Mary Ellen Beatty is no stranger to grassroots politics.  As Director of Citizen Outreach at the Franklin Center, she has played a major role in launching the new citizen journalism initiative, organizing training sessions and developing curriculum.

Previously, she oversaw communications for Americans for Prosperity’s 32 state chapters where she worked with state directors on messaging and media outreach during the health care debate, and the fight against cap-and-trade legislation.

Mary Ellen also worked at the Leadership Institute.  She came well equipped for this job after establishing her own conservative newspaper, The Warrior, while attending Marquette University, where she graduated with degrees in journalism and political science.

Mary Ellen is originally from Waukegan, Illinois and now resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband, who is a member of the U.S. army.