NLC Ambassadors

Adam Edelen Kentucky State Auditor

ADAM H. EDELEN was sworn in as Kentucky’s 46th Auditor of Public Accounts on Jan. 2, 2012. After successful careers as a high-ranking public official and business executive, Adam takes on one of the most important jobs in the Commonwealth – taxpayer watchdog. Born to a farm family in rural Kentucky, he learned the values of integrity, hard work and common sense – and he has never forgotten them. Adam also is part of a new generation of leaders who are more focused on outcomes and honest and effective government than partisan politics.

Adam and his young twin sons make their home in Lexington. In addition to being a proud father, he is also an avid sportsman who loves Kentucky’s one-of-a-kind natural beauty.

After bringing strong strategic and financial management to the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, Governor Beshear promoted Adam to serve as his Chief of Staff. In this role he made major contributions to the administration’s acclaimed efforts in the areas of children’s health insurance, education policy and the sound fiscal management of the state in a time of historic economic difficulty.

Adam credits his successes in government to the leadership skills he learned in the private sector as an entrepreneur and executive. As a senior executive with both Commerce Lexington and Thomas & King, Inc., Adam became an expert in making businesses and organizations more efficient, profitable and accountable.

A former Chairman of the Board of Kentucky Educational Television, Adam was the driving force behind KET’s “Be Well Kentucky” initiative—an acclaimed effort to address Kentucky’s public health challenges. He also chaired the board of the Lexington Urban League, as well as the United Way of the Bluegrass’ Annual Giving Campaign. Adam was the executive force behind New Century Lexington’s nationally recognized reports on community livability, which used private sector-inspired metrics to assess Lexington’s quality of life. Additionally, he was a member of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, an advocacy organization working to improve education for all Kentuckians.

A nationally recognized leader and public servant, Adam was named the “Outstanding Young Kentuckian” by the Kentucky Jr. Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Americans” by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce later that year. The latter is arguably the oldest and most prestigious service award in the nation, and previous honorees include presidents Kennedy, Nixon, Ford and Clinton. Adam was also the recipient of the 2002 Lexington Young Professionals Association’s “Rising Star” award and has represented America abroad as both a “Young Leader” with the American-Swiss Foundation and as a United States Marshall Fund fellow.

Andrew M. Korge, Business Consultant, Miami Strategies

ANDREW M. KORGE graduated from Babson College in 2003 and the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida in 2007, and immediately became heavily involved in America’s 2008 Presidential Election. In 2008, Andrew went from being a field organizer to becoming the youngest member of President Obama’s National Finance Committee. After President Obama’s Inauguration, Andrew co-founded Generation FortyFour, an organization within the Obama Campaign that engages and inspires the next generation of leaders to become politically active. Andrew is a National Co-Chair of Generation FortyFour.

After passing the bar exam, Andrew became involved in different businesses. Andrew is currently the managing partner of Miami Strategies, a bi-partisan consulting firm that provides strategic support for businesses looking to set up shop or expand their operations in South Florida. Andrew was previously involved in the alternative energy, education, and construction industries as an executive or a co-founder.

Andrew is currently the Co-Founder and Chairman of MPower, a national “grasstops” network of Millennial leaders in the business, policy, political, press, and fundraising communities. MPower and its affiliates are creating a platform for Millennials to succeed in American politics, working to bridge the gap between Millennial and older generations, and usher in a new generation of elected leaders in America.

Andrew has also been involved with other organizations and charities that help the next generation of Americans succeed in life. Andrew was the co-chair of Impact Circle, which is Big Brothers Big Sisters young professional group. Andrew currently serves as a mentor for Kairos Society, an organization that brings together the brightest collegiate entrepreneurs across the globe, and is a member of the Editorial Board and Board of Advisors of Our Time, a special interest group that supports the interests of the next generation of leaders. Andrew resides in Coral Gables, Florida.

Jeremy Becker, Southeast Political Director, AIPAC

JEREMY BECKER is the Southeast Political Director for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

In this capacity, Jeremy regularly meets with candidates for the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate to introduce issues on which AIPAC focuses. Additionally, Jeremy works with AIPAC’s top leadership to foster participation in the political process in a bi-partisan fashion with the overall goal of advancing AIPAC’s legislative agenda.

He also regularly meets with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss the issues affecting the U.S.-Israel relationship and acts as a liaison between Pro-Israel political activists and Congressional offices. Jeremy has spearheaded AIPAC efforts in the Georgia State Legislature and has participated in missions to Israel with elected officials. He is a frequent speaker at AIPAC events and regularly moderates panels with other political professionals.

