39]
Transition and post-election activities Edit
After the election, Ayers was named as a senior adviser to the Presidential Transition, part of the group replacing the earlier team headed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.[40] Again, as after the 2010 election, Ayers's name was prominently mentioned as a candidate for chairman of the Republican National Committee.[41][42] Ayers made the final cut, with strong backing from Pence and presidential adviser Steve Bannon,[43] but ended runner-up to Michigan's Ronna Romney McDaniel.
In January 2017, Ayers and three other Trump-Pence aides were named as principals of America First Policies, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to defending the Administration's policies.[3]
Ayers was seen as playing an influential role in advising Trump to name two Georgians—Sonny Perdue and Congressman Tom Price—to the Cabinet.[44] "Georgia walks away with two of the most consequential Cabinet secretaries who happen to be the two most qualified for the job," said Ayers. "It's a testament to the president's extraordinary decision making and his appreciation to Georgia."
In March 2017, BuzzFeed reported that Ayers was a major investor in Independent Journal Review, a news website geared to young conservatives, with phenomenal growth in recent years.[45] Ayers does not exercise any editorial control over the site's content, it was reported.[46] Ayers Family Holdings also provides seed capital to Georgia-based startups in the healthcare and technology industry, and reportedly has invested millions nationally in technology, financial services, and healthcare products.[47]
Holmsted, LLC, another private Ayers firm, was founded in 2014 and invested millions in Georgia forestry and pecans.[48]
