ATLANTIC COUNTY REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN KEITH DAVIS TO RECOGNIZE RON FILAN AS “SEASHELL AWARD” RECIPIENT

February 2, 2022

For Immediate Release
Atlantic County Republican Chairman Keith Davis today announced that Ron Filan would be the party’s Republican of the Year, receiving the “Seashell Award” that is given at the organization’s annual convention next month.

Filan is currently the campaign manager for Congressman Jeff Van Drew. Filan successfully managed the Congressman’s 2020 reelection campaign, despite being outspent by the Democratic opponent, Amy Kennedy. Van Drew’s victory marks the first and only time that a member of the well-known Kennedy family was defeated by a Republican in a federal election. Filan started his political career as a Stockton College Republican and volunteer for then Assembly candidate Vince Polistina in 2007 when the current Senator ran with Senator Sonny McCullough and Assemblyman John Amodeo.

Chairman Davis then hired Filan as the executive director of the Atlantic County Republican Committee.

Filan went on to serve in a variety of roles including Political Director for the Republican State Committee and New Jersey State Director for the Republican National Committee.

“Directly and indirectly, Ron Filan has helped elect many Atlantic County Republicans,” said Chairman Keith Davis. “He’s always there with a helping hand, friendly advice and a solid sense of humor.

“In addition, with the generosity of Congressman Jeff Van Drew, Ron has overseen his campaign headquarters in Northfield which all of our candidates have benefitted from in the past two cycles.”

Past recipients of the Seashell Award include: Jerry Zappariello (deceased), Harry Brown (deceased), Sonya Harris, Joe Cafero, Bob Croce, JoAnne Amodeo, Terry Lucarelli, Maureen Bugdon, Don Guardian, Bill Mangels (deceased), Cyndi Balles, Phil Guenther, Randy Lafferty, Rosalie & Richard Baker, Jeff Van Drew and Chris Brown.

Atlantic County Republicans have scheduled their convention for Saturday, March 5 at the Carriage House in Galloway Township. A free continental breakfast for party members will begin at 9:00 a.m. Convention proceedings will begin at 9:30 a.m.

The party will entertain nominations for Congress, At-Large Commissioner and District 1 and 4 Commissioners. NJGOP Chairman Bob Hugin will be the keynote speaker.