Democratic National Convention Committee

(page revised August 13, 2016)  

Democratic National Convention Committee

www.demconvention.com  |  @DemConvention
Note: The DNCC officially launched its operation in Philadelphia on Oct. 15, 2015 (+).


Chief Executive Officer  Leah Daughtry

(announced April 2, 2015)  Principal at BCT Consulting Group, LLC; president and CEO of On These Things, LLC.   CEO of the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee starting April 2007.  Chief of staff at the Democratic National Committee, May 2001-March 2009.  Served in several senior posts at the U.S. Department of Labor during the Clinton Administration, including Senior Advisor to the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and lastly, Acting Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management.  Executive director of Man to Man/Sister to Sister.  Served on the Clinton-Gore 1992 Transition team.  Director of convention management for the 1992 Democratic National Convention.  Legislative assistant to Congressman Edolphus Towns.  In 1984 Daughtry ran Rev. Jesse L. Jackson's campaign in Hanover, NH.  Daughtry is Pastor of The House of the Lord Church in Washington, DC since 2003, and ordained as an Elder in 2012.  A.B. degree from Dartmouth College, 1984, and M.T.S. from Wesley Theological Seminary, 2012.  Native of Brooklyn, NY.  twitter


Chief of Staff  Matthew Butler

(April 2015...announced June 8, 2015)  Principal at BCT Consulting Group, LLC; since May 2013.  CEO Jan. 2011-April 2013) and consultant-CFO/director of the Progressive Talent Initiative/chief of staff (Feb. 2009-Dec. 2010) at Media Matters for America. Principal/consultant at East Capitol Consulting LLC, 2008-11.  Deputy campaign manager on Chris Dodd for President, Jan. 2007-Jan. 2008.  Camapign manager on Maria Cantwell 2006, Jan.-Dec. 2006.  CFO at Friends of John Kerry, Dec. 2004-Dec. 2005.  Deputy campaign manager on Kerry-Edwards 2004, April-Dec. 2004.  CFO on John Kerry for President, April 2002-April 2004.  Associate attorney at Haight Brown & Bonesteel in Santa Monica, CA, Jan. 2001-April 2002.  Deputy to the national Coordinated Campaign director at the DNC May 1995-Dec. 1996.  J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law, 2000; B.A. in international relations from American University, 1994.

Deputy Chief of Staff  Sujata Tejwani

(announced July 13, 2016; succeeded Chris Chan who served to May 2016)  Founder and President of Sujata Strategies.  Director of the Political Leadership Project for Wellstone Action.  Campaign advisor for EMILY’s List in the 2012 and 2013 campaign cycles.  Senior election advisor on GOTV for the Ohio Democratic Party on 2010 and 2008.  Managed the Unity ’09 coalition in the first two years of the Obama Administration.  Managed battleground state direct mail and phones for Kerry-Edwards 2004.  Deputy campaign manager on Sen. Max Cleland’s 2002 campaign.  Conducted self- and opposition research for Sen. Paul Wellstone’s campaign and the Democratic National Committee.  Degree in international studies from Vassar College.  First-generation Indian-American; born and raised in Memphis, TN.

Deputy CEOs:
Logistics - Zoe Garmendia  
Convention Complex Management - Travis Dredd  
Communications - April Mellody
Public Engagement - Brian Bond
Administration and Finance - Dennis O'Brien > Angelo S. Carusone 


COMMUNICATIONS

Deputy CEO for Communications  April Mellody

(announced June 8, 2015)  Deputy chief of staff to Sen. Bob Casey (PA), from Oct. 2013, and communications director to Casey from 2011.  Communications advisor on Sestak for Senate, 2010.  Independent consultant, 2003-09.  Senior vice president at Robinson Lerer and Montgomery, 1997-2001.  Assistant press secretary at The White House, 1993-97.  Regional press secretary at the DNC, 1992-93.  Regional press director for the South on Clinton-Gore '92.  Associate producer/production assistant at WUSA-TV, 1990-91.  twitter

Director of Press Relations  Kyle Anderson

(announced Feb. 24, 2016)  Director of corporate communications and community relations for the Delaware River Port Authority from July 2015.  Democratic staff director for the Committee on House Administration, June 2013-July 2015.  Democratic staff director for the Franking Commission, U.S. House of Representatives, Jan.-June 2013.  Democratic communications director for the House Committee on Rules, Feb. 2012-Jan. 2013.  Communications director for the Committee on House Administration, Aug. 2008-Jan. 2012.  Press director at the U.S. House of Representatives, Aug. 2007-Aug. 2008.  B.A. in political science and government from Swarthmore College, 1989.

