Leadership
Amy E. Lavelle, President - Amy, a 28-year-old, third-generation native Staten Islander from New Brighton, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Seton Hall University and is a graduate of Curtis High School. Amy is married to John F. Lavelle, and is currently in charge of development for a local not-for-profit organization. She has worked previously for the New York City Council, 1199/SEIU and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. Amy is a member of the Richmond County Democratic Committee, Staten Island Democratic Association, Democratic Organization of Richmond County, North Shore Democratic Club and the Anthony R. Gaeta Democratic Club. She enjoys spending time with John, his sons, her family and friends; photography and graphic design; working on political campaigns; traveling; and watching the New York Yankees, New York Giants and New Jersey Devils.
Thomas Payero, Vice President - Thomas is a 21-year-old Senior at St. John's University, majoring in History and minoring in Government and Philosophy, where he also serves as the Treasurer of the Student Government, Inc. He is the former Political Advancement Chairman, Rules Counsel and Secretary. He has been volunteering his time to fellow Democrats since the age of 14. In the Summer of 2009, Thomas interned for NYS Assemblyman Matthew J. Titone. When not debating with friends and converting people from the dark side (a.k.a. being Republicans), he enjoys spending time with his family, catching up with old, old, really old friends and watching his favorites teams: The New York Rangers and the New York Giants!
Julienne Verdi, Secretary- Julienne is a 22-year-old recent graduate of CUNY Hunter College's Thomas Hunter Honors Program, majoring in Political Science with a minor in English. Julienne is the Chair of the Youth Committee of the Democratic Committee of Richmond County, Co-Chair of the New York State Women's Caucus, and the Chair/Founder of the Women's Committee of the Young Democrats of Richmond County. Since first becoming involved in politics in 2004, Julienne has worked as a consultant for several political campaigns and pro-choice groups. In the Fall of 2007, she interned in the Washington D.C. Office of Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney and was previously employed as a Researcher for a member of the NYS Assembly. Julienne is passionate about politics and reproductive justice. In her spare time, Julienne enjoys writing, visiting her family in Italy, and cheering on her favorite teams: the Miami Dolphins and the New York Yankees.
Matt Burdge, Treasurer
Jason Ascher - Jason is a 2002 graduate of the University at Buffalo with a degree in political science. Since 2002, he has traveled the country working on various political campaigns as Campaign Manager, Field Director or Political Director on races ranging from municipal and Congressional, to State Party operations and Presidential campaigns. He has had the opportunity to work in Iowa; Kansas; Brooklyn and Buffalo, NY; New Mexico; and New Hampshire. He is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants, Democratic GAIN. In his free time, he is an avid fan of college and professional sports, including the Mets, Knicks, Giants, Rangers and the University at Buffalo Football and Men’s Basketball teams.
Dominick DeRubbio - Dominick is a recent graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fire and Emergency Service. Over the past 5 years, Dominick has worked for a safety consulting firm overseeing fire safety and evacuation plans. In 2003, Dominick volunteered with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and in 2007, the American Red Cross of Greater New York. Dominick currently resides in Staten Island and is also a member of the Anthony Gaeta Democratic Club.
Kevin Elkins - Kevin is a 19-year-old life-long Staten Islander on the South Shore. He attends the College of Staten Island, where he serves on the Student Government as Elections Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Disabled Students and Veterans Affairs. He is a member of and the treasurer for the South Shore Democratic Club, and was recently elected to the executive board of the Young Democrats of Richmond County. Kevin is very passionate about special needs and adoption/foster care issues, as well as foreign policy. When not reading about politics, policies or issues, Kevin enjoys spending time with his friends and watching the New York Giants.
Michael P. O'Brien - Michael graduated from Providence College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and minors in Black Studies and the Development of Western Civilization. In 2002, he graduated from Suffolk University Law School, Boston, MA. Michael was admitted to practice law in the State of New York in February 2003. He is currently an attorney in private practice with offices in Manhattan and Staten Island, focusing on personal injury and insurance litigation. Michael is a member of the New York State Bar Association and serves on the Executive Committee of its Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section as the 13th Judicial District Representative. Michael is also a member of the executive committees of the Providence College Alumni Club of New York and First Due Charities, and serves on the Parish Council of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Tompkinsville, Staten Island. Michael is a member of the Richmond County Bar Association, the Staten Island Democratic Association and the North Shore Democratic Club. Michael resides in the Grymes Hill section of Staten Island, NY with his wife and son.
Craig Schlanger - Craig is a 31-year-old lifelong South Shore resident. He graduated SUNY Stony Brook in 2000, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Craig was a candidate for 51st District of the New York City Council in 2005. He currently works in the office of the NYC Comptroller. Craig is affiliated with the Staten Island Democratic Association and the Democratic Committee of Richmond County.
Daniel Lavelle, Immediate Past President - Daniel is a 33-year-old native Staten Islander from West Brighton. He is the Manager of the Citywide Call Center for the NYC Board of Elections and a shop steward for CWA 1183. He has been a member of YDRC for 13 years and he holds an at-large position on the executive board of the Democratic County Committee of Richmond. Danny and his wife Stefanie have two beautiful daughters, Julia and Emily.
Juan Carlos Payero, Rules Counsel