Meet the Leadership Team of the Virginia Young Democrats!
Isaac Sarver, President
Dublin, VA ~ New River Valley Young Democrats
president@vayd.org
Isaac hails from Dublin, Virginia and currently works for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation at Claytor Lake State Park. Isaac began his involvement in politics as a Pulaski County High School Young Democrat volunteering on numerous local campaigns, including volunteer work for Congressman Rick Boucher and Delegate Benny Keister. He went on to manage the campaign of Bill Thomas for House of Delegates in the 6th District during the 2007 cycle, and in 2008 served as the Democratic Party of Virginia's Deputy Political Director for Southwest Virginia. Isaac has served as Vice President, Secretary, and Campaign Coordinator for the William and Mary Young Democrats, and is also a charter member of both the Southwest Virginia and New River Valley Young Democrats. Prior to serving as President of VAYD, Isaac served as Rural Caucus Chair (07-08), Vice President for Political Action (08-09), and Executive Vice President (09-11). In his free time, Isaac enjoys watching episodes of the West Wing, hiking in Virginia's state parks, and playing ultimate frisbee.
Trent Armitage, Membership Director
Arlington, VA ~ Arlington Young Democrats
membership_director@vayd.org
Trent is originally from Bristol, CT and moved to Virginia in 2005 to attend Longwood University where he majored in Public History and Political Science. He worked as an archaeologist for Poplar Forest and interned for the Museum of the Confederacy. Trent began his political career as a GOTV coordinator for Al Weed/Jim Webb. He then served as a Common Good Summer Fellow for Tom Perriello. Since graduation he has worked for My Rural America, Dave Marsden for Senate, Eileen Filler-Corn for Delegate and Kai Degner for Delegate. He currently works for Delegate Mark Sickles (D-Franconia). Trent's foray in Young Democrats began by helping to found the Longwood University Young Democrats. Before being elected in 2010 as Membership Director, he served as the first ever Southside Regional Chair, College Caucus Chair, and as VP Membership. He also serves as the Membership Director for the Arlington Young Democrats
Gonzalo Aida, Campaign Director
Richmond, VA ~ VCU Young Democrats
campaign_director@vayd.org
Gonzalo is a graduating Senior at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Political Science. In April 2008 he was elected as a Senator to the VCU Student Government Association where he was elected as Chairman of the Student Life Committee in December of 2008. In January of 2010 he was elected as the Chairman of the Student Body Senate and leader of the legislative branch of the VCU Student Government Association. Gonzalo became active in the Young Democrats chapter at VCU in the fall of 2008 and is currently Vice-President of Communication. Gonzalo has worked for a variety of statewide and local campaigns, and most recently he was a Legislative Assistant for State Senator Dave Marsden (D-37). Originally born in Lima, Peru, The proudest day of Gonzalo's life is July 24th, 2008 when he became a Citizen of the United States. Gonzalo is affectionately known as "Gonzi" by his friends and family. His favorite band is The Beatles, and his favorite movie is Quadrophenia. In his free time he enjoys watching auto racing and hanging out with his friends.
Antonio Elias, Political Director
McLean, VA ~ Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats
political_director@vayd.org
Antonio grew up in McLean, Virginia. After graduating from Langley High School in 2005, Antonio moved to a new place for the first time, choosing another public school – the College of William & Mary. There he became active in Democratic Politics, joining the Young Dems and working for candidates back in Fairfax County each summer. After doing finance work for Margi Vanderhye’s first campaign for Delegate in 2007, Antonio joined her Richmond staff as an intern for the 2008 and 2009 General Assembly Sessions. There he learned more than one would ever want to know about legislature, policy, and partisanship. Besides politics, Antonio gets really excited about fine art, Nicaragua, future energy sources, and aerospace.
Maggie Thornton, Communications Director
Shawsville, VA ~ Charlottesville-Albemarle Young Democrats
communications_director@vayd.org
Maggie Thornton hails from Shawsville in the Fightin' Ninth Congressional District. A University of Virginia alumna, she recently finished serving in AmeriCorps. Maggie attends the Curry School of Education at UVA where she studies secondary English Education. She enjoys fiddling, phone banking, campaign food, and 3 a.m. lit drops.
Adam Sharp, Finance Director
Strasburg, VA ~ JMU College Democrats
finance_director@vayd.org
Adam Sharp has blogged, organized, managed campaigns, tweeted and raised money for progressive candidates and causes in Virginia since 2003. Adam founded Sharp Political Consulting in 2007 to ensure progressive organizations and candidates have access to the same innovative and sophisticated tools enjoyed by national and statewide campaigns. He lives in Strasburg with his wife and 5-year-old son.
