Michael Thielen

Michael Thielen has served as the Republican National Lawyers Association’s Executive Director since 2000. He graduated from the University of California Los Angeles (B.A. History, 1989) and Pepperdine School of Law (J.D., 1993). Michael worked previously for the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 1994 through the 1996 election. At the end of the cycle, he worked as a Senior Research Analyst for the RNC. In this position, he uncovered the connection between Arief Wiriadinata and the Clinton administration, which became the Chinese Campaign Finance scandal or the John Huang scandal. He also helped to uncover information linking the Clintons to alleged Mafia Union Boss Arthur Coia. After leaving the RNC, Michael worked for candidates for elected office in Virginia including candidates for Congress, Attorney General and the Virginia House of Delegates. In the latter, he worked for a candidate who unseated a 22-year incumbent. In addition, Michael has executed independent research projects for candidates for Federal and State office. Michael has also worked for conservative advocacy organizations.