Director of Press Operations  Kelli Farr

(announced Feb. 24, 2016) Vice president, director of tracking with American Bridge 21st Century.  Media analyst/tracker at Progressive Accountability.org, May-Nov. 2008.  Photographer/administrative assistant at Eventography Inc., Dec. 2006-April 2008.  Finance assistant on Phil Angelides for Governor (CA), Jan.-Nov. 2006.  B.A. in government from Sacramento State University, 2007.  From Martinez, California.

Deputy Director of Press Operations  Elizabeth Arzt

Digital and communications fellow for NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia from Oct. 2015.  Deputy press secretary at American Bridge PAC, Feb.-June 2015.  Deputy press secretary on Udall for Colorado Senate campaign, Sept.-Nov. 2014.  Research associate at Peck, Madigan, Jones & Stewart, Inc., Sept. 2011-Aug. 2014.  B.A. in American studies, international affairs from Skidmore College, 2010.

Special Assistant for Press Operations  D'Shawna Bernard

(March 2016)  Consultant on the Avoice Project for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Sept. 2012-Feb. 2016.  Consultant/project coordinator to the USA-ANC Centenary Committee, Nov. 2011-Sept. 2012.   B.A. in political science, international studies from American University, 2011.

Press Secretary Lee Whack

(announced Sept. 21, 2015)  Communications director to U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL) from Feb. 2014.  Public relations manager for the DC Housing Finance Agency, Jan. 2012-Feb. 2014.  Communications staffer for several Democrats in the Illinois State Senate, April 2010-Dec. 2011. Managed press for the National Public Housing Museum and the 2010 Illinois State Treasurer’s race.  Previously, he was a local news reporter for the Chicago Tribune.  Master’s in journalism from Northwestern University, 2011; B.A. in international studies from Morehouse College, 2006.  Born in Pittsburgh and raised in the Chicago area.  twitter

Deputy Press Secretary  Morgan Finkelstein

(Jan. 2016)  Press secretary for the Democratic Party of Virginia, Aug. 2014-Dec. 2015.  Advance associate for the White House, Feb. 2013-Sept. 2014.  North Carolina press assistant at Obama for America, Aug.-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in communication and public service, American history from University of Pennsylvania, 2013.  twitter

Deputy Press Secretary  Christopher Huntley

(Mar. 2016)  Deputy press secretary and deputy speechwriter in the Office of Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid from May 2015, started in Reid's office as a press assistant in Aug. 2013.  B.S. in public relations from SUNY at Plattsburgh, 2013, after studying broadcast journalis at Hudson Valley Communiity College 2009-10.  twitter

Deputy Press Secretary (Spanish Language Media)  Juan Pachon

Deputy director of communications to U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (NJ), from Jan. 2013.  Hispanic media liaison for the Democratic Policy & Communications Center, Feb. 2012-Feb. 2013.  Volunteered on the Hispanic media press team for the 2012 Convention in Charlotte.  Public policy fellow in the Office of Sen. Robert Menendez, July 2011-Jan. 2012.  B.S. in business, management, marketing and related support services from University of South Florida College of Business Administration, 2011.

Assistant Press Secretary  Jessica Torres

(Feb. 2016)  Researcher for the Hispanic Media Project at Media Matters for America, Sept. 2014-Sept. 2015.  Legal analyst for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, Oct. 2012-June 2014.  B.A. in history from Williams College, 2012.  twitter

Senior Advisor for Communications and Platform Spokesperson  Dana Vickers Shelley

(announced July 13, 2016)  Director of the Strategy Shop and lecturer at Morgan State University from 2014; strategic counselor (DVStrategies LLC) from 2010.  Director of public affairs (program and institutional for the Southern Poverty Law Center, 2012-14.  Senior fellow/director of strategic communications (program and institutional) for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2002-10.  Senior vice president at Fenton Communications, 2000-01.  Senior vice president at Edelman, 1997-2000.  Deputy press secretary to Sec. Ron Brown at the U.S. Department of Commerce, 1993-97.  Director of public affairs at Black Enterprise magazine, 1991-93.  M.P.A. from American University and a B.A. in journalism and mass communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Surrogate Communications Advisor  Symone Sanders

(announced July 13, 2016)  National press secretary on Bernie 2016, Aug. 2015-June 2016.  Communications officer at Public Citizen's Global Trade Watch, Nov. 2014-Aug. 2015.  Communications director for Virginia Delegate Michael Futrell, Dec. 2014-June 2015.  Deputy communications director on Chuck Hassebrook for Governor (NE), April-Nov. 2014.  Communications, events and community outreach manager (Sept. 2013-Aug. 2014) and special projects coordinator (Oct. 2012-Sept. 2013) for the Empowerment Network in Omaha, NE.  B.B.A. in management from Creighton University, 2013.  twitter