Richard Fowler, National Committeeman
Alexandria, VA ~ Alexandria Young Democrats
ncm@vayd.org
Richard A. Fowler is a resident of Alexandria, Virginia and has been a lifelong democrat, starting from his First Campaign at the tender age of 12 years old to his involvement in issue advocacy for issues facing young people all across America. Richard is a graduate from the George Washington University, where he received a bachelors of Science in Economics and a bachelors of Art in International Affairs. While attending George Washington University, Richard was involved in issues on both the national and international arenas. From issues of African American male retention on the college level to increasing the US foreign direct investment to Africa, Richard has demonstrated a level of commitment and service to others. Richard has and will always be passionate on ending poverty in America and empowering those that have remained quiet for way too long. He is the Co-Founder of Phoenix Freedom Political Action Committee, an organization that is focuses on electing candidate that support Multi-Modal Transportation. Richard is currently perusing his Masters Certification in Project Management at the Georgetown University, after finishing he plans on continuing his dream of owning a political image consulting and finance firm in Virginia. In addition to politics, Richard has a passion for the fashion and apparel industry, reading, listening to music and dreaming big.
Brittney McClain, National Committeewoman
Richmond, VA ~ Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats
ncw@vayd.org
With roots in southeastern Alabama, Brittney was raised in Hampton, VA and educated in Virginia's universities. She attended the University of Virginia, earning a degree in Anthropology and Government in 2009. The following year, she completed her Master's in Public Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University and in the of Fall 2011, Brittney will be a first-year law student at the University of Richmond. While always engaged politically and with her community, serving as an election officer in Charlottesville and registering voters, Brittney only recently began her activism in party politics. She currently holds the position as Richmond Chair in the Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats. Brittney enjoys many interests, from her new vegetable garden and modern philosophical and religious texts to traveling with friends and happy hours.
Jamie Lockhart, Secretary
Arlington, VA ~ Arlington Young Democrats
secretary@vayd.org
Jamie is a proud life-long Virginian, born and raised in the conservative town of Midlothian and now a resident of the very blue Arlington. A magna cum laude graduate of James Madison University and the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership’s College Leader’s Program, Jamie is passionate about engaging young people in the political process. She caught the campaign bug in 2005 when she interned for Tim Kaine’s gubernatorial campaign, and since then, Jamie has volunteered for numerous campaigns at all levels and served on the executive board of the Virginia Young Democrats. Jamie recently spent two and a half years working as Director of E-Communications and Legislative Assistant for U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and now serves as Campaign Manager for Danner for Delegate in McLean, VA. When not following legislation or knocking on doors, Jamie enjoys group fitness classes, vegetarian cooking, cheering on her favorite sports teams, new media and tutoring with Horton’s Kids. She hopes to see you out there in the field!
Tina Hawley, Outreach Chair
Newport News, VA ~ Hampton RoadsYoung Democrats
outreach_chair@vayd.org
Tina Hawley is a 2009 graduate of Longwood University where she earned her degree in Political Science, during her time at Longwood, she served as Outreach Chair and Vice President of the Longwood University Young Democrats; during which time she both volunteered and interned for multiple campaigns; at the local, state, and national level. Tina has also worked in Senator Webb’s Constituency Service office, and for the United Steel Workers PAC. Tina now resides in Hampton Roads and is the Outreach Director for the Hampton Roads Young Democrats. And will be earning her Master in Political Science through VA-Tech. Tina has served 3 previous terms as Outreach Chair for the Virginia Young Democrats and in 2010 served as the Presidential Advisor on Finance. Tina looks forward to continuing the efforts of the Virginia Young Democrats to be not only inclusive but diverse in its’ membership.
Meghan Czaikoski, Council of Presidents Chair
Farmville, VA ~ Longwood University College Democrats
presidents_chair@vayd.org
Meghan Czaikoski, raised in Woodbridge, not until 3 years ago became truly involved in politics. Meghan graduated from Longwood University in May 2011 with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. From Summer to Fall 2010 she completed a 7 month internship working as a Common Good Summer Fellow and Field organizer for former U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello (VA-05). She served as the President and Treasurer of the Longwood Young Democrats in 2009-2011. During this time she helped campaigns across the state in the Northern, Southside, Valley and Richmond areas. She also served as the College Caucus chair. After graduating from Longwood, Meghan will be attending the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership, College Leaders Program.
