Home » About Us

James H. Dean, Chair

Jim Dean is the current Chair of Democracy for America (DFA). As DFA's key spokesperson and fundraiser, Jim keeps DFA in the national spotlight. Jim brings DFA's mission across the country to all 50 states. He meets with candidates, organizers, party leaders and activists, inspiring everyone to get involved and take back our country. Jim has been involved with DFA since our founding in 2004. He has a long history of political involvement and was a key fundraiser for his brother, Howard's campaigns for President, Governor and Lt. Governor.

Governor Howard Dean, Founder

Governor Howard Dean founded Democracy for America in 2004 to build on the grassroots momentum for reform that his bid for the presidency sparked. The movement propelled DFA into a successful national organization committed to the "50 State Strategy."

In early 2005, DFA ran a people-powered campaign to elect Governor Dean to chair the Democratic National Committee. Democrats nationwide badly wanted reform and found the answer in Dean. In February 2005 Governor Dean resigned from the leadership of DFA to take his new post as chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Democracy for America Staff

Arshad Hasan, Executive Director

Arshad runs the day to day operations of DFA. He manages each department's activities to ensure that all of his staff is singing the same tune and executing our mission effectively.

Outside of the office, Arshad likes to practice Bikram yoga and enjoys a well-made espresso martini.

Charles Chamberlain, Political Director

Charles is in charge of all political outreach and candidate endorsements. He also manages our online actions and email messages to our members.

When he isn't working, Charles loves to watch Survivor and go for walks with his dog Quazar.

Rachel Moss, Finance Director

Rachel runs the fundraising operations at DFA. She manages two additional finance staff and specifically focuses her time on major donors and online fundraising.

Once she leaves the office, Rachel likes to ride her bike, play tennis, and hang out with her puppy Brewster.

Matt Blizek, Training Director

Matt coordinates and executes the DFA campaign training program. Every weekend he travels the country to teach folks how to win elections.

Whenever he has free time, Matt likes to play a round of disc golf or see live music.

Adam Quinn, Field Director

Adam runs the field department and manages the Field Fellows program. He never lets anyone forget that “You have the power”.

Playing Ultimate Frisbee, his 80's road bike (Miami Vice color scheme), and watching Champions League Football (soccer) are a couple of his favorite things. 

Michael Langenmayr, Field Organizer

Michael works in the Field Department, helping organize online and offline events and providing general support to DFA group leaders around the country.

Out of the office, Michael enjoys seeing local musicians and drinking locally-brewed beer. He’s also a longtime comic book fan.

Kate Lesniak, Field Organizer

Kate works in the Field Department to support DFA groups nationwide and ensure smooth sailing events and continued grassroots action!

In her spare time, Kate loves to hit the mountain on her snowboard or swim at any of Vermont’s scenic spots when the weather warms up.

Ben Eisenberg, Deputy Finance Director

Ben is one of three fundraisers on DFA's staff and is in charge of direct mail, telemarketing, the DFA Trust and DFA Wireless.

Outside of DFA Headquarters Ben is a big baseball fan (Chicago White Sox) who also likes to play disc golf and take hikes with his dog Maya.

Bryan Hageny, Deputy Training Director

Bryan assists in coordinating and executing DFA campaign trainings. As a result, he spends most weekends traveling the country organizing and training activists and candidates.

In his spare time he is an avid fan of Wisconsin sports (Go Bucky!).

Alejandra Lorenzo, Finance Assistant/Scheduler

Ale manages donor "call time" for both the Chair and Executive Director. She also handles all scheduling requests for Jim Dean.

In her free time she likes to read and take hikes.

Eileen Cleland, Accountant

Eileen is DFA's number cruncher in chief. She makes sure our budget is balanced and our accounts are in order.

In her spare time, Eileen likes to take her dogs Rufus and Molly for walks and attend yoga class.

Annalouise Venturella, Compliance Officer

Annalouise ensures DFA follows federal, state, and local campaign finance laws as well as manages the internship program.

Outside of work, her interests include reading, photography, and watching Patriots games.

Dave Santucci, Volunteer and Intern Coordinator

Dave is responsible for the volunteer and intern program here at DFA, including recruiting and  managing our wonderful volunteers and interns. If you want to help at DFA HQ, he's your guy.

While away from work, Dave enjoys Vermont by biking, tele-skiing, kayaking, hiking with his dog, Harlem, and drinking VT beer.