PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Democratic National Convention Committee is expanding its team in Philadelphia, adding six new directors to its staff.  Each of them brings a unique skill set and vast experience in their fields. These directors will help ensure that the 2016 Democratic Convention is the most diverse, engaging, forward-looking Convention ever.
 
“I am thrilled we have assembled such a strong and experienced team,” said Rev. Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the 2016 Democratic Convention. “Each these individuals brings a wealth of talent to help us make the 2016 Democratic Convention the most diverse, engaging and forward-looking Convention in history.”
 
Lisa Hargrove Ware, Director of Credentials
Lisa Hargrove served as Assistant to the National President of the American Federation of Government Employees and currently serves on the board of the National Labor Roundtable.  She was the Campaign Manager when Cheryle Jackson ran for US Senate in Illinois in 2009.  Lisa also served as the Director of Operations for the Office of the CEO of the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver. 
 
Karen Burchard, Director of Media Logistics
Karen Burchard brings more than 20 years of logistics, advance, campaign, and press experience in the government and private sector to the convention. She served as Director of Media Logistics at the 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte and Director of Press Operations for the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver. She has also worked at the Department of Education, the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction, and the White House.
 
Darryl Stanley, Director of Technology
Darryl Stanley has spent 10 years as an information technology leader. As a consultant, he got his first start in network management building the 2007 Nutter for Mayor Campaign’s IT infrastructure and services. Later with the City of Philadelphia, Darryl worked as an IT Program Manager for the Office of Emergency Management. His experience was put to the test directing the technology services at the Pennsylvania Convention Center for more than 250 annual events. He also oversaw the technology installation projects for the 2011 building expansion from 1 million square feet to more than 2 million square feet.  In his spare time he coaches the Philadelphia Phoenix, a professional ultimate Frisbee team as well as the University of Pennsylvania's men's ultimate Frisbee team.
 
Casey Frary, Director of Operations
Casey Frary brings ten years of professional political experience to the Convention. She recently managed Doug Owens (UT-04) campaign for US Congress – a highly-competitive race during the 2014 cycle. Her experience includes serving as Managing Director for political consulting firm, Southpaw Associates and Legislative Affairs Director for the American Foreign Service Association.  Casey has also served as a Senior Legislative Assistant on Capitol Hill and has managed several political campaigns.
 
Jean Doherty, Director of Housing
Jean Doherty’s career has always focused on public or non-profit service having worked for municipal and state government in Boston and for the Jewish Federation in Boca Raton, FL.  This will be the third Democratic Convention she has worked on. At the Democratic National Committee, Jean served as the Director of the Secretary’s Office and in Political Department where she assisted with Vermont Governor Howard Dean’s 50 State Strategy. She is active civically in her Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and is and will always be a loyal Red Sox fan
 
Portia Reddick White, Deputy Director of Public Engagement
Portia Reddick White currently serves as Senior Advisor to Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, with a portfolio which includes labor, faith-based communities, civil and human rights, African-American issues, intergovernmental agencies and the District of Columbia. She will be joining the team in January. Prior to her Senate service, Portia served as Legislative and Political Director, and earlier as Legislative and Political Representative of the Transport Workers Union of America AFL-CIO. She was the recipient of the Labor Leader of the Year Award by the National Black Caucus of State Legislators and the Women of Achievement Award by the Brooklyn Council, Boy Scouts of America.