Kevin Madden
Kevin Madden

Kevin Madden, a top Republican communications operative, has joined Arnold Ventures philanthropy as executive VP-advocacy.

The former national spokesperson for Mitt Romney's 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns will help integrate the PR/communications strategies of AV with its policy and research capabilities.

He will also position the Houston-based organization, which was founded by Texas billionaire & former Enron trader John Arnold and his wife Laura, as a leader in public policy debates surrounding healthcare, education, criminal justice and government reform at the federal/state/local levels.

Madden also worked as press secretary for House Republican majority leaders Tom DeLay and John Boehner and George W. Bush's 2004 presidential run.

Between Romney's presidential quests, Madden was managing director at the Democratic-leaning Glover Park Group.

He joins AV from the GOP-oriented Hamilton Place Strategies, where he was a partner.