Jeremy is stationed in AIPAC’s Southeast Regional Office in Atlanta.

Jeremy graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Political Science and a concentration in American Electorate Behavior. While in college, Jeremy worked on several political campaigns. He earned a law degree from Emory University School of Law where he was the Director of Emory’s Moot Court Special Teams.

Jeremy joined AIPAC after several years in private law practice in New York City.

Jack O’Donnell, President & Director of Communications for Bolton St. Johns

An expert in New York State politics and government, Jack O’Donnell serves as Senior Vice President as well as Director of Communications for Bolton St. Johns, one of New York State’s premier lobbying and government relations firms.

Bolton St. Johns provides strategic advice, counsel, and value-added services by delivering smart messages to key decision makers, political intelligence and concrete results to their clients. Located in Buffalo, Albany, New York City and Washington, DC, Bolton St. Johns is where decisions are made.

In New York, Jack served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for United States Senator Chuck Schumer and as Regional Director (for Central and Western New York) for the State Comptroller. In these positions O’Donnell worked closely with—and on behalf of—local governments. This blend of state, federal and local experience gives him a unique perspective on solving problems at every level of government.

O’Donnell served as Schumer’s State Representative to the Energy Committee and coordinated New York State Appropriation requests. He was a “Senior Policy Advisor” to the State Comptroller, specializing in Economic Development issues.

O’Donnell’s extensive experience in politics includes campaigns for former President Bill Clinton, Governors Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson, Senators Chuck Schumer and Hillary Clinton, numerous statewide and congressional campaigns as well as many local campaigns.

Jack is a regular contributor to political programming on both radio and television, including Your News Now (YNN), Time Warner’s Buffalo-based 24-hour cable news network and Capitol Tonight, a news and current affairs program broadcasted statewide.

O’Donnell serves as an adjunct faculty member at Canisius College where he lectures on the United States Constitution. He is also a Commissioner of the Erie County Water Authority, currently serving as Treasurer of that body. Recently Jack was honored as a rising leader by both Buffalo’s Business First and Albany’s The Capitol, receiving their prestigious “Forty Under 40” awards.

Jack is a graduate of Canisius College and the State University of New York at Buffalo Law School. He is the founder of Transplant Miracles Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides support to transplant recipients and their families, and is actively involved with Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS). He also serves on the board of the Buffalo Police Foundation and the Frank Lloyd Wright Boathouse.

Mr. O’Donnell and his wife Marina split their time between the City of Buffalo and New York City.

Emily Sussman, Young Democrats of America, Executive Director

EMILY SUSSMAN is the Executive Director of Young Democrats of America, the nation’s largest partisan, youth-led political organization. Emily formerly served as the Co-Director of Government Affairs for the Service members Legal Defense Network, an organization dedicated to the free legal representation of LGBT members of the military.

At SLDN, Emily represented LGBT service members through the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Prior to joining SLDN Emily founded Think Blue, a political organization for young professional Democrats. Think Blue supports young, national Congressional candidates, by encouraging the next generation of leaders to get involved with the political process. For her work with Think Blue, Emily was named one of the “40 under 40 Emerging Leaders in Politics” by New Leaders Council in their inaugural list.

Emily is a member of the New York Bar, and earned her J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, graduating Cum Laude. She holds a Bachelors of Social Work from Skidmore College, where her concentration was in Developmental Disabilities, specifically in adult populations. She was also recently honored by Cardozo Law School Nathaniel Gates award, and received the award from Truman National Security Project for Extraordinary Contribution toward Advancing the Truman Democratic Word View. Sussman has been called “not your typical lobbyist” to which she responds “why would you want to be a typical anything.”

Justin G. Tanner, Legislative Analyst in the Office of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Ree

JUSTIN G. Tanner is a Legislative Analyst in the Office of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, where he helps the City of Atlanta maintain working relationships with state, federal and local government entities. Prior to his move to Intergovernmental Affairs and External Relations, he was a Senior Communications Specialist in the Mayor’s Office of Communications, where he handled executive correspondence on behalf of Mayor Reed, accompanied him to media-related appearances and speaking engagements and worked directly on nuanced policy issues. Prior to joining Mayor Reed’s administration, Mr. Tanner served as the Director of New Media for the mayor’s 2009 citywide campaign and 2010 Inaugural Planning Committee. He is the author of the City of Atlanta’s social media policy and continues to provide strategic advice on the topic to senior staff.

