Leadership

Amy E. Lavelle, President - Amy, a 29-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. She is currently enrolled in the Staten Island Leadership Institute's Class of 2011 at the College of Staten Island, and is a member of the Leadership Council of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce's Young Professionals Group. 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 Democratic Committee of Richmond County, Democratic Organization of Richmond County, Staten Island Democratic Association, 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.

Matthew Burdge, Vice President

Michael P. O'Brien, Treasurer - 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 board of the New York Center for Interpersonal Development; 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.

Samantha Giordano, Secretary - Samantha, 24, a life-long Staten Islander currently residing in Silver Lake, first found her niche within politics in high school. As school president of Susan Wagner High School, she discovered a flair for community organizing. She would later study English at St. John's University, join the Richmond County Young Democrats where she now serves as Secretary and Social Chair, and organize events for the Anthony R. Gaeta Democratic Club, of which she is an active member. With an extensive background in publishing including titles such as Vogue, Marie Claire, InStyle, Departures, and Seventeen, Samantha currently works as a publicist for NARS Cosmetics, a cosmetics company that has taught her the value of public relations in a global setting. Samantha's knowledge of and passion for imaging and communications constantly challenge her to seek out new ways to further develop the clubs with which she is involved. As a risk-taker and voice of the youth movement within the party, Samantha was honored to be recognized recently by the Democratic Organization of Richmond County with the James "Skippy" Pryor Young Democrat of the Year Award (along with Dominick DeRubbio) for the work she has done. She looks forward to continually dedicating more time to Staten Islanders, and to fighting for the causes she believes will affect all parties and all people not only throughout her community, but throughout the world.

Board Members

  • St. Jermaine Endeley
  • Josh Pugliese
  • Andrew Savage
  • Matt Signorile
  • Rian Silverman

Daniel Lavelle, Immediate Past President - Daniel is a 34-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.

Dominick DeRubbio, Rules Counsel - Dominick, 25, is a life-long Staten Islander who has found himself immersed in an ever-changing industry protecting the people around him. From being surrounded by family members within the FDNY, to currently serving as a fire safety consultant at a private firm, Total Safety Consulting, Dominick's passion for safety has reached great lengths. Having conducted his undergraduate studies in Fire and Emergency Service at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Dominick has moved on to study Protection Management, a field he expects to graduate with a Master's degree in 2012. His knowledge of the industry lead him to be an integral part in the fight to keep Engine 161 open. Most recently, Dominick founded the Staten Island Traffic Safety Council, an organization dedicated to fighting for the safety of Staten Islanders. Dominick's time is also taken up by several other Island- and City-wide initiatives. As an Eagle Scout of Troop 37, he co-founded the 'Committee to Save Pouch Camp,' to fight against the sale and potential development of New York City's only boy scout camp. He is also a constituent liaison for Assemblyman Matthew Titone. Dominick sits on the board of directors for the 7th Masonic District of the State of New York, and is also an active member of the Anthony R. Gaeta Democratic Club, of which he is Treasurer. Dominick recently received the James "Skippy" Pryor Young Democrat of the Year Award (along with Samantha Giordano) from the Democratic Organization of Richmond County.