RICK REED
IN MEMORIAM - May 24, 1953 – August 17, 2022
Revered GOP media strategist Rick Reed cemented his place in political history with the “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth” campaign, and as the ad man for Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential primary upset.
Rick’s Swift Boat ads played a significant role in shaping public opinion around the 2004 presidential election and ultimately influenced the outcome in favor of a victory for George W. Bush. The significance of this campaign introduced a new term, “Swiftboat”, to the political lexicon.
Tucker Carlson said, “Rick Reed is the smartest political consultant I know. And also the most decent.”
NICK WARD
Nick Ward is a political creative director and media strategist known for sharp storytelling with viral reach. Mentored by the late Rick Reed—architect of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth campaign—Nick specializes in hard-hitting broadcast, connected TV, and high-impact digital campaigns.
Nick contributed to major wins including defeating Terry McAuliffe, flipping Virginia to Glenn Youngkin, and stopping corporate marijuana legalization in Arkansas. In the 2024 cycle, Nick produced targeted media supporting Donald J. Trump and brought a filmmaker’s precision to persuasion to key Republican races across the country.
Nick wrote and produced the viral “Weekend at Biden’s” parody (1M+ views in 48 hours; 5.5M+ on TikTok). He has collaborated with David Zucker on comedy-driven political concepts, and his work has drawn response from Eric Idle of Monty Python.
DAVID ZUCKER
David Zucker is the legendary writer and director behind the iconic comedies Airplane!, The Naked Gun, and the Scary Movie franchise. A pioneer of modern parody, Zucker’s films have defined American satire for over four decades.
Zucker has collaborated with Nick Ward on comedy-driven political concepts and narrative development, bringing Hollywood-level comedic instincts to select Swift Boat Project creative initiatives. His influence helps elevate the project’s satirical edge while aligning with its mission of sharp, strategic storytelling.
JIM MURPHY
Jim “Murph” Murphy is a veteran of political campaigns, having served as the National Political Director for Donald J. Trump for President and Director of the Independent Expenditure for Mitt Romney for President.
With decades of experience, Jim Murphy provides strategic counsel to political and corporate clients from Fortune 100 companies and trade associations in tackling some of the foremost challenges they face as business interests intersect with legislative and regulatory policies at the state and federal level.
Jim Murphy is an expert in crisis communications, strategic planning, and public affairs.