WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, The Ripon Society’s 39ers Group gathered for their monthly meeting. Inspired by the age Theodore Roosevelt was when he led the Rough Riders, the purpose of The Ripon 39ers Group is to build relationships among young policy and political professionals at a time when establishing a career network is a critical part of the job.

The meeting featured remarks by House Rules Committee Staff Director Hugh Halpern, who explained the often misunderstood work of his committee and how rules are determined to effectuate the legislative process. Halpern, who has been with the House Rules Committee since 2005, noted that his committee is also responsible for acting as Parliamentarian and establishing the rules for the Republican National Convention in Cleveland next month.

“Hugh has an excellent command of parliamentarian rule, and the rare ability to explain it to others,” stated Jim Conzelman, the President & CEO of The Ripon Society. “Not only is the House fortunate to have him overseeing legislation and implementing strategies to achieve leadership goals, but our party is fortunate to have him guiding the rules process at the convention this summer. Convention rules are appropriately referred to as ‘archaic,’ and so we want to have someone behind the scenes that inspires confidence that everything will go along smoothly. Hugh is that guy.”

Thursday’s meeting was organized by three “39ers” who currently serve on The Ripon Society’s staff: David Sweeney, who serves as the Society’s Deputy Policy Director, its Communications and Policy Associate Janessa Lopez, and the Policy Director Stephen Jackson. Additionally, the 39ers Group is advised by its leadership team who work to promote membership and guide each meeting’s discussion. Currently serving as Co-Chairs are Blair Ellis, Courtney Rosellini, and Darien Flowers, who attended last night for the first time as a Co-Chair.

Conzelman noted that the next meeting of the 39ers Group will occur on Thursday, July 14, just days before the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. “It’s an opportunity to get together one last time before the convention and the long summer recess. For many in this group, Cleveland will be their first convention,” said Conzelman. “It will be helpful for them to discuss with their peers what they expect and how to make the most of this once-every-four-years event.”

The Ripon Society is a public policy organization that was founded in 1962 and takes its name from the town where the Republican Party was born in 1854 – Ripon, Wisconsin. One of the main goals of The Ripon Society is to promote the ideas and principles that have made America great and contributed to the GOP’s success. These ideas include keeping our nation secure, keeping taxes low and having a federal government that is smaller, smarter and more accountable to the people.