Politically, Mr. Tanner is a National Finance Committee member with the Democratic National Committee. Specifically, he serves as a National Finance Committee member of Obama for America (OFA)’s African-American Leadership Council and as a National Co-Chair of OFA’s under-40, young professional fundraising program — Generation Forty Four (Gen44). Locally, he is a member of the Fulton Democratic Party of Georgia, representing House Dist. 49, Post Seat 4. Over the past few years, he has served as the Finance Chair and Political Chair for the Young Democrats of Atlanta, a Campaign Ambassador to former State Senator Kasim Reed, an Advisory Board member for Covenant Community, Inc. and on the Board of Governors for the Red Clay Democrats. Mr. Tanner also participates as a mentor in the R.E.A.L. Men Read program with the Atlanta Public School System and is a member of Cascade United Methodist Church.

Mr. Tanner is also an emerging young leader – In May 2011, he was featured as one of Atlanta’s “Next Up: 25 Rising Young Stars,” in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine and was also chosen as a member of L.E.A.D. Atlanta’s 2012 Class. In September 2011, he was selected as one of ten outstanding Atlantans by Outstanding Atlanta, Inc. and currently serves as the organization’s Vice President. Mr. Tanner is a 2011 New Leaders Council (NLC) Fellow, a 2010 Truman Project Partner and 2010 United Way V.I.P. graduate. Finally, he is the recipient of the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals’ 2011 “Dream Catchers Political Advocate” award and the NLC Atlanta’s 2010 “Young Progressive Leader” award.

Mr. Tanner holds a J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School where he was President of the Entertainment & Sports Law Society (ESLS) and a B.B.A. in Marketing from Howard University, where he graduated magna cum laude. While matriculating at Howard, Mr. Tanner participated in the School of Business Executive Leadership Honors Program. He also became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Alpha Chapter.

Cynthia Guerrero, Founder of CG Consulting Group, Inc.

Cynthia Guerrero is the founder of CG Consulting Group, Inc., Cynthia, as registered California state and Federal lobbyist, specializes in broad range of issues specifically relating to the technology industry providing her clients with policy and political strategy as well as crisis management.

Prior to returning to her private practice, she served as the California Director for TechNet, the leading bipartisan political network of CEOs that promotes growth of the innovation economy by building long-term relationships between technology leaders and policymakers both on the state and federal levels. Before to joining TechNet, Cynthia worked with various state legislators/public officials, Members of Congress and the U.S. Senate providing political strategy and fundraising services.

In addition, prior to her consulting work and masters program, Cynthia worked at the Rand Corporation as well as in the investment securities industry for top firms such as Credit Suisse First Boston – Technology Group, Barclays Global Investors, and Merrill Lynch. Cynthia has her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in Pre-Law and a minor in English Literature from Mount St. Mary’s College. She graduated with a Master in Public Policy specializing in Economics and International Relations from Pepperdine University, where she serves on the prestigious Board of Visitors.

She also serves on the Board of Directors for Zero Divide, a California-based technology non-profit addressing digital divide issues.

Donald L. Fowler, CEO and Founder Dogpatch Strategies

Donnie Fowler has achieved a leading role in both political and high technology circles through his work in the Clinton White House, at the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, as vice president at TechNet in Silicon Valley, and with political campaigns in every corner of the United States. He has advised dozens of companies, policymakers, public advocacy groups, and political campaigns on how to successfully manage their media, policy, and business development agendas. Currently, he leads Dogpatch Strategies, a communications and public affairs firm serving green technology enterprises, and continues to support Cherry Tree Mobile media, a mobile technology company he co-founded in 2006.

Fowler’s political background includes on the ground work in fifteen states and five of the last six presidential campaign cycles. He was Al Gore’s National Field & Delegates Director, contributing to the only Democratic campaign to win every state in a competitive nomination fight and supporting the eventual popular vote victory against George Bush. Following the 2004 election, Fowler finished second in the contest for Democratic National Chairman behind eventual winner Howard Dean. Most recently, he was senior state advisor to the Obama campaign in Indiana, the first Democratic presidential win there since 1964.

Fowler’s recent professional work has included clients as varied as Facebook, Stanford University, the Pew Charitable Trust, Al Gore (“Inconvenient Truth” and The Alliance for Climate Protection), the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, MyPoints Online, CNET News, EnTrust Capital Management, SolarTech, Greenvolts Inc., Amgen, and the Biotech Industry Organization. He has made frequent appearances in local and national media on political and technology issues, including Fox News, “Dan Rather Reports” (HDNet), The Washington Post, LA Times, San Jose Mercury News, and as a blogger for the Huffington Post.

