The Republican Governors Association announced Monday that Phil Cox will serve as executive director for the 2012 cycle.

Cox, who replaces outgoing executive director Nick Ayers, was an RGA operative in 2010, as well as a close adviser to Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.
 
In 2009, Cox helped McDonnell, now the RGA vice chairman, easily win the governor’s race over Democrat Creigh Deeds one year after President Barack Obama became the first Democrat to carry the state in 40 years.
 
“Phil’s experience as a successful campaign manager, senior adviser to a governor, and RGA political staffer gives him a unique perspective on the critical role RGA plays both in winning campaigns and supporting our governors in advancing good public policy,” RGA Chairman Rick Perry said in a statement.
 
An RGA release stated that Cox, a Hingham, Mass., native, has been campaign manager or general consultant to more than 100 campaigns in the last 10 years. That includes his work for the RGA in 2010, helping Republicans win the governorships in Florida and Pennsylvania.
 
Politico first reported the news.

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