Think Tank Names New President

The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs (OCPA), the state’s leading think tank promoting limited government and free market policy solutions, is proud to announce that Michael Carnuccio will become President of the organization effective immediately.

“I am extremely passionate about this organization’s mission to educate Oklahomans consistent with the principles of free enterprise, limited government, and individual initiative,” said Carnuccio.  “Across this nation - from Cordell, Oklahoma to states like Massachusetts and New Jersey - the message has been loud and clear: It is time to put government on a diet.”  

Carnuccio received both his Master’s Degree in Political Science and his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Oklahoma State University, where he has lectured as adjunct faculty in the Political Science Department.  
"Michael is a leading voice in the cause of advancing liberty,” noted OCPA chairman Dr. David R. Brown. 

"His leadership and energy will expand OCPA’s message of limited government and individual freedom across our state.  Michael’s gift of communication makes him uniquely capable of connecting entrepreneurs, legislators and everyday citizens with the importance of a free market economy and the need to apply the Constitution to our decision making process,” Brown added.

Carnuccio comes to OCPA from a distinguished career in the conservative movement, including roles as Senior Advisor with Oklahomans for Responsible Government and as the Director of Public Affairs for the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He also worked for Saxum Strategic Communications, now Saxum PR, considered the state’s fastest-growing public relations firm.

In his role as President, Carnuccio will be responsible for developing and implementing the vision of OCPA and growing the organization.

“We are pleased to bring Michael’s experience and passion to OCPA,” said Blake Arnold, chairman of OCPA’s presidential selection committee.  “He will be a valuable asset for expanding our message and developing our organization in the coming years.”

Carnuccio lives in Yukon with his wife Kayla Ann.

OCPA (www.ocpathink.org is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank which formulates public policy research and analysis consistent with the principles of free enterprise, limited government, and individual initiative.  Coming up for OCPA is Congressman Paul Ryan as the featured speaker for the OCPA annual Citizenship Dinner held at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum on the evening of March 31, 2010.