Fowler is senior fellow at the Truman National Security Project and an alumnus of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, finishing his second trip to China in August 2009. He was also an appointee of Governor Gray Davis to California’s Long-Term Economic Strategy Panel, charged with setting a long-term strategy for California’s economy. Fowler received his B.A. from the University of Virginia and his law degree from the University of South Carolina where he attended on a full scholarship. He is a South Carolina native and has lived in San Francisco since 2001.

Jessica Vanden Berg, Political Consultant

JESSICA VANDEN BERG is an effective, strategic thinker and leader. Not only does she have a proven record, including successfully managing top political races and advocacy campaigns, she has founded and is a partner of a public affairs and direct mail firm which provides strategic advice and consultation to a wide range of clients.

Jessica began her career as a grassroots field organizer for Congressman Leonard Boswell’s highly targeted winning re-election campaign. She went on to work for Rep. Leonard Boswell for four more years. She served in various capacities including serving as a District Representative where she ran his mobile district office, served as Finance Director, and managed his 2000 successful re-election bid. She also worked on Capitol Hill as his Communications Director. During those years, she also helped various campaigns on local, state, and national levels, including roles in Vice-President Al Gore’s caucus and general election bids.

After her stint on Capitol Hill Jessica returned to Iowa and became the Deputy Director of the Iowa Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign. She ran the day-to-day operation and a multi-million dollar budget for the most technologically advanced Coordinated Campaign of its time. During that election she worked on the prototype of web based voter-file interface – the VAN – which is now widely used across the county in addition to the first program in the nation to use palm pilots for door-to-door voter contact. The cutting edge program helped re-elect Senator Tom Harkin, Governor Tom Vilsack and Rep. Leonard Boswell in very difficult year for Democrats.

In 2003, Jessica became the Caucus Director for the Iowa Democratic Party and consequently became a caucus expert – writing the delegate plan in addition to advising the presidential campaigns on the caucus process. Inspired by their background and position on the war in Iraq, she became Senator Bob Graham’s Iowa State director and then became General Wesley Clark’s Oklahoma State Director. Leading the efforts in Oklahoma, General Clark won his first and only primary of his 2004 Presidential bid.

During the General election of 2004, she was the Director of the North Carolina Coordinated Campaign, heading up the field programs for Governor Mike Easley and Senate Candidate Erskine Bowles. It was the first centralized, modern field campaign run in North Carolina including African-American GOTV as well as a heavily targeted first of its kind persuasion program. The program was specifically targeted to turn out marginal voters with a heavy focus on early voting in the African American community. Nearly 1 million voters voted early 50% of them were Democrat and 36% were Republican. The number of people who voted early doubled. According to the Charlotte Observer, “Campaign strategists from both parties agree Democrats did a better job of mobilizing early voters this year.” (Charlotte Observer, 12/15/04)

In 2005, Jessica moved to Minnesota to serve as Senator Amy Klobuchar’s campaign manager, putting together her team and operations. She worked in Minnesota until she was able to help clear a heavily contested primary campaign. She moved on to run Senator Jim Webb’s long shot bid for Senate in 2006. First, she helped defeat an entrenched primary opponent being outspent 3 to 1, then went on to take down George Allen. Being part of the team which elected Jim Webb to the Senate and flipping the Chamber to a Democratic Majority was certainly a highlight of her career.

She was named 2006 Campaign and Election’s magazine’s “Rising Star” and received WIN’s “Young Women of Achievement” Award in 2007.

After that amazing election, she along with her partners founded Maverick Strategy and Mail.

In addition to Maverick, during the Presidential primary season, she worked for the ONE Campaign and was the Democratic campaign manager for their ONE Vote ’08 Presidential Initiative. The cutting edge issue campaign used technology, press and grassroots support to push the presidential candidate to support real measure in dealing with global poverty and health. She managed staff throughout the country and was able to persuade the candidates to guaranteed real commitments to saving people lives – it was an unprecedented effort. The ONE Vote ’08 campaign received The Center for Global Development and Foreign Policy magazine “2008 Commitment to Development Ideas in Action Award.”

In 2008, she returned to North Carolina for the General Election where she ran the Coordinated Campaign, working with all campaigns up & down the ballot. It was an historic year where not only Barack Obama carried the state but Bev Perdue was elected Governor, Kay Hagan became Senator and Larry Kissell was elected to Congress.

