Holly M. Davis has over 15 years of political experience from which to draw upon in her work as a political trainer and educator. She has worked in State and local government, on campaigns, in election administration, and is an entrepreneur. Holly’s passion lies in political education and training. She has worked with over 300 potential candidates and political activists through her work as Executive Director of the Indiana Leadership Forum (2002-2010) and as Program Director of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service Series (1997-1999).
In 2007, Holly co-founded Gauge Market Research and holds the position of Vice President. Gauge Market Research clients include political candidates, advocacy organizations and businesses who are interested in public opinion polling and demographic trends. During the 2008 election cycle, GMR gained international attention for a series of public opinion polls covering the Indiana primary elections.
Holly was very active in Indiana politics. In 2003, Holly was elected Chairman of the Indiana Federation of Young Republicans, after serving two years as Vice Chairman. She was a member, Board Director, and First Vice President of the Greater Indianapolis Republican Women’s Club (1997-2010). She was a member of the Indianapolis Junior League, where she served on the Leadership Training Committee (2003-2008).
In 2006 & 2007, Holly was named a finalist for the Indiana Women’s Commission’s Torchbearer Award given to women who have forged new paths to make Indiana a better place to live, work and raise our families. In 2007, she was named a finalist in the Education and Non-profit category for Indy’s Best & Brightest. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels recognized Holly with the Distinguished Hoosier Award in 2010, one of the highest awards given by the state of Indiana to its citizens. Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard appointed Holly to represent the citizens of Indianapolis on the Marion County Alcoholic Beverage Commission, a position she held from 2008-2010.
In 2008, Holly ran in a Republican Slating contest for an open State Representative seat. Although she was unsuccessful, she learned a great deal and draws upon her experience when she speaks in front of groups, such as Smart Girl Politics Annual Summit, the Indiana Republican Convention, Indiana Young Republican Convention, and at countless county and city Republican Club meetings.
Holly earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History from Indiana University-Bloomington. She has completed course work at the Election Center, Campaigns & Elections Seminars (1999 & 2000), and is a 2007 alumnae of the Women’s Campaign School at Yale University.
In 2010, Holly moved with her family, husband, Michael, and their daughters, Maggie (11), Bella (8), and Vivie (4) to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. They attend St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where Holly is a member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court Kavanaugh #54 and serves as the Leader of her daughter’s 5th grade Girl Scout Troop.
