(SAINT PAUL, Minn.) - Adding 20 years of experience to a key position, 2008 Republican National Convention President and CEO Maria Cino today announced the appointment of Rachel Card Kahler as the Director of Official Proceedings.

This is Kahler's fifth GOP convention, having served in various operations roles in the Houston (1992), San Diego (1996), and Philadelphia (2000) conventions; and as Deputy Director of Operations at the New York convention in 2004.

"Rachel's veteran leadership will be an asset to our convention planning, as we prepare for the most exciting and energetic convention in Republican history," Cino said. "The official proceedings of our convention are key to presenting Sen. John McCain's vision to the world, and successfully launching him on to the White House."

Kahler's responsibilities include the line-by-line production of the convention, including the scheduling of participants and working with the convention's executive producer to run the official program. Kahler will manage a staff of more than 50 people who will ensure the proper following of parliamentary procedures in the nomination of Sen. McCain and the Republican vice-presidential candidate, and the adoption of the rules and platform of the Republican National Committee for the next four years.

"Our convention will be the center of the political universe, and I am honored to have a role in helping nominate Sen. McCain," Kahler said. "I am very proud to be a Republican, and very proud to do my part in presenting our party, and our presidential nominee, to the people of America and the world."

A lifelong Republican, Kahler began her career in politics at the age of four, gathering signatures for her father, former White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card, in his run for the Massachusetts State House of Representatives. She has also worked on political campaigns at the local, state and federal levels in Massachusetts, Virginia, South Carolina, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and California. In addition, she has spent time on Capitol Hill serving in several roles for former Rep. Peter Blute (R-MA).

About the Republican National Convention
The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from September 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com.