Annie’s List hires Van Cleve

Annie’s List announced Tuesday the hiring of well-known political professionals Genevieve Van Cleve and Laurie Felker Jones. Van Cleve will serve as political director and will focus on races that are difficult to win, as well as on recruiting new candidates and training. Felker Jones plans to work on incumbent protection, according to a news release from the group. Annie’s List is a statewide organization that focuses on recruiting, training, supporting and electing progressive women in Texas. Van Cleve is returning to the organization, where she served as deputy political director from 2009 to 2013. Both Van Cleve and Felker Jones have extensive political experience. Van Cleve’s most recent campaign involved an effort to get Travis County voters to approve bonds for a new courthouse. Prior to that, she worked on the successful campaign to elect Sarah Eckhardt as Travis County judge. Felker Jones, who joined Annie’s List in April, has been active in political campaigns and lobbying on behalf of women’s causes for the past 20 years. Patsy Woods Martin, executive director of Annie’s List, noted that 2016 campaigns are well underway. “Annie’s List is committed to having the resources we need to advance candidates and those considering running to improve the lives of Texas women and our families,” Martin said.