Tavarris Spinks, City/County Caucus Chair
Richmond, VA ~ Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats
citycounty_chair@vayd.org
Tavarris J. Spinks was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. He attended Virginia Commonwealth University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in History. He was interested in progressive politics since high school. He was a member and former president of the VCU Young Democrats. In 2006 he worked for former Minority leader of the the Virginia House of Delegates Frank Hall. He is a member of the Richmond City Democratic Committee, The 3rd Congressional District Democratic Committee and the State Central Committee of the DPVA. He currently lives and works in Richmond. He enjoys short walks in the city and Star Trek.
Melanie Goff, College Caucus Chair
Harrisonburg, VA ~ JMU College Democrats
college_chair@vayd.org
Melanie was born just outside of Baltimore, Maryland. She became interested in politics in high school and as a freshman in 2008 at James Madison University, she became a Political Science major. She began regularly volunteering at the Harrisonburg Obama for President office and joined the JMU College Democrats club. Melanie later became the Activities Chair of the club for the 2009-2010 academic year, as well as an At-Large Senator in the Student Government Association at JMU. She was the Volunteer Coordinator in the campaign of Gene Hart for Delegate (VA-26) in the fall of 2009, gaining valuable experience. In the summer of 2010, Melanie was a Communications intern at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. For the 2010-2011 academic year, she was then elected as President of the JMU College Democrats. In the fall of 2011, Melanie plans to study in Washington, D.C. and hold a full-time internship before graduating from JMU in May of 2012. Outside of spending time on her love for politics, Melanie works at Starbucks, listens to music by Kid Cudi and watches programs on Comedy Central.
Corrigan Blanchfield, Teen Caucus Chair
Williamsburg, VA ~ York High School Young Democrats
teen_chair@vayd.org
Corrigan is a resident of Williamsburg, Virginia. He first became interested in politics during the 2004 campaign cycle and has worked on the Obama, McAuliffe, and Krystal Ball campaigns. Corrigan is the president and founder of the Young Democrats club at York High School, from which he will graduate in 2011. In addition, Corrigan serves as Class Chair of the 2009 Sorensen Institute High School Leaders Program. Outside of politics, Corrigan enjoys playing tennis and expanding his musical horizons.
REGIONAL CAUCUS CHAIRS
Ben Bakkum, Southside Region Chair
Charlottesville, VA ~ University Democrats
southside_region@vayd.org
Ben Bakkum grew up in Yorktown, VA where he attended York High School and first became involved in VAYD. He currently attends the University of Virginia as a 1st year. Ben serves as the treasurer of the UVA chapter and has worked on numerous campaigns in the Commonwealth. He is an avid fan of Democratic candidates, electeds, and ideals as well as the awesome membership of VAYD.
Laura Kleiner, Valley Region Chair
Staunton, VA ~ Young Democrats of Staunton, Augusta, & Waynesboro
valley_region@vayd.org
Laura Kleiner was raised most of her life in Blacksburg, Virginia. She attended Mary Baldwin College with a major in Political science and minors in Peacemaking Conflict Resolution Minor and Studio Art and graduated this past spring. She became interested in politics at an early age. In 2009, Laura was an intern for the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, where she partnered with the History Channel to make a documentary on the Jim Crow Laws in Staunton, VA. She also volunteered on the Obama campaign in 2008. In 2009, she was a legislative intern at the Senate of Virginia, an intern for the Deeds for Governor Campaign, as well as the Campaign Coordinator for Erik Curren for Delegate Campaign in Augusta County. She has been an intern for Organizing for America 2009-2010. Laura has served as the VA Young Democrats Valley Region Vice Chair, the Mary Baldwin Young Democrats Outreach Coordinator, the Young Democrats of Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro, Outreach Coordinator, Faith/Religion Committee Chair, and the Animal Rights Committee Co-Chair. She worked previously in the Quest interfaith program, which promotes understanding of different faiths as well as doing community service. Her hobbies are theater, singing, dancing, studio art, hiking and camping.
Gordon Simonett, Northern Region Chair
Arlington, VA ~ Arlington Young Democrats
northern_region@vayd.org
Born in Trinidad, West Indies, Gordon moved to Michigan at the age of 8 and quickly learned what cold weather was all about. Gordon graduated from American University in 2004, earning his BA in Government. While at AU, Gordon was elected Treasurer of the AU College Democrats, and served as Speaker of the AU Student General Assembly. Following graduation, Gordon worked as a Legislative Assistant to DC Shadow Senator Paul Strauss. Gordon also was an active member of his local Young Democrat chapter in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he served as Treasurer; in 2006, he was awarded the chapter’s Young Democrat of the Year award. Gordon has been a member of the Arlington Young Democrats since December 2007.
