Thomas Mills, Principal

Thomas Mills

Thomas Mills came to Democratic politics honestly—he was born there. His father, a judge, ran on the Democratic ticket for more than 25 years; his uncle served in both houses of the North Carolina legislature; and, in the election of 1932, his grandfather refused to let the Hoover Vacuum Cleaner salesman stay in his hotel.

Thomas has worked on campaigns that range from city council to the presidency and has earned the respect of colleagues across the country as an expert in direct mail targeting analysis. He has developed an impressive record of winning long-shot campaigns and offers extensive experience in issue advocacy, particularly for labor and environmental organizations.

When Thomas began producing direct mail, “cutting and pasting” meant scissors and glue stick and voter files were all too often kept on index cards. Since then, he has worked with some of the nation’s top mail firms. In 2002, he helped found The Campaign Network, a firm that quickly gained a reputation for cutting-edge mail and innovative strategies.

In 2004, Thomas served as a direct mail consultant to the Democratic National Committee's mail consortium, producing mail for the Presidential campaign. He oversaw the creation and delivery of all the Kerry-Edwards and Coordinated Campaign mail in New Hampshire – the only state to go from "red" to "blue."
Thomas has a fundamental belief that humor is an effective tool that can soften the blow while sharpening the contrast of a political message. His mail is known for an edge that catches the attention of both voters and the media. Several media organizations have featured his work for its skewering wit. In 2007, his work won three Pollie Awards, including the Gold, for Best Use of Humor in Direct Mail.

A former social worker, Thomas received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and his masters of Public Administration from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. When he's not traveling the country advising political campaigns, Thomas resides in Carrboro, North Carolina with his wife, three children, and hound dog, Gracie.

F.J. Ventre, Art Director

F.J. Ventre

When F. J. Ventre graduated from college, he never imagined himself working on political campaigns. A musician at heart, he began his career as a graphic designer to help pay the bills. Initially, his business was based in the music industry, working for trade magazines and designing album covers.

In 2000, he left his native Boston to move to North Carolina and, in 2003, began working with Thomas Mills, designing political direct mail for The Campaign Network. F. J. became an integral part of the firm’s creative team. His work has won numerous awards, including the Gold Pollie Awards for Best Presidential Mail in 2005 and Best Use of Humor in 2007.

In addition to graphic design, F. J. has used his talent as a photographer to ensure he gets the shot he needs. Several of his most accomplished design works incorporate elements from his photographs.

As Art Director, F. J. oversees the work of other artists to ensure they meet The Campaign Network standard. He is also responsible for working with printers to ensure the seamless transfer of art to the print shop and overseeing quality control.

When not designing, you can find F. J. playing upright bass in several bands. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and does his best to stay well-informed on all minutiae associated with the Boston Red Sox, but is also a UNC Tarheel basketball fan by marriage.