Digital Director  Kelli Klein

(announced Dec. 9, 2015; start Jan. 2016)  Senior Digital Strategist at New Blue Interactive, April-Dec. 2015.  Digital campaigns lead at Mozilla, July 2014-March 2015.  Digital director on U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz' campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor in Pennsylvania, June 2013-May 2014.  Digital training manager for the New Organizing Institute, Sept. 2011-June 2013.  Deputy digital director on Obama for America-Iowa, Aug.-Nov. 2012.  Caseworker/staff assistant for U.S. Sen. Herb Kohl, Dec. 2010-Sept. 2011.  Field organizer on the Feingold Senate Committee, May-Nov. 2010.  Bachelor's degree in political science and government from University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, 2010.  twitter

Deputy Digital Director  Heather Barmore

(2016)  Account manager at Large Media, Feb.-May 2015.  Freelance writer, May 2014-Feb. 2015.  Legislative representative for New York State United Teachers, May 2007-May 2014.  Political assistant at the DNC, Aug. 2005-April 2007.  Executive assistant to the deputy campaign manager at John Kerry for President, July-Nov. 2004.  B.A. in CLEG from American University, 2005.  twitter

Deputy Director of Digital Communications  Olivia Chow

(March 2016)  Digital director for economic justice for the Center for Community Change, Nov. 2013-Jan. 2016.  Online organizer at Reform Immigration For America, March-Nov. 2013.  Regional GOTV director for Obama for America in Las Vegas, NV, Oct.-Nov. 2012.  Assistant for digital content for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, June-Sept. 2012.  Community partners field organizer for the Asian American Justice Center, Aug. 2010-May 2012. Program assistant for the New Organizing Institute, June 2009-Feb. 2010.  B.A. in political science and government from UC Berkeley, 2008.  twitter


Director of Studio 2016  Liz Hart

(April 2016)  Principal at Liz Hart Events & Design, LLC from Jan. 2015; an extensive list of projects and clients.  Advance associate for the White House from Jan. 2013.  Director of message events for the Office of the Vice President, Jan.-Dec. 2014.   Other highlights include work on producing the Live Show for the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop for 2013-16 and street operations team for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2012-14.  Advance associate for the Obama campaign, July-Dec. 2012.  B.A. degree from Virginia Tech.  twitter

Deputy Director of Studio 2016  Megan Hupp

(July 2016)  Director of events for The Hill, Feb. 2014-June 2016.  Director of event content and strategy at Atlantic Media, Nov. 2012-Feb. 2014.  National advance staff on Obama for America, May-Nov. 2012.  Editorial event manager (April 2011-May 2012) and events content producer (Dec. 2009-April 2011) at Atlantic Media.  B.A. in journalism, English from Marquette University, 2009.

Studio 2016 Assistant/Project Coordinator  Ryan Barckley

(May 2016)  Freelance production coordinator/assistant since Jan. 2013.  B.A. in communications, broadcast journalism from Willliam Paterson University of New Jersey, 2013.


Associate Manager of Communications  Katie Fricchione

(Feb. 2016)  Interim regional manager in the U.S. Senate, Nov. 2015-Feb. 2016.  Account executive (June-Nov. 2015) and project manager (July 2014-June 2015) at Stones' Phones.  M.A. in political communication from American University; B.A. in political science, communication and rhetoric from University of Pittsburgh.



LOGISTICS

Deputy CEO for Logistics  Zoe Garmendia

(announced June 8, 2015)  Director of convention site selection for the DNC, 2014.  Managing director of credentials for the 2012 Democratic National Convention.  Chief of operations for the Office of Administration in the Executive Office of the President. 2009-11.  DNC senior advisor for convention planning in advance of the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  Senior advisor for operations for the 2004 Democratic National Convention Committee.  Worked on the 2000 and 1996 conventions as deputy director for convention planning, associate director for credentials, and special assistant to the deputy CEO.  Event coordinator for the 53rd Presidential Inauguration, the 2000 Summer Olympics, and the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Deputy Director of Logistics  Jeremy Bernton

(Jan. 2016)  Advisor to the Bureau for Europe and Eurasia at USAID, July 2014-Jan. 2016.  Outreach and recruitment director for the White House, Aug. 2012-July 2014.  Northeast political director at the DNC, March 2009-Aug. 2010.  "Utility player" (held numerous positions) at the DNC, June 2005-Nov. 2008.  J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, 2012; B.A. in political science and French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2005.

Associate Director of Logistics  Laura Esposito

(May 2016; special assistant to the deputy CEO for logistics, Feb.-April 2016)  Analyst at The World Bank from March 2013.  Field organizing fellow for the Obama campaign in Virginia, Sept.-Nov. 2012.  Executive assistant to the CEO at MircroVest, June-Sept. 2012.  Bachelor's degree in individualized study, international development from New York University, 2011; tranferred from Villanova University.


