Ohio Roots with Global Reach

Hi everyone,

We’re pleased to announce a major expansion of the firm, and for me, it’s a “Back to the Future” moment.

David Dettman is joining us as Vice President, based in Cleveland, where he will be handing not only domestic work primarily in the Midwest but will also lead our international work. And, I have had the pleasure of working with David when he was Ohio State Director for Progressive Majority at the same time that I was the National Political Director.

David Dettman has more than 30 years of experience in political campaigns, public affairs, government relations, and strategic communications. He has managed and advised campaigns at every level, from local races to presidential campaigns, and has worked with political parties, advocacy organizations, elected officials, labor unions, and civic institutions in the United States and more than 20 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Prior to joining CN4 Partners, David held leadership positions with Aristotle International, the National Democratic Institute, Democracy International, and the American Bar Association. His international work focused on political party development, elections, coalition building, voter engagement, strategic communications, and democratic governance. He served as NDI’s Country Director in Ukraine during the period leading up to the Orange Revolution, Regional Political Advisor for the Levant based in Jerusalem, and Chief of Party for a democracy assistance program in Bangladesh.

In Ohio, David served as Ohio State Director for Progressive Majority, helping recruit, train, and elect candidates to state and local office. He later managed Jennifer Brunner’s U.S. Senate campaign, chronicled in Cupcakes and Courage, and served in the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, where he worked on election administration, voter education, and public policy initiatives.

David’s work has been featured in George Packer’s The Assassin’s Gate and Mark MacKinnon’s The New Cold War. In 2005, he received the Heroic Order Medal from the Government of Ukraine for his contributions to democratic development.

A native of Cleveland, David grew up in a union household where he learned that the power of organizing can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles. As a fan of Cleveland sports teams, he learned the importance of allowing hope to triumph over experience.

Please join us in welcoming David by sending him an email at david@cn4partners.com or text him at 202-445-4157.

– Dean Nielsen