Paul Fitzpatrick

This overview of Paul Fitzpatrick, a key figure shaping conservative strategies in political and advocacy circles, particularly concerning corporate activism and potential links to Project 2025. We will explore his career, affiliations, and impact on policy, focusing on his role in countering ESG policies and promoting ideological neutrality in corporations.

Paul Fitzpatrick’s Role at the 1792 Exchange and Beyond

Paul Fitzpatrick currently serves as the President of the 1792 Exchange, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to shielding non-profits, small businesses, and philanthropy from corporations they deem “woke.” The 1792 Exchange aims to educate Congress and stakeholder organizations about the perceived dangers of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) policies and steer public companies back to ideological neutrality.

Formed in 2021 by business leaders and families, the 1792 Exchange combats what it calls “woke capitalism” through various means. This includes creating model contracts and pamphlets for its allies and utilizing a tracking tool called the Spotlight Report, which grades companies on their likelihood to cancel contracts or deny services based on views or beliefs. The organization is a gold-level sponsor of the State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF) and Paul Fitzpatrick also sits on the SFOF’s board of directors. In January 2023, 1792 Exchange named former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron CEO.

Before his role with the 1792 Exchange, Fitzpatrick served as deputy chief of staff for Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) and as chief of staff for then Congressman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.). In 2022 and 2023, 1792 Exchange paid $1.3 million to Paul Watkins’s Fusion Law for “program support.”

Project 2025 and the 1792 Exchange’s Alignment

Given the 1792 Exchange’s focus on countering ESG policies and promoting ideological neutrality in corporations, its work could align with aspects of Project 2025 that seek to limit the influence of progressive agendas in government and the private sector. Paul Fitzpatrick’s leadership role within the 1792 Exchange positions him as an influential figure in shaping conservative strategies related to these issues. His work with the 1792 Exchange and its mission to influence corporate behavior to protect freedom of speech, religion, and free enterprise makes his role in conservative politics important to follow.

Paul Fitzpatrick’s Background and Political Career

Before his current roles, Paul Fitzpatrick spent nearly 20 years with the Family Research Council, a Christian Right activist organization, and served as director of development for Freedom Partners (now Stand Together), a group backed by the Koch brothers. Fitzpatrick’s career also includes stints as deputy chief of staff for Senator Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) and chief of staff for Congressman Mark Meadows (R-N.C.).

These experiences likely equipped him with skills in fundraising, coalition building, and navigating the complex landscape of conservative activism. The common threads throughout Fitzpatrick’s career point to a consistent dedication to advancing conservative principles within both the political and cultural spheres. As president of the 1792 Exchange, a board member for the State Financial Officers Foundation, and a member of ALEC, Fitzpatrick is at the center of a network of organizations working to shape the future of corporate America and public policy. His participation in events such as the Heritage Foundation’s Resource Bank meeting and the SFOF Fall National Meeting further illustrates his active engagement in these efforts.

Paul Fitzpatrick and Project 2025: Unpacking the Connection

Project 2025 is a comprehensive plan for the next conservative presidential administration. While Paul Fitzpatrick’s direct involvement might not be explicitly stated, his affiliations with organizations like the Heritage Foundation (through speaking engagements) and his work aligning corporate values with conservative principles through the 1792 Exchange raise questions about his potential influence. The 1792 Exchange, under Paul Fitzpatrick’s leadership, actively campaigns against Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines for investors, framing them as “woke capitalism.” This stance aligns with Project 2025’s broader objective of integrating conservative values into various sectors, including corporate America. Paul Fitzpatrick has also been identified as a speaker at events alongside members of organizations connected to Project 2025, such as the State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF) and ALEC, further suggesting a connection to the conservative agenda promoting Project 2025’s goals.

Paul Fitzpatrick’s Speaking Engagements and Focus

As president of the 1792 Exchange, Paul Fitzpatrick has focused on combating what he perceives as “woke” corporate practices, especially concerning ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing. He views these policies as threats to free exercise, free speech, and free enterprise.

In one speaking engagement, Paul Fitzpatrick discussed the backlash against corporations like Bud Light, Disney, Target, and Nike, arguing that these companies have embraced agendas that many of their customers reject. He advocates for corporations to prioritize producing goods and services over engaging in political agendas and encourages states to divest from companies that boycott core industries, promoting economic freedom.

Fitzpatrick has highlighted a perceived shift in corporate alignment from Republicans to the left, particularly after the UN promoted the ESG agenda. He points to a growing resistance from states against ESG, with state treasurers and attorneys general challenging asset managers’ fiduciary duties and raising concerns about potential antitrust violations.

Through his speaking engagements, it’s clear that reclaiming corporate America from perceived “woke” agendas and promoting economic freedom are central to his mission.