Charles Midkiff, Southwest Region Chair
Radford, VA ~ Radford University Young Democrats
southwest_region@vayd.org
Jamal Gunn, Southeast Region Chair
Virginia Beach, VA ~ Hampton Roads Young Democrats
southeast_region@vayd.org
Michael Phillips, Central Region Chair
Richmond, VA ~ VCU Young Democrats central_region@vayd.org
CONSTITUENCY GROUP CHAIRS
Vacant, Women's Caucus Chair
Virginia ~ Young Democrats
womens_chair@vayd.org
Shawn Logue, Labor Issues Chair
Arlington, VA ~ Arlington Young Democrats
labor_chair@vayd.org
Shawn is a Connecticut native who moved to Northern Virginia in 2009. He currently works as an administrative professional for Jamison Professional Services. Before coming to Virginia, Shawn was the Treasurer of the Greater New Haven (CT) Young Democrats. In 2009, he created a Career Networking group for Generation Obama of Washington, DC and in 2010 served as the acting director of PoliticsUnder30. In addition to the position of Secretary, Shawn will also serve as the interim chair of AYD’s Careers and Networking group. Shawn is joining AYD to help strengthen its communications and bring in a wider audience to its caucuses and events
Laura Kleiner, Faith Caucus Chair
Staunton, VA ~ Mary Baldwin College Democrats
faith_chair@vayd.org
Laura Kleiner was raised most of her life in Blacksburg, Virginia. She attended Mary Baldwin College with a major in Political science and minors in Peacemaking Conflict Resolution Minor and Studio Art and graduated this past spring. She became interested in politics at an early age. In 2009, Laura was an intern for the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, where she partnered with the History Channel to make a documentary on the Jim Crow Laws in Staunton, VA. She also volunteered on the Obama campaign in 2008. In 2009, she was a legislative intern at the Senate of Virginia, an intern for the Deeds for Governor Campaign, as well as the Campaign Coordinator for Erik Curren for Delegate Campaign in Augusta County. She has been an intern for Organizing for America 2009-2010. Laura has served as the VA Young Democrats Valley Region Vice Chair, the Mary Baldwin Young Democrats Outreach Coordinator, the Young Democrats of Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro, Outreach Coordinator, Faith/Religion Committee Chair, and the Animal Rights Committee Co-Chair. She worked previously in the Quest interfaith program, which promotes understanding of different faiths as well as doing community service. Her hobbies are theater, singing, dancing, studio art, hiking and camping.
Ian Jordan, Minority Issues Co-Chairs
Richmond, VA ~ VCU Young Democrats
minority_chair@vayd.org
Hailing from the magic city, Birmingham, AL, Ian Jordan is a lifelong democrat. Having planted his new roots in Virginia Beach, within America's First Region of Hampton Roads, Ian's democratic activism began early in his teen years. Never having stopped since working on his first campaign at age 15, Ian Went on to found his high school's first Young Democrats group in many. many years. A proud volunteer on numerous campaigns; Kaine for Governor, Kellam for Congress, Forgit for Congress, Mathieson for Delegate, Bouchard for delegate, and others; Ian is committed to electing democrats and moving forward the progressive cause.
Kristin Smith, Minority Issues Co-Chairs
Virginia Beach, VA ~ Virginia Beach Young Democrats
minority_chair@vayd.org
Kristin's life began 1 score ago in the Northern Virginia county of Fairfax on January the 28th. Her parents, realizing the travesty they committed by birthing a child in the Northern region, quickly moved to Kristin's current homeland, Virginia Beach. While in high school at Princess Anne, Kristin enjoyed and stayed active by taking on the roles of Undefeated member of the Chess Club, Captain of the Debate Team, and performer in a National Awarding winning Show choir. After High School, fearing that she wasn't nerdy enough, Kristin decided to take on the role of "politico" whilst attending Longwood University in Farmville where she was voted in as the Treasurer of her YD club and the VAYD Regional Chair for Southside Virginia. Kristin also interned for the Obama Campaign, served as the Statewide Chair for Students for Terry McAuliffe, and worked as a Field Organizer for Delegate Bobby Mathieson in 2009. In doing her part to make the World a better place, Kristin is currently working with the Human Rights Campaign as a Field Organizer in the Hampton Roads area on their Campaign to repeal the military's current policy of "Don't ask, Don't tell". Kristin is also a member of Calvary Revival Church, the Minority Student Union, and the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee. Her favorite movie is Crooklyn and she loves Starbucks, Peter Orszag, Twitter, CSPAN after dark, and gazing at the stars.
