AFPI Expands Leadership Team to Further Advance the America First Movement

Washington, D.C. – The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) announced an expanded leadership team today to further advance the America First movement and policies that put the American people first. These additions continue AFPI’s growth trajectory and build on the strong foundation laid by its original team of Brooke Rollins, Larry Kudlow and Linda McMahon, who ensured its success over the past four years.

Greg Sindelar, chief executive officer of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), steps in as interim president and chief executive officer of AFPI. He joined TPPF in 2007, leading the Foundation through remarkable growth, averaging over 25% per year. As CEO since 2021, he has overseen TPPF’s policy, communications, and development efforts. Greg now brings his experience in leading high-growth organizations to AFPI, where he will continue advancing common-sense policies that uphold America’s core principles.

“These appointments reflect our commitment to securing the future of our nation,” said Sindelar. “We’re continuing our momentum and embracing the opportunities ahead. I’m honored to lead AFPI as we advance policies that ensure America thrives for generations to come.”

New leadership appointments include:

• David Bernhardt expands his work with AFPI as executive vice president, focusing on litigation and research. He serves as chair of AFPI’s Center for American Freedom and the former 53rd secretary of the Department of the Interior, overseeing federal land management, energy policy, and environmental regulations.

“I was proud to work in the first administration of President Trump, delivering an America First agenda for four years.” said Bernhardt. “Now, it's time to further support, expand and extend that agenda for the next four years and beyond. I can't think of a better place to do that than AFPI, the home of the America First movement.”

• Chad Wolf will serve as executive vice president and chief strategy officer, focusing on policy development and government affairs. He serves as Chair of AFPI’s Center for Homeland Security & Immigration and previously served as acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and is the founder of Wolf Global Advisors, with expertise in national security, immigration, and border security.
• Jessica Hart Steinmann will serve as executive general counsel, responsible for AFPI’s litigation efforts as well as risk management and compliance. A former senior DOJ official, as director of the Office for Victims of Crime, she oversaw nearly $9 billion in funding, including the largest federal support to combat human trafficking.
• Ashley Hayek will serve as executive vice president, focusing on policy campaigns, state policy efforts and grassroots engagement. She previously served as AFPI’s chief engagement officer and also serves as president of America First Works, AFPI’s sister organization. A political strategist with more than 15 years of experience, she was the national coalitions director for the Donald J. Trump for President 2020 campaign.
• Martin Gillespie will serve as executive vice president, focusing on development, communications, marketing, digital, and events. He previously served as AFPI’s chief development officer and has more than 25 years of experience in the conservative movement, with roles at The Heritage Foundation, the RNC, the DOJ, and the Hill, including extensive campaign management experience.
• Alexandra Caro Campana assumes the role of chief operating officer, bringing her experience as director of AFPI’s Center for 1776 and the Center for Opportunity Now. She spent three years in the Trump White House, working at the Office of Management and Budget and the Domestic Policy Council, where she led space and child welfare policy.
• John Rogers, executive director of America First Works, has extensive experience in politics, including eight years at the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), where he helped secure the largest Republican majority since WWII. He created the NRCC's Data and Polling Departments and pioneered innovative voter strategies. John is also the Co-Founder of Torchlight Strategies, a D.C.-based firm specializing in Polling, Data, and Media.
• Erika Donalds, a prominent advocate for education reform and dedicated community leader, joins AFPI as chair of the Center for Education Opportunity and chair of the AFPI-Florida State Chapter. Donalds’ leadership will drive AFPI’s mission to empower parents, expand educational opportunities, and advance the principles of the America First movement in Florida and beyond.
• Robert Wilkie, former Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and former Under Secretary of the Department of Defense, becomes co-chair of AFPI’s Center for American Security. Wilkie currently serves as a distinguished fellow for the Center for American Security. He is a lecturer, a senior national security media analyst, and a colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve.
• Mike Garcia, chair of the California State Chapter, is a former U.S. Representative for California’s 27th District. A decorated U.S. Navy officer and businessman, he was among the first F/A-18 Super Hornet pilots and flew more than 30 combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Before public service, he worked in aerospace, focusing on national security and economic policy.