Monmouth County Young Democrats Elect 2021 Executive Board, New Leadership
Monmouth County Young Democrats Elect 2021 Executive Board, New Leadership
Monmouth County, NJ – The Monmouth County Young Democrats are excited to announce their newly elected 2021 Executive Board, including the election of a new President, Samantha Minchello. The MCYD held their annual elections on Wednesday, January 27th where the general body elected the six member board. During the meeting the Executive Board stressed the importance of this election year in New Jersey.
“In such a critical election year for state office holders, it will be even more important to engage young people in supporting Democrats for local, county, and statewide offices.” says incoming President Samantha Minchello. “The Monmouth County Young Democrats are committed to finding new ways to reach voters and promote civic participation while we continue to face the pandemic.”
As the youngest current member of the New Jersey State Senate, and a Young Democrat himself, Senator Vin Gopal of the 11th Legislative District appreciates the impact Young Democrats can have. “It is critical to bring young people into the Democratic process. The Young Democrats of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and we look forward to working with Monmouth’s Young Democrats on their organizing and community service efforts this year.”
“Young Democrats are an essential part of the party in Monmouth County, and we are proud of what this caucus has accomplished in the past few years,” said Chairman David Brown. “It is important for Young Democrats to know there are many ways for them to become engaged
in the political process and to make their voices heard.”
The 2021 Monmouth County Young Democrats Executive Board:
Samantha Minchello, President – Former Aide to the Governor in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Samantha Minchello is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration degree from Rutgers University. Previously, Samantha focused her interest in health policy working at the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance where she assisted in the development and execution of the state’s new ACA outreach program “Get Covered NJ”.
Catherine Tung, Vice President – Catherine works for the Assembly Majority Office and also serves as Secretary on the New Jersey Young Democrats Executive Board. She currently works as a Policy Analyst for the New Jersey Assembly Democratic Office, where she works on issues pertaining to economic development, science and technology, and infrastructure.
Sam Berzok, Treasurer – Former Legislative Director for Assemblyman Karabinchak, Sam is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at New York University’s Wagner School focusing his studies on government budgeting and public finance. Prior to graduate school, Sam worked in state and local politics in Middlesex and Monmouth counties, most recently serving as Legislative Director to Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak.
Allison McLeod, Secretary/Communications Director – Allison is a lifelong Monmouth resident. Her background is in environmental science and policy, and she currently works in local government administration. In addition to serving as Secretary/Communications Director for MCYD, she is an Aberdeen Township County Committeewoman and member of the local planning board.
Michael Penna, Director of Events – Michael lives in Asbury Park, he is an educator teaching Theatre and English to at-risk and special needs children at Collier High School, and he is a PhD candidate. Michael was the Democratic Candidate for Monmouth County Commissioner in 2019 and 2020. He is dedicated to social justice and equality for all, he is an advocate for the disabled, a champion for Education and is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Brian Harkavy, Director of Community Outreach – Brian Harkavy works as a music teacher in Ocean County and is a proud member of the NJEA where he serves on the Legislative Action Team. Brian resides in Eatontown where he is a member of the Eatontown Reform Democratic Club.
The objective of the Monmouth County Young Democrats is to encourage and develop the interest of young people in politics, support and elect Democratic candidates for public office, train young people for positions of leadership, and provide opportunities for young people to network, volunteer and elevate civic involvement.
“It is so important to engage young people in the Democratic process,” Assemblywoman Joann Downey said. “Their voices have the ability to change generations to come, and the Monmouth County Young Democrats will play a vital role in helping young individuals achieve great goals by engaging in politics and their community.”
“It is always astounding to see how much change can come from the younger generation,” Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling said. “The work the Monmouth County Young Democrats does brings forth great and positive change for our county and state every day, and I look forward to seeing how they will continue to engage the young people of Monmouth.”
This past year the MCYD has helped support their community by holding porch pick-up food drives in the spring and the fall, holding a lake clean up in Asbury Park, hosting voter registration drives throughout the county, and partnering with the Monmouth County Young Republicans to pack “weekend backpacks” at Fulfill Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County.
The MCYD holds monthly meetings throughout the county, as well as fundraisers and social events throughout the year. For more information on the Monmouth County Young Democrats, follow us on Facebook or Instagram @MonmouthYoungDems.
