Our Staff - Executive Director

Mark A. Lotwis
Executive Director
Named Executive Director in September 2007, Mark Lotwis is responsible for overseeing the day to day operations of Twenty-First Century Democrats including supervising and hiring staff, fundraising, financial compliance, and managing all political, communications, and field operations. Mark first joined Twenty-First Century Democrats in February 2006 as Executive Vice President.

Prior to coming to Twenty-First Century Democrats, Mark was a Partner at Strother Duffy Strother, and a Partner and Senior Vice President at MacWilliams, Robinson & Partners. At both firms, Mark served as a media advisor to Members of Congress, statewide candidates, and numerous progressive political clients. In his role as a media consultant, Mark has developed strategic campaign message and produced radio and TV spots for many political clients.

Throughout the years, Mark has produced awarding winning media, including a first place Pollie award in 1999. He was named a Rising Star of American Politics by Campaigns & Elections magazine in 2000.

Mark previously served as Chief of Staff for Congressman Ted Strickland (D - OH) from 1997 to 1998, administering all aspects of the Congressional office. A veteran of campaigns, Mark co-authored the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s book on strategic campaign planning and execution, The 1996 Campaign Planning Workbook, which has been re-published by the DCCC.

During the 1994 and 1996 election cycles, Mark served as the Western Field Director and Campaign Planning Director (respectively) at the DCCC. Acting as a general consultant, he traveled to over 70 Congressional districts in 35 states to assist incumbents and top challenger candidates write finance plans, budgets, campaign plans, and develop campaign strategy, theme, and message.

Prior to his service at the DCCC, Mark was the campaign manager for two successful campaigns. Mark managed the successful 1992 reelection campaign of Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D - NY), helping Slaughter lead the Democratic ticket by finishing 11% ahead of President Clinton. Mark also managed the successful 1991 reelection campaign of New Jersey State Senator John Girgenti.

From 1986 to 1990, Mark was the Assistant Director of The American University’s Campaign Management Institute, a nationally recognized bipartisan campaign management training program. Mark currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Campaign Management Institute.

Mark’s career in public service began when he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group in 1983. Mark led the 1983 reorganization of NJPIRG, hiring a new executive director and staff, initiating the NJPIRG citizen canvass operation, and refocusing the group on campus organizing. In addition, he was the Ramapo College State Representative to the NJPIRG Board of Directors in 1982 and 1983.

Mark completed his Ph.D. in Political Science from The American University in 1993, receiving the honor of Distinction for his overall Oral and written American Politics comprehensive examinations. Mark received his Bachelor of Science from Ramapo College of New Jersey in 1983, graduating magna cum laude with college honors, double-majoring in Political Science and Human Ecology.