LI Grad Interview: From chairing the Arlington GOP to becoming President of APL Consulting, Andrew Loposser consults the conservative movement

Meet Andrew Loposser, a Leadership Institute (LI) grad and grassroots activist. 


For the past decade, Andrew has been politically active in the Northern Virginia community, Chairing the Arlington GOP and 8th District GOP Congressional Committee - taking the challenge directly to progressives in deep-blue Northern Virginia.  


Andrew is President of APL Consulting, where he helps new Republican candidates navigate how to run for office and win. For more than 15 years, he’s worked on the ground with candidates at the local, state, and federal level — from strategy and messaging to organizing and voter targeting. 


In my recent interview with Andrew Loposser, we discussed his background and how he decided to become active in politics. He even offers some advice for conservative activists and candidates. 


Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm originally from Charlotte, NC, but I've been in Virginia for the past decade, and I consider it home. I've spent all ten of those years in Arlington County. I'm one of those rare people who came to the DC area and stayed. I live in the Ballston neighborhood with my wife, Emily, and black lab, Lucy.?  As a leader inside the conservative movement, who are some of the people who aided you most in helping you get to where you are today?  

Hands down, Matthew Hurtt. Matthew was the first conservative activist and GOP party member I met when I moved to Arlington County. He helped get me involved with the local unit committee and introduced me to individuals who would become some of my closest friends and mentors.  


I also owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Morton Blackwell. I credit the Leadership Institute for much of my professional success, and none of that would have been possible without Morton. 


What is a valuable lesson you have learned from being the President of APL Consulting?
Growing a company requires dedication. As a small business owner, you are constantly working to grow your business and develop yourself professionally. Since starting my company, the most valuable thing I've learned is that you have to invest in yourself and have a growth mindset.


Have Leadership Institute trainings helped you in your career and activism?
I've taken several trainings at the Leadership Institute, so it's hard to be concise with this answer. I'll narrow it down to three areas: campaign management, coalition building, and public speaking.  

I use the lessons I've learned from LI trainings on those issues weekly and implement them into my campaigns with clients.

The Campaign Management School and the Public Speaking trainings with Rick Tyler are two of my favorite LI trainings.


What is one piece of advice you would offer to conservative grassroots activists?  

Keep showing up. Keep on the pressure. Keep learning how to fight for our principles and philosophy. This fight is never over. As Morton always says, "You owe it to your philosophy to learn how to win."