Director of Credentials  Lisa Hargrove Ware

(Sept. 2015...announced Oct. 13, 2015)  Assistant to the national president (Aug. 2012-Sept. 2015) and confidential executive assistant to the general counsel (July 2011-Sept. 2012) of the American Federation of Government Employees.  Operations manager at the Caraway Group, July 2010-Jan. 2011.  Campaign manager on Cheryle Jackson's 2009 campaign for U.S. Senate in Illinois.  Director of operations in the office of CEO Leah Daughtry for the 2008 Democratic Convention in Denver.  Executive assistant to chief of staff Leah Daughtry at the DNC, 2006-09.

Associate Director of Credentials  Gina Manley

(Feb. 2016)  Most recently doing consulting.  Director of printing services for the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee.  Deputy director of credentials operations at Charlotte in 2012-Democratic National Convention, 2012.  Regional GOTV director for Obama campaign in NH, 2012.  Senior partner specialist/team leader at the U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-10.  Communications/logistics/fundraising consultant for the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2003-08.  Partnership and data services specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, 1997-2002.  M.S. in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon University; B.A. in communications from Seton Hall University.

Associate Manager of Constituency and Allied Groups  Dorien Paul Blythers

(May 2016)  Campaign scheduler on Kamala Harris for Senate, Aug.-Nov. 2015.  Outreach associate at Transportation for America, Aug. 2014-Aug. 2015.  Capacity organizer for the U.S. Green Building Council, May-Aug. 2014.  Finance director on Warren Christopher for Congress (MD), Oct. 2013-June 2014.  Field organizer on Organizing for America in West Palm Beach, FL, March-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in political science and community development from Howard University.


Director of Housing  Jean Doherty

(announced Oct. 13, 2015)  Experience includes director of operations in the Secretary's Office and director of the Secretary's Office at the DNC.  Lives in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston.

Deputy Director of Housing  Sharee Gibson

Associate Manager of Staff, Production, Media and Security Housing  Amanda Brink

Associate Manager of Housing Services  Lisa Connors

Associate Manager of Volunteers  Bailey Dowling


Director of Transportation  Andrew Ballard

President at Transportation Systems Design, Inc. from Oct. 2012.  This is Ballard's sixth Democratic National Convention; he served as venue transportation and bus operations manager for the 2012 convention in Charlotte, director of transportation for the 2008 convention in Denver and did transportation logistics for the 2004 convention in Boston.  President of Creative Politics, Inc. 2002-07.  Consultant as Andrew Ballard Enterprises, Inc. 1993-2004.  Assistant to the director of congressional relations at U.S. OPM, 1989-91.  Assistant to the executive director of the Jan. 1989 Presidential Inaugural Committee.  Bachelor's degree in political science and govenrment from Emory University 1988.  Has experience managing transportation logistics on numerous large-scale events including the 2007 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Atlanta, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake, Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa, the 1997 Summit of the Eight, the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and the 1997 and 1993 presidential inaugurations in Washington, DC.

Deputy Director of Transportation  Melissa Kruse

Founder and partner of Gryphon USA, Ltd., from July 2003. Senior advisor and founding member of Columbus 2016, the effort to attract the 2016 Democratic National Convention.  Surrogate schedulting team on Hillary Clinton for President, 2008.  Special assistant at the White House, 1992-2000.  Assistant on the Clinton-Gore campaign, 1992.  B.A. in journalism, political science from Baylor University, 1992.


Director of Security  Jeffrey Gavin

(announced Feb. 24, 2016)  Recently retired from the U.S. Secret Service after 32 years with the agency, most recently resident agent in charge of the Wilmington, DE office for 10 years.  Previously vice president of international property and casualty accounts at Frank B. Hall & Company (now part of Aon Corporation).  B.S. in business administration from University of Scranton.  Grew up in Scranton.

Director of Convention Center Operations  Liz Wainright

(Feb. 2016)  Owner/operator of 220 Consulting in Boalsburg, PA, May 2014-Feb. 2016.  Development specialist for Easter Seals Wester and Central PA, Oct. 2011-May 2014.  Associate at the Dewey Square Group, June 2005-Oct. 2007.  Deputy director of the Secretary's Office at the DNC, Sept. 2003-March 2005.  B.A. in history from The George Washington University.

Deputy Director of Convention Center Operations  Liam Dacey

(May 2016)  Freelance work on film festivals.  Digital strategy and content coordinator/editor for Showtime Networks, April 2012-Aug. 2015.  Assistant promotion director for Greater Media, Aug. 2008-April 2012.  Operations coordinator for Delaware Valley Legacy Fund/The Philadelphia Foundation, 2007-08.  Operations coordinator at Equality Forum, Jan. 2005-May 2006.  Part-time on-air personality for Quantum Communications in Hyannis, MA, 2004-05.  M.S. in strategic organizational management from Temple University, 2010; B.A. in film and television production from University of Notre Dame, 2004.