She’s worked both domestically and abroad has advised campaigns and independent expenditures across the country and has worked with various clients including General Wesley Clark, Free the Slaves, Pickens Plan and VoteVotes.org.

Jessica is from Pella, Iowa and graduated with a degree in Political Science from Central College.

Melissa Wideman, Political Consultant

After graduating from Ursuline Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, MELISSA WIDEMAN went to the College of Charleston. She graduated with a double major in political science and corporate communications and a minor in business administration. Since then, Melissa has embarked in a life of politics and campaigns. During her career, Melissa has lived and worked in 5 states (OH, SC, NC, NH, KY) and traveled coast to coast.

Melissa was on the National Advance Team for Kerry-Edwards and was the Deputy Campaign Manager for Senator Sherrod Brown in 2006. Wideman served as the National Finance Deputy Chief of Staff on John Edwards’ Presidential Campaign in 2008. She served as the Executive Director of the Ohio House Democratic Caucus. Wideman managed both of Steve Driehaus’ Congressional races and Jack Conway’s winning Attorney General race in 2011.

John B. Vezina, Political Director, Writers Guild of America, West

JOHN VEZINA is the Political Director for the Writers Guild of America, West. He was previously an advisor to Alaskan Senator Mark Begich.

John has a wealth of political experience, dating back to the early 1990s when he served as a legislative staffer, campaign scheduler and later, as Special Assistant to Alaskan Governor Tony Knowles. After working with Governor Knowles, John went on to serve as Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison for the Corporation for National Service in Washington, D.C., as Vice President of Government Relations for Communities in Schools in Alexandria, Virginia and as the Senior Policy Advocate for The Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. before returning to work with Tony Knowles National Finance Director for Knowles 2004 campaign for United States Senate.

John worked with Knowles once again on Knowles’ campaign to become Alaska’s governor in 2006 after working on educational and equal rights projects in Seattle and Portland, including Equal Rights Washington in 2006.

John resides in Los Angeles.

Michael Bronstein, President and founder of Bronstein & Weaver, Inc

MICHAEL BRONSTEIN is the president and founder of Bronstein & Weaver, Inc – a leading Democratic political strategy and direct mail firm.

Michael has received numerous honors for his cutting edge political advertising and was most recently named to the 2011 Democratic ‘Dream Team’ of American Political Consultants.
In 2010, Michael was the recipient of Politics Magazine’s Rising Star Award and was listed as ‘Top Ten’ political consultant by PA2010.com.

Michael is a frequent sought commentator and has appeared in numerous media outlets including: Politico, CBS radio, BBC, The Chris Stigall Show, Clear Channel radio, the Post Gazette, and Politics Magazine – to name just a few. Michael has served as a guest lecturer on campaigning at Campaigns & Elections ‘Art of Political Campaigning’ conference, the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management, and Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.

The firm that Michael founded, Bronstein & Weaver, was named a finalist for an unprecedented three years in a row for Poltics Magazine’s Stanley F. Reed Award for excellence in political campaigning.

Before co-founding Bronstein & Weaver, Inc., Michael worked for the British Labour Party during Prime Minister Tony Blair’s reelection campaign where helped oversee the design and creation of national
media. Prior to working for the Labour Party, Michael was a parliamentary researcher to Rt. Hon. James Purnell MP, a prominent Labour politician.

Michael has served in many political capacities such as an appointed mayor advisor in upstate New York, an intern in the Clinton White House, a spokesman for Democratic organizations, and is a member of many civic boards. In 2010, Michael was elected to the board of the American Association of Political Consultants mid-Atlantic chapter.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree in American Studies from Cornell University attended the London School of Economics as a Hansard Scholar. He currently resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Chris Cooper, Managing Director in Washington, DC office of SKDKnickerbocker

Chris Cooper is Managing Director of SKDKnickerbocker, a strategic communications and political consulting firm. He joined the firm in 2009 after nearly nine years with MSHC Partners (formerly Malchow Schlackman Hoppey & Cooper).

During nearly two decades in politics, Chris has worked on campaigns in 38 states as well as the United Kingdom. His experience spans the fields of communications strategy; persuasion mail creation, execution and microtargeting; traditional and digital media consulting; campaign/project management; and public relations. His work has helped win elections from President, Governor and U.S. Senator to state representative and city councilmember.

In 2012, Chris’s clients included Obama for America; independent expenditures for Americans Elect, Independence USA PAC, StudentsFirst, and the National Association of Realtors; and successful local and congressional campaigns in Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina and Texas.

