Monmouth Young Democrats Elect 2023 Executive Board

For Immediate Release

February 21, 2023

Monmouth County, NJ – The Monmouth County Young Democrats are excited to announce their unanimously elected 2023 Executive Board. The Monmouth County Young Democrats have seen significant growth over the past several years under the current leadership and wish to continue that success heading into this critical election year in Monmouth.

“The importance of this election cycle in Monmouth County cannot be overstated,” says re-elected President Samantha Minchello. “With Senator Vin Gopal leading the LD-11 ticket, along with outstanding Assembly candidates Dr. Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, as well as countless county, state, and local offices that we are defending or working to flip across the county, the Monmouth County Young Democrats are committed to finding new ways to reach young voters, grow our party, and promote civic participation.”

In the last election cycle, Monmouth County Young Democrats set new trends. Young Democrats ages 25-29 outvoted the Republicans of the same age demographic countywide. Not only that: the statewide youth turnout was 23% whereas, in Monmouth County, that number was over 30%. The Monmouth County Young Democrats are ready once again to help deliver the youth vote in the 2023 election.

As the youngest sitting member of the New Jersey State Senate and solo Monmouth County Democratic voice in the Legislature, Senator Vin Gopal applauds these efforts: “Congratulations to the re-elected board of the Monmouth County Young Democrats. Their unanimous re-election is a testament to the great work they are doing within the party and I look forward to working together to bring out young voters this cycle.”

“The Monmouth County Young Democrats have become a vital asset to our party here in Monmouth,” said Chairman David Brown. “The organization’s leadership, led by Samantha, has continued to galvanize young people and engage them in the political process. I look forward to continuing our work together in the year ahead.”

The 2023 Monmouth County Young Democrats Executive Board:

Samantha Minchello, President – Samantha Minchello is the President and CEO of Maidenstone Strategies a political and governmental consulting firm. Previously, Samantha served as an Aide to the Governor in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Samantha also serves as a National Committeewoman for the New Jersey Young Democrats, Regional Deputy Director for the Young Democrats of America Mid-Atlantic Region, and Executive Director for the Monmouth County Democrats.

Catherine Tung, Vice President – Catherine recently joined McCarter & English as a member of its noted Government Affairs practice, representing clients on a variety of issues across the State. Prior to joining the firm, she served as the Associate Executive Director of the Assembly Majority Office. Active in civic organizations, Catherine is also the Secretary of the New Jersey Young Democrats, a Board Member of PAM’s List, and a Big Sister through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal & Northern New Jersey. 

Allison McLeod, Secretary/Communications Director – Allison is a lifelong Monmouth resident. Her background is in environmental science, and she works as Director of Public Policy for a non-profit. In addition to serving as Secretary/Communications Director for MCYD, she is an Aberdeen Township County Committeewoman and member of the local zoning board.

Dr. Michael Penna, Treasurer – Dr. Penna  lives in Asbury Park, he is an educator teaching Theatre in the Arts Academy at Toms River High School North. Dr. Penna is a Board Member on the Asbury Park School District Board of Education, a Council Board Member on the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a State Board Member for The New Jersey International Thespian Society and a Board Member for the National English Honor Society. Dr. Penna 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. 

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.

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.

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