 

CONVENTION COMPLEX MANAGEMENT

Deputy CEO for Convention Complex Management  Travis Dredd

(announced June 8, 2015)  Served in the Executive Office of the President through Nov. 2013.  Chief of staff on the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee.  Special assistant to the Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy, from Jan. 2009.  Deputy director for the Office of the Vice President-elect on the Presidential Inaugural Committee.  Deputy CEO for hall operations for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  Deputy executive director for the X PRIZE Foundation, 2005-07.  Deputy hall manager for the 2004 Democratic National Convention.  Lead advance on Kerry for President New Hampshire primary campaign and national advance lead on Kerry-Edwards 2004.  Legislative aide to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, 2001-02  Advance lead on Gore for President, May-Nov. 2000.  Worked on the White House national advance team, Jan-May 2000.  Degree in political science from UCLA, 2000.  Served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Feb. 1983-March 2000.

Convention Complex Associate  Kenneth Fisk III

(Jan. 2016)  City council aide in Atlanta, Sept. 2014-Jan. 2016.  Customer service representative at Capitol City Bank & Trust Co., Dec. 2013-Sept. 2014.  Campaign fellow on Kasim Reed for Mayor (Atlanta), Sept.-Nov. 2013.  Operations coordinator for Obama for America in Florida, Oct.-Nov. 2012.  Associate hall manager for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, Jan.-Sept. 2012.  B.A. in economics from Howard University, 2011.

Director of Hall Management  Monica Raquel Ortiz

(announced Jan. 29, 2016)  An entrepreneur in Brooklyn, where she has directed several start ups.  Regional coordinator at the U.S. Department of States Overseas Security Advisory Council; started at the State Department in 2005 as an analyst with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security.  Legislative aide for the City of San Diego.  Bachelor's degree in political science from the University of San Diego.  twitter

Deputy Director of Hall Management  Garrett Brinker

(May 2016)  Senior consultant with Morris Strategy Group from Nov. 2015.  Director of undergraduate outreach and senior assistant director of admissions (July 2012-Aug. 2013) and media initiatives manager and assistant director of admissions (July 2010-July 2012 for the University of Chicago.  Master's degree in quantative analysis, energy and environmental policy from Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy, 2015.  Bachelor's degree in political science from University of Chicago, 2010.

Director of Hall Logistics  Eric Limbs

(March 2016)  Adjunct professor at Golden Gate University from 2015.  Head of sales and services operations for LivePerson, 2013-14.  Director of sales operations, Americas for NICE Systems, 2011-13.  Director of global field operations for SAP, 2009-11.  Global program manager, sales operations (Oct. 2007-Dec. 2009) and manager, finance (2006-07) for Microsoft.  Senior analyst, finance for Deustche Telekom (T-Mobile USA), 2005-06.  Worked on convention hall operations for the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston.  Associate director of business development at Northwestern University, 2002-04.  Advance for Vice President Al Gore at the White House, 1995.  Analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense, 1990-92.  M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management; M.A. in public policy from University of Michigan; B.A. in economics from University of Arizona.

Director of Hall Operations  Eric Munson

(announced Feb. 24, 2016)  Chief of staff at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty in New York City, Jan. 2014-June 2015.  Chief of staff, director of intergovernmental affairs at the NYC Department of Finance, Sept. 2012-Jan. 2014.  Senior legislative representative (Nov. 2008-Sept. 2012) and staff writer (June 2007-Nov. 2008) in the Office of NYC Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.  M.A. in religion/religous studies from Columbia University, 2007; B.A. in religion/religious studies from New York University, 2006.

Deputy Director of Hall Operations  Zaina Javaid

Hall Management Associate  Toria Baldware


Director of Floor Operations  Shelly Loos

Vice president of marketing for software solutions company, SRG Technology; lives in Hollywood, FL.  Loos has managed the DNCC visibility operation for every convention since 1996. Experience on campaigns since 1984, including director of ballot access and delegates on Wesley Clark's campaign, 2003-04.  Worked on Bill McBride's 2002 gubernatorial campaign in Florida.  MW regional desk for Gore's Leadership '98 political action committee; field person for Gore campaign in southeastern Iowa for the Iowa caucuses starting Oct./Nov. 1999; then to California; ran the March 21 Illinois primary campaign; convention floor manager at the Democratic National Convention; returned to Illinois in late August 2000 as state director in Illinois for the fall campaign.  Organized several states in the 1992 presidential primary.  Nebraska native.


Director of Media Logistics  Karen Burchard

(announced Oct. 13, 2015)  Director of media logistics for the 2012 DNCC; director of press operations for the 2008 DNCC.  Director of press advance on Kerry-Edwards 2004, Inc.  Prior to the Kerry campaign Burchard went to grad school in England, earning an M.A. in archaeology, and consulted at SAIC.  Deputy director of advance at the White House from early 1999 to Jan. 2001.  In August of 1998 she returned to the Department of Education and from there was detailed to the White House.  Worked at the President's Initiative on Race.  Did advance full-time until 1998.  Press lead on Clinton's '96 re-election campaign.  Worked for Secretary Riley and Deputy Secretary Kunin at the Department of Education in the scheduling and advance office from 1993-96.  Graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in Linguistics and Spanish, 1987.  From Arlington, VA. 