Over seven election cycles, Chris developed persuasion mail campaigns for the independent expenditure arm of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). His work has helped elect over 35 Members of Congress.

During the 1990s, Chris served as national development director and political director at the New Democrat Network; campaign director at Campaign Performance Group, a persuasion mail firm; account executive at Joe Slade White and Company media consulting firm; manager of two congressional campaigns, including the 1996 reelection campaign of former U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC); director of voter identification and turnout on a gubernatorial campaign; and as a Capitol Hill aide on the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee under then-Chairman Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-SC). As a college student, Chris was a volunteer precinct captain for Clinton-Gore ’92, helping the ticket win his precinct by one vote.

A native of Charleston, SC, Chris graduated cum laude from Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and is a frequent lecturer at colleges, political training seminars and conferences in the U.S. and Europe. Chris and his wife, Elizabeth Spratt Cooper, live in Washington, DC, with their two daughters.

Eric Niloff, EverPresent, Inc.

Eric is the co-founder and CEO of EverPresent, Inc. This exciting, rapidly growing company digitizes old photos and videos for families and organizations, and helps them share cherished memories across generations.

Prior to co-founding EverPresent, Eric was a Senior Principal at The Parthenon Group, leading project teams across the firm’s Corporate, Education and Private Equity practices. Eric’s clients across Parthenon’s Boston and London offices included universities, professional sports franchises, global non-profit foundations, private equity investors, industrial firms and media companies. Eric’s teams successfully advised clients on growth strategy, product development, mergers and acquisitions, post-merger integration, sales force optimization, customer segmentation, macroeconomic forecasting, and marketing strategy.

Prior to joining Parthenon, Eric worked for five years as a political and public policy professional. His positions included campaign management and communications director roles on numerous statewide races, along with working as a speechwriter in the United States Senate. In these roles, Eric managed teams of as many as 30 professionals and was responsible for multi-million dollar communications budgets while directly overseeing message development, media buying, press relations, debate preparation, speechwriting, online strategy, and polling and focus group research.

Eric holds a BA with Distinction from Yale University and a MBA from the Carey School of Business at Johns Hopkins University.

Scott Kozar, The New Media Firm, Senior Vice President

SCOTT KOZAR is Senior Vice President at the New Media Firm. A native of Ohio, Scott has written, directed, and produced television, radio, and online advertising for Democratic candidates, progressive organizations, and ballot initiatives across the country including: Ohio House Democratic Caucus Fund, Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams, MTR Gaming, Communications Workers of America, National Education Association, United Mine Workers of America, and The American Worker PAC.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Dayton and a Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Law. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife Maura Healy.

Steven Newmark, Counsel to the Public Advocate of the City of New York

STEVEN NEWMARK is a native New Yorker who has spent years fighting for causes he believes in, including as an advocate for voting rights, fighting for tenants’ rights, and protecting voters in local, state, and national elections from intimidation.

Steven spent nearly five years as a litigator at the international law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. Prior to his work at Orrick, Steven worked in the Election Office of the Teamsters International Union, helping to craft rules for, and monitor, the Teamsters’ 2006 International Union election. While at Orrick, Steven was honored in 2010 for pro bono work he did on behalf of rent regulated tenants in Housing Court, representing detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and his work as General Counsel for The Common Good. In 2011, Steven was named Counsel to the Public Advocate of the City of New York. Steven has been a guest lecturer in public policy at Columbia University since 2011.

Steven is also an active member of his community, serving as President of the Tilden Democratic Club, on the Board of Directors of his tenants association (the largest in New York State), serving as co-founder and member of the Steering Committee of the New York Democratic Lawyers Council, and serving on the New York Executive Committee for the American Constitution Society. Steven was honored by the NYC Chapter of the New Leaders Council in 2011 with a special award for his progressive activism.

Steven is active politically – both locally and nationally. He currently serves as National Co-Chair of Lawyers for Obama, is a member of the National Executive Committee of Gen 44, the Young Professionals Arm of the Obama campaign, and is a member of President Obama’s National Finance Committee. Steven assisted with the Obama/Biden Transition Team in 2008-09 and Cy Vance’s Transition Team for Manhattan DA in 2009. During the ’08 cycle, Steven was the National Coordinator of Young Lawyers for Obama, an organization of over 11,000 attorneys nationwide. In 2007, Steven was seconded by the U.S. State Department to serve as an American monitor for elections in Albania.

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