations, and 4 local associations of REALTORS® on a project basis;

Public Engagement and Communications strategist for the city of Fullerton, California State University of Fullerton and Hope International University on “CollegeTown” redevelopment plan;

Political Action Committee Strategy and Execution for the Society of Plastics Industry – increase receipts of over 200% in the first year of execution;

Develop effective government affairs programs, campaign strategies, issue advocacy campaigns, legislative tactics, message development, communications/media plans, grassroots member mobilization and PAC fundraising programs.

2007 - 2010 Regal Strategies Orange, CA

Principal Executive Officer for the Orange County Taxpayers Association – a

local taxpayer advocacy organization with an annual budget of $750,000;

Established the OCTaxPAC – A Political Action committee with first election cycle receipts of $200,000 and active PAC participation in 14 Orange County Cities with a 96% success rate;

Coordinated organizational development and research for 3 chambers of commerce, 9 local REALTOR® Associations, 2 state REALTOR® Associations, 2 local Apartment Associations, and Orange County Taxpayers Association;

Implemented political fundraising program for state REALTOR® organizations;

Developed external communications plan for several business organizations seeking to increase community presence;

Developed a Focus Group series on PAC fundraising for several Statewide Associations.

2005 - 2007 Schubert Flint Public Affairs Anaheim, CA

Managing Director – Senior Consultant Managed a staff of five in the launch and growth of the Southern

California office of a growing public affairs firm with annual receipts of $2.5 million and an operating budget of $1.7 million;

Developed Government Relations Programs for 9 Associations of REALTORS® ranging in size from 125 – 1800 members;

Increased political contributions for associations an average of 40%;

Raised, coordinated, and directed more than $400,000 for 5 ballot propositions from 2005 through 2008;

Managed business expansion for Earthlink Municipal Services to provide seamless WIFI throughout Orange County California;

Coordinated external communication efforts for several corporate and business associations throughout Southern California.

2000 - 2005 Pacific West AOR Orange, CA

Government Affairs Director Provided strategic planning to implement pro-real estate policies and

community relations in 28 cities spanning 3 counties for 4 REALTOR® associations in Southern California;

Developed alliances with trade associations and community organizations;

Oversaw PAC expenditures increasing from $100,000 to over $250,000 per election cycle with an 82% success rate on a local level;

Expanded contract Government Affairs clients by 100% in 3 years.

1999 - 2000 U.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, D.C.

Subcommittee Clerk – Government Reform Committee Managed hearings and archiving of the most active committee in the

US House of Representatives;

Oversaw and evaluated the Y2K compliance of Federal Government.

Additional professional activities

2015 Los Angeles Business Federation Land Use Vice Chair

2014 Featured Speaker at the Public Affairs Council Government Affairs Conference on:- Political Action Committee Fundraising- Strategic Planning for Corporate Government Affairs Programs

2012-14 Featured Speaker at the National Association of REALTORS® Association Executives Institute on - REALTOR® Party Resources- Developing political programs in associations

2011-14 Featured Speaker at the American Society of Association Executives Government Affairs Conference- Political Message Development- Connecting Members with PAC Fundraising- Strategic Planning in Government Affairs Departments

2010-12 Partner in Auld Irisher Holdings, LLC – A multi-state restaurant chain focusing on Irish drink and fare

2010 Partner in Real Estate Education company – Regal Learning

2009 National Association of REALTORS® REALTOR® Certified Executive (RCE) Designation- One of the first Government Affairs Director, and first NAR GAD Chair, to attain this designation

2008 Development and approval of Department of Real Estate Continuing Education (CE) Offering- Only government affairs oriented CE Course in California

2006-2010 Rancho Santiago Community College District Bond Oversight Committee Vice Chairman- Overseeing implementation of a multi-billion dollar municipal bond for higher education in northern Orange County- Coordinated external communication on several issues, including crisis management

2006-2007 National Association of REALTORS® Chair of the Government Affairs Directors

- Conducted successful trainings for GADs nationwide

2004-2005 California Association of REALTORS® Chair of the Government Affairs Directors Subcommittee

- Developed educational series for 40+ GADs in 5 states on government relations strategies for 6 years

Education 1993 - 1997 Arizona State University Tempe, AZ

BA, Political Science Focus on intergovernmental and community relations

Professional memberships

American Society of Association Executives

Public Affairs Council

American Association of Political Consultants

American Association of Political Scientists

Public Relations Society of America- Public Affairs Section- Orange County Section

Orange Chamber of Commerce

Orange County Business Council

National Restaurant Association (Past Member)

California Restaurant Association (Past Member)- Orange County Chapter