Deputy Director of Media Logistics  Jessica Jennings

Media Logistics Manager  Juan Ortega

Staff Director for Convention Complex  Amy Chiou

(announced Jan. 29, 2016)  Chiou has worked on a dozen campaigns ranging from city council to president; J.D. from The George Washington University Law School, 2008; B.A. in government from University of Texas, 2005.

Senior Advisor to the Deputy CEO of Convention Complex  Nick Swett

(announced July 13, 2016)  Co-founder (April 2015) of >AMBIT, an experiential design firm; and founder and CEO of domino strategies (June 2014).  Vice president and executive producer of Biennial of the Americas, a six-week festival of ideas, Jan. 2013-Mar. 2014.  Chief of staff in the Office of Administration at the White House, Nov. 2009-Sept. 2012.  Director of operations for the Democratic National Convention Committee, Sept. 2007-Oct. 2008.  Executive director of Advance Colorado, Oct. 2006-Sept. 2008.  Legislative/political advisor to Colorado State Sen. Chris Romer.  Worked on numerous campaigns throughout Colorado, 2003-06.  M.S. in management/governance from London School of Economics, 2009; B.A. in sociology from University of Denver, 2003.

Senior Advisor, Xfinity Live Operations and Management  Paige Damiano

(announced July 13, 2016)  Co-founder (April 2015) of >AMBIT, an experiential design firm; consultant at collab | ology LLC from Sept. 2013; co-owner of Tengu, a restaurant in Denver.  CEO/co-founder of PeeKay Soirees, doing event management, logistics in Denver, Oct. 2009-Jan. 2012.  Campaign manager for Councilwoman Carol Boigon, 2008-10.  Softgoods assistant for Burton Snowboards, Sept. 2008-March 2009.  Associate director to the deputy CEO of hall for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.  Campaign manager for Councilwoman Carol Boigon, 2006-07.  VP of operations for SecureSearch, 2003-05.



PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Deputy CEO for Public Engagement  Brian Bond

(to start Sept. 2015)  National constituency outreach director at the DNC from mid-Aug. 2011.  Deputy Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement from 2009-2011.  Constituency director on Obama's 2008 campaign.  Executive director of the DNC's Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council from May 2006.  Executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund from 1997 to 2003.  DNC director of LGBT outreach in 1996.  Served as executive director of the Missouri Democratic Party.  Degree in public administration from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO.  Missouri native.  twitter

Deputy Director of Public Engagement  Portia Reddick White

(announced Oct. 13, 2015; start Jan. 2016)  Senior advisor to Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid.  Legislative and political director, and earlier legislative and political representative for the Transport Workers Union of America AFL-CIO.  Flight attendant for 23 years. Law school graduate. twitter

Director of Public Participation  Joseph Hill

(March 2016)  On leave from position as a regional representative to U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, started in mid-2015 after serving as a legislative fellow from July 2014-July 2015.  6th grade science and social studies teacher and middle school social studies teacher, Aug. 2011-July 2014.  B.A. in government, philosophy from Georgetown University, 2011.

Director of Constituency and Allied Outreach  Tamia Booker

(announced Dec. 9, 2015; start Jan. 2016)  Associate director of the Office of External Affairs at the U.S. Department of HHS, July 2010-Dec. 2015.  Executive director of College Democrats of America, March 2008-June 2010.  Co-Youth Vote director at Obama for America, July-Nov. 2008.  B.S. in political science, Spanish from Florida A&M University 2005.  twitter

ADA and Community Engagement Specialist  Ted Jackson

(June 2016; announced July 13, 2016)  Community organizing director for the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, Dec. 2011-June 2016.  No on Prop. 8 regional field director, June-Sept. 2008; field organizer for Equality California, Jan.-June 2008.  Campaign manager for Leslie Ghiz, Aug.-Nov. 2007.  Western field consultant for Log Cabin Republicans, May-Sept. 2006.  Statewide campaign director fo Log Cabin Republicans Texas, Aug.-Nov. 2005.  Field director on Citizens To Restore Fairness/Campaign to Repeal Article XII, May 2003-Nov. 2004.  Professional theatre artist, Jan. 1987-June 2003.  Studied dramatic performance at the University of Cincinnati, 1994-96.