Dan Richardson, Lambda Caucus Chair
Harrisonburg, VA ~ JMU College Democrats
lambda_chair@vayd.org
Dan Richardson was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He now lives in Loudoun County, VA in the city of Leesburg. He got his first government experience as the Intern to the Office of the Loudoun County Administrator when he was 18. Since that time, he has worked on various national and state elections, including the campaigns of Brian Moran and Barack Obama. He currently attends James Madison University, where he studies Public Management, Political Science and Economics. He also serves as the Chairman of the JMU Honors Student Council. His lifelong political interest has been the area of Human Rights. In High School, Dan was President of the local Amnesty International Chapter. He has worked on issues such as freedom of expression, restoration of rights, equal access to education and other problems that threaten to undermine the dignity and rights of human beings. Also, Dan has worked through JMU as a Political Science Research Assistant, working on projects that explore Female Representativeness in Bureaucracies and Gubernatorial Power over State Budgets. When he is not working, he enjoys playing tennis, watching Rachel Maddow and practicing saxophone.
Hannah Wiegard, Environmental Chair
Chester, VA ~ Metro Richmond Area Young Democrats
environmental_chair@vayd.org
Hannah is a senior majoring in English and minoring in Environmental Science and Policy at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, Hannah spent this past summer interning at the Richmond office of the Sierra Club, near her hometown of Chester, VA. She brings a turntable for vinyl records to college every year, and tells herself that buying used albums is fairly sustainable way to blow all her cash.
David Harrison, Rural Issues Caucus Chair
Ringgold, VA ~ Danville-Pittsylvania County Young Democrats
rural_chair@vayd.org
David Harrison is a lifelong resident of Pittsylvania County, and a 2006 graduate of Patrick Henry Community College, with a degree in Information Technology specializing in Internet Services. He is currently working on his Bachelors of Science in Information Technology at Averett University. David is the current Vice-Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Democratic Committee, former Chairman of 19th district Senate nominating committee, and President of the Danville-Pittsylvania County Young Democrats. David is an active member of the Danville chapter of Virginia Organizing and the SPCA of Martinsville-Henry County. David is an active lifelong democrat with a strong sense of civic duty to public service at every level: local, state, and national. He has never missed a chance to vote and is concerned with issues such as social justice, government transparency, health care reform, tax reform, campaign finance reform, and progressive social change. He is dedicated to environmental protection (including upholding the ban on uranium mining in Virginia) and animal welfare. His other pastimes include history, listening to music, NASCAR, golf, and political satire. David currently resides in Ringgold, Virginia with his wife, Annette, and his rescued animals Tasha, Buddy, Flash, and William.
Daniel Sanford, Disability Issues Caucus
Springfield, VA ~
Craig Fifer, DPVA Vice Chair for Technology and Communication
Alexandria, VA ~ Alexandria Young Democrats
craig@fifer.net
Craig currently serves on the VAYD Executive Committee by virtue of being an officer of the Democratic Party of Virginia. He has lived in Alexandria since 2003 and is a member of the Alexandria Young Democrats. Craig grew up in Roanoke, where he developed an interest in politics after interning in his congressman's district office. He joined the Young Democrats at Virginia Tech while an undergraduate there in 1995, and eventually became VAYD president in 2001-2002. He is a former vice president of Young Democrats of America and a former chairman of the Sixth Congressional District Democratic Committee. Craig works for the City of Alexandria in a nonpartisan position. He currently serves as the secretary of the Virginia Coalition for Open Government and has been an appointee of Governors Warner and Kaine to the Virginia Freedom of Information Advisory Council since 2004. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Virginia Tech and a master's degree in public administration from George Mason University. Craig is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute's Political Leaders Program class of 2003, and currently co-chairs Sorensen's Northern Virginia Regional Board.
Sean Holihan, Immediate Past President
Alexandria, VA ~ Alexandria Young Democrats
past_president@vayd.org
Sean started his career in politics in 2004 registering voters in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Since then, he has worked on Congressional, Gubernatorial and Senate campaigns across Virginia. He served as President of the Virginia Young Democrats from 2009 to early 2011. Sean has served in the policy office of several members of the Virginia General Assembly including Delegate Brian Moran and Senator George Barker. He currently works for The Chadderdon Group, doing direct mail for Democratic candidates across the nation. Sean has previously served as the PAC Director for Equality Virginia. Sean resides in Alexandria, VA with his partner Danny where you can find him yelling at the TV because the Mets are invariably losing to whomever they happen to be playing that day
