Leon County Young Democrats Elect Experienced Politicos

Democrats look to the future, election cycles, and restructuring youth involvement in Leon County politics

Tallahassee, FL – The Leon County Young Democrats (LCYD) elected former Florida Democratic Party Political Director, Chris Petley, as their new President for the 2007-2008 term late last week. The Young Democrats also elected a new vice president and secretary as they take the organization into a new direction.

“We have elected one of the most successful groups of young professionals in the recent history of Leon County Democrats,” said newly elected President, Chris Petley. “Our group includes a current DEC Chairman, and the statewide Young Democrat President, Alan Brock, as our Treasurer. Our Secretary is the Florida Democratic Party’s North Florida fundraiser and our Community Affairs Director, Corinne Rubin, is a Senate Democratic Legislative Analyst who is involved in a variety of well established charities in town. The new Vice President is an issues-based campaign expert in Barbra Henderson. With this group on the executive board, the possibilities are endless.”

The Executive Board members will each serve one year terms due to expire in June of 2008. The board members will advise and organize more than 100 members of the LCYD as they prepare for the 2008 Presidential election cycle.

"Our generation of leaders is young, innovative, energetic, and understands the need for democracy like no others,” said City Commissioner Andrew Gillum. “Ready to help elect the leaders of the future, this group recognize what is needed and will make their presence impressive and their voices heard.”

Also on the priority list are as three open State House seats (Ausley, Richardson, Kendrick), and the re-elections of Congressman Allen Boyd and Superintendent Jackie Pons.

"I would like to congratulate the new leadership of the Leon County Young Democrats," said Congressman Allen Boyd (D-FL). "As someone who has been in public service for 18 years, I am always excited to hear about people, especially young people, getting involved in our government and the political process. The participation and contribution of the people are what make our country so great, and I wish the newly-elected officers the best of luck as they work to organize the young Democrats in our area."

LCYD Executive Board Bios:

President, Chris Petley: The former Political Director of the Florida Democratic Party and the founder and president of the 20Twenty Futures Program, Chris brings an extensive knowledge about politics, campaigns and organizing young professionals that will be reflected in the broad range of activities undertaken by the LCYD.

Vice President, Barbara Henderson: An active member of the Democratic Executive Committee, Capitol City Women's Democratic Club, and the Democratic Club of North Florida. Ms. Henderson also has experience with issues-based campaigns as well as with candidates' elections.

Secretary, Sarah Smith: Currently a fundraiser in North Florida for the Florida Democratic Party and overall campaign veteran, Sarah brings experience in all facets of the political landscape in the Big Bend and beyond. Her contacts will bolster the LCYD as they grow into one of the pre-eminent organizations in Leon and the surrounding areas.

Community Affairs, Corinne Rubin: As a Legislative Analyst in the Florida State Senate and former lead fundraiser for the Florida Democratic Party and Leon County Cancer Society, Corinne is an expert at analyzing an organization’s needs and responding accordingly. Corinne will help the LCYD's to further establish a positive reputation within Leon County and the surrounding areas, by encouraging our members to get involved with community events that benefit the people of the big bend.

Treasurer, Alan Brock: The current statewide Young Democrat President, Alan’s skills at organizing are reflected at his current post organizing high school students in the anti-tobacco SWAT program and will strengthen the LCYD’s volunteer recruitment and management. Alan is also Chair of the Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee, and has lengthy experience running statewide ballot initiatives.

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