Director of Party Leader Outreach  Clark Lee

(announced Dec. 9, 2015)  Director of political affairs and communications for the Los Angeles County Democratic Party from 2006.  Asian Pacific Islander Caucus state chair for the California Democratic Party from April 2011.  Campaign manager on Ed Chau for Assembly, March-Nov. 2012.  Target field/communications consultant on Judy Chu for Congress, Jan.-July 2009.  Consultant to the California Secretary of State, Dec. 2003-Aug. 2004.  Field/communications/GOTV director on Mike Eng for Assembly, Jan.-June 2006.  State targeted constituent outreach coordinator and regional field coordinator on Gov. Gray Davis campaign, June-Oct. 2003.  J.D. from Southwestern Law School, 2014; B.A. in government from Claremont McKenna College, 2004.  twitter

Senior Advisor and Director of Government Relations  Cynthia Jasso-Rotunno

(announced Dec. 9, 2015; from Jan. 2016)  Political director and deputy campaign manager on Leticia Van de Putte for Texas Lt. Governor, May-Nov. 2014.  Worked for USAID as senior advisor for the Center for Transformational Partnerships-U.S. Global Development Lab (June 2013-May 2014), communications and engagement director in the Office of Innovation & Development Alliances (June 2011-June 2013), and White House Liaison Office director (Aug. 2009-June 2011).  Principal for state/local government and multicultural affairs at Dewey Square Group, 2005-09.  Senior consultant at Issue Dynamics, Inc, Feb. 2004-Jan. 2005.  SW regional political director at the DNC, Sept.-Nov. 2004.  Deputy campaign director for constituency outreach and chief of staff for Hadassah Lieberman on the Lieberman for President campaign, Feb. 2003-Feb. 2004.  Worked in the campaign division at the DNC, 2001-02.  Special Assistant to the President and chief of staff for the Political Affairs Office at the White House, Jan. 1997-Jan. 2001.  Deputy director of government, business and community affairs for the 1997 PIC.  Public liaison deputy director on the Clinton/Gore campaign, June-Nov. 1996.  Worked in the campaign and base vote divisions and the chairman's office at the DNC 1994-96.  Scheduler to U.S. Rep. Bob Filne (CA-51), 1993-94.  National operations director LNESC at LULAC, 1990-93.  Legal assistant/investigator in the consumer protection division at the Texas Attorney General, 1989-90.  B.B.A. from the University of Texas-Pan American, 1983.



ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Deputy CEO for Administration and Finance  Angelo S. Carusone 

(announced July 13, 2016; succeeded Dennis O'Brien who served to April 2016)  On a temporary leave of absence from position as executive vice president of Media Matters for America.  Vice president (Feb.-Dec. 2013), director of online strategy and campaigns (Aug. 2011-Feb. 2013) and campaign director (Nov. 2010-Aug. 2011) at Media Matters for America.  Case coordinator for Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP, Jan. 2005-Aug. 2007.  J.D. from University of Wisconsin Law School, 2010; B.A. in American studies, philosophy from Fordham University, 2004.  Organizer of #DumpTrump effort from Oct. 2012; organizer of StopBeck.com, July 2009-July 2011. 

Director of Operations  Casey Frary

(announced Oct. 13, 2015)  Managed Doug Owens' 2014 campaign for Congress in UT-04.  Managing director of Southpaw Associates, a consulting firm.  Legislative affairs director for the American Foreign Service Association.  Worked on Capitol Hill from 2004-09; campaign manager on U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen's 2008 re-election campaign in Wisconsin.  Graduate of Marquette University.  twitter

Associate Director of Operations  Victoria Meaney

(started as a staff assistant in June 2015)  Most recently a program associate at South Asian Americans Leading Together from June 2014.  B.A. in communication from University of Maryland College Park.

Volunteer Coordinator  Jay Hutchins

Director of Human Resources and Administration  Judy Magee

(from Jan. 2016...announced Feb. 24, 2016)  Returned to Philadelphia after working as director of human resources for The Marshes of Skidaway Island in Savannah, GA for three years.  J.D. from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; B.A. from Miami University.


Scheduler to the CEO  Melissa Piccoli

Executive Assistant to the CEO  Sarah Guy




TECHNOLOGY

Chief Innovation Officer  Andrew Binns

(announced June 8, 2015)  This is Binns' fourth convention.  Co-founder (Jan. 2014) of Castle Point Partners (>).   CIO for the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee.  Chief information officer (Oct. 2011-12) and director of technology (March-Oct. 2011) on the 2012 Democratic National Convention Committee.  Lead project manager of technology/requirements analyst for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver.  IT technician on John Kerry for President, Aug. 2003-Nov. 2004.  B.S./B.A. in management from Boston University, 2009.

Innovation Coordinator  Shelby Wagenseller

(Dec. 2015)  Associate at Joe Trippi & Associates, Oct. 2013-Dec. 2015.  Assistant to the director of technology and infrastructure for the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee.  Field organizer in Charlottesville for Organizing for America, Aug.-Nov. 2012.  Communications intern for the DNCC in Charlotte, Oct. 2011-Aug. 2012.  B.S. in political science and government from Davidson College, 2013.