The 1792 Exchange: Mission and Strategies to Combat “Woke” Corporate Behavior

Understanding the 1792 Exchange is crucial to understanding Fitzpatrick’s current focus on conservative corporate activism. This organization, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, was formed in 2021 with a specific mission: to counter what it defines as “woke” corporate behavior.

The 1792 Exchange aims to protect non-profits, small businesses, and philanthropy from corporations perceived as pushing ideological agendas. According to the 1792 Exchange, these “woke” corporations enforce “soft totalitarianism” by threatening First Amendment freedoms. The organization aims to steer public companies back to neutrality on ideological issues, allowing them to serve shareholders and customers effectively.

To achieve this, the 1792 Exchange employs several strategies:

• Providing pro-bono research and resources to organizations facing viewpoint discrimination.
• Creating educational materials for policymakers.
• Developing the Corporate Bias Ratings to assess companies based on their alignment with Christian and conservative values.

Corporate Bias Ratings: Assessing Corporate Alignment with Conservative Values

A key element of the 1792 exchange strategy is the Corporate Bias Ratings. These ratings evaluate companies based on six criteria, each designed to identify potential bias against conservative viewpoints:

1. Denied service based on beliefs
2. Discriminatory charitable giving policies
3. Employment policies failing to protect against discrimination
4. Using corporate reputation to support hostile ideological causes
5. Using corporate funds to advance hostile ideological causes
6. Using corporate political contributions for ideological purposes

Companies receive an overall risk rating of High, Medium, or Lower Risk based on their performance across these criteria. The 1792 Exchange also tracks corporate activism, such as signing the Business Roundtable’s Stakeholder Capitalism Pledge, achieving 100% on the Corporate Equality Index, joining Net Zero Climate Alliances, offering Abortion Travel Payments, and participating in GARM.

Concerns and Criticisms Surrounding Paul Fitzpatrick’s Activities and Affiliations

Concerns surrounding Paul Fitzpatrick’s activities center on his roles within organizations actively campaigning against ESG investing and perceived “woke capitalism.” He serves as president of the 1792 Exchange, an at-large board member of the State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF), and a member of the Private Enterprise Advisory Council serving the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). His involvement with these groups raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the ethical implications of his efforts to influence corporate values and public policy.

Ethical Considerations and Controversies

The 1792 Exchange, under Paul Fitzpatrick’s leadership, aims to “protect and equip nonprofits, small businesses, and philanthropy from ‘woke capitalism’” and to educate stakeholders about the dangers of ESG policies. Some view this as an attempt to steer public companies away from considering environmental and social factors in their business decisions, prioritizing instead a narrow focus on shareholder value. The organization maintains a “Spotlight Report” that grades companies based on their perceived alignment with or opposition to “woke” ideologies, potentially creating pressure for corporations to adhere to specific political viewpoints.

Additionally, the SFOF, where Paul Fitzpatrick holds a board position, has faced scrutiny for its stance against ESG investing. Critics argue that by opposing ESG, these organizations may be hindering efforts to address critical environmental and social issues, potentially prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term sustainability and social responsibility. The SFOF ethics issues raise questions about whether his dual roles present a conflict of interest, particularly if his work with the 1792 Exchange influences his decisions or actions within the SFOF.

The 1792 Exchange controversy is fueled by its active efforts to combat “woke capitalism” through various means, including preparing model contracts and sharing research with allies. Some critics contend that the 1792 exchange controversy is rooted in its fueling of a right-wing “manufactured crisis” around ESG investing, potentially misrepresenting the goals and impact of sustainable investing practices.

Conclusion: Assessing Paul Fitzpatrick’s Impact and Influence

Paul Fitzpatrick is a significant figure in contemporary conservative activism. His leadership roles at the 1792 Exchange and the State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF), coupled with his participation in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) as a member of its Private Enterprise Advisory Council, position him as a key player in shaping conservative strategies. Further research is needed to fully understand the extent of his influence, particularly concerning projects like Project 2025. Paul Fitzpatrick stands as a prominent figure within the contemporary conservative movement, spearheading efforts to develop policies and resources aimed at shielding organizations from what he and his allies term “woke activism.” His involvement with the SFOF amplifies his influence within conservative financial circles. The paul fitzpatrick influence is a key part of the conservative movement.

Assets

• The 1792 Exchange logo (available on their website: [https://1792exchange.com/])
• Screenshots of the Spotlight Report interface (if available, to illustrate their tracking efforts)
• Image of Paul Fitzpatrick speaking at a conservative event (as indicated by img_alt)

Relevant URLs

• 1792 Exchange website: [https://1792exchange.com/about/]
• Paul Fitzpatrick’s LinkedIn profile: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-fitzpatrick3]
• Sourcewatch page on 1792 Exchange: [https://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/1792_Exchange]
• Paul Fitzpatrick - Christian Employers Alliance [https://christianemployers.org/paul-fitzpatrick/]