Director of Technology  Darryl Stanley

(announced Oct. 13, 2015)  Business and technology consultant.  Data support manager for Bowne Gcom2 Solutions Inc., Jan. 2001-June 2008.  IT program manager for the Office of Emergency Management of the City of Philadelphia.  Built the 2007 Nutter for Mayor campaign's IT infrastructure and services. Senior consultant at The Kimmell Group, Inc. 1998-2000;.  Senior programmer analyst and QA/configuration specialist at Triversity, Inc.1996-2000.  Senior information center analyst at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, April 1987-May 1996.  Assistant store manager at 40th Street Computers, 1984-86.  Computer programmer/analyst at Zicom Systems Inc. April 1980-Aug. 1982.  Studied electronics engineering technology at the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.

Deputy Director of Technology  Quentin Colleton

Project Manager  ian Cronin

Technical Project Manager  David Rosenthal

(Feb. 2016)  Project manager for technology and democracy (from April 2015), senior technology officer for finance and policy (June 2014-April 2015), technology officer (June 2013-June 2014) and technology assistant (March-June 2013) at National Democratic Institute; also interned there in summer 2011.  Field organizer for the Obama campaign in Union Township (Cincinnati area), OH, July-Nov. 2012.  B.A. in professional writing and editing, political science from Perdue University, 2012.


PRODUCTION TEAM   

Executive Producers

(announced Nov. 19, 2015)
Executive Producer  Ricky Kirshner

Runs RK Productions and is one of the entertainment industry's leading production executives; he has produced countless television specials, stadium spectaculars, political events and corporate gatherings and won nine Emmys.  Kirshner has produced Democratic National Conventions since 1992.  Other production credits include Super Bowl Half Time Shows from 2007-16, Tony Awards from 1993-2016 and Presidential Inaugural events.

Executive in Charge of Production  Lisa Geers

Began working with Ricky Kirshner as associate producer on the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles in 2000.  On the staff of Ken Ehrlich Productions until 2008, working on over 50 music shows and network specials.  Started in the Department of Special Events & Protocol at UCLA.

Executive Producer, DNC Live  Vicangelo Bulluck

President of Vicangelo Films from Jan. 1998; executive producer of Judge Mathis (Telepictures) since 1998.  Managing director of outreach and strategic initiatives for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Feb. 2013-April 2015.  Executive producer of the NAACP Image Awards from 2002-12.  Graduate of University of Southern California.



COUNSEL

Chief Counsel  Danielle Cooper Daughtry

(announced Jan. 29, 2016)  In-house counsel at Metropolitan Life Insurance Company.  Associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.  Associate at Hall Dickler Kent Goldstein & Wood.  J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, 1996; B.A. in political science from Spelman College, 1990.  ...married to Daughtry's brother.


_______
Contracts
General Contractor - Hargrove, Inc.

Construction Services Firm - Perryman Building and Construction Services (announced Mar. 3, 2016)

Official Communication and Technology Provider - AT&T (announced April 7, 2016)

Credential Design - AgencyEA.  Credential Printing - Standard Modern Company and Sunrise Hitek (announced May 9, 2016)


Staff Announcements:  June 8, 2015  |  Oct. 13, 2015  |  Dec. 9, 2015  |  Jan. 29, 2016  |  Feb. 24, 2016   |  July 13, 2016


Former Staff

Deputy Chief of Staff  Chris Chan

(announced Dec. 9, 2015; started Jan. 2016 to May 2016)  President of the Association of Asian American Investment Managers, April 2013-Dec. 2015.  Special advisor to the chief of staff for the Democratic National Convention Committe in Charlotte, March-Oct. 2012.  Special advisor for public engagement at the U.S. Small Business Administration, Feb. 2009-Mar. 2012.  Scheduler to CEO Leah Daughtry at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Feb.-Sept. 2008.  Finance associate at Arum Group, LLC, June 2007-Feb. 2008.  B.A. in history and political science from American University, 2007.

Deputy CEO for Administration and Finance  Dennis O'Brien  ...took position as director of operations for Boeing

(Dec. 2015 to April 2016)  Director of government relations at RTI International, April 2013-Nov. 2015.  Founder (March 2012) of Clover Consulting, LLC, a strategic consulting firm.  CFO at the Climate Reality Project, June 2009-March 2012.  Director of budget and finance for the 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee.  Strategy and development at Discovery Communications, 2005-06.  Worked on presidential debates for Kerry/Edwards '04.  Director of housing for the Democratic National Convention Committee (Boston), 2003-04.  Deputy director of convention planning for the 2004 Democratic National Convention at the DNC and previously served as a special assistant to Chairman Terry McAuliffe.  Worked on Vice President Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign and played a key role in the 2000 presidential debates.  M.B.A. from American University - Kogod School of Business, 2007; B.A. in political science from Marquette University, 1998.


ADVERTISEMENT