Heather Paterson (Niagara Region)

I’m excited to submit my candidacy for the Chair of Democrats Abroad Canada. As a dedicated member, I’m passionate about our organization’s mission and values. I’ve witnessed the impact we’ve made, and I’m eager to contribute to even greater success.

Having been actively involved at various levels within our organization, I’ve gained valuable experience in team leadership, event coordination, and fostering collaboration among our volunteer members. I believe in the power of community and the transformative work we do together. As Chair, I would focus on strengthening partnerships, empowering volunteers, and maintaining an inclusive, supportive space for all.

My strengths in communication, problem-solving, and delegation will guide the organization through both challenges and opportunities. If elected, I am committed to:

Enhancing Volunteer Engagement: Ensuring each volunteer feels valued and empowered.

Ensuring Transparency and Inclusivity: Promoting open, accessible processes and welcoming diverse input.

Fostering Growth and Sustainability: Developing strategies that address current needs while positioning us for long-term success.

I’m inspired by the work we’ve achieved together and believe that, as Chair, I can help guide us toward even greater success. Together, we can make a difference, and I would be honoured to work alongside all of you in this role.

                         Paul Geller (BC-Mainland)

I’m a strategist, builder, and advocate with deep roots in both tech and policy. I served on the small team that built Mike Bloomberg’s presidential consideration in 2016, led public affairs at Grooveshark (where I helped organize the Internet Blackout of 2012 to stop SOPA), and later worked in D.C. as the Managing Director of Engine Advocacy alongside Google, Uber, and Airbnb to advocate for innovation in Congress and the White House.

I’ve built four companies — selling two — including one of the internet’s earliest digital marketing agencies, and a nightlife brand acquired by a Live Nation subsidiary. For over a decade, I ran a creative agency in New York serving clients like VICE, Milk, and William Morris, while helping scale DTC brands to eight-figure revenues. I now lecture occasionally at McGill and mentor emerging entrepreneurs.

I’m running because I believe Democrats Abroad is uniquely positioned to empower Americans globally, expand voter participation, and connect us to the democratic process. I bring two decades of experience in strategy, organizing, and communications — and I’d be honored to put that to work for members across Canada.

Let’s make our impact felt — and our votes count.

                  Rachel Eugster (Canada’s Capital Region)

Born in Washington DC, I’ve lived in Maryland, Virginia, Vermont, and Massachusetts. A dual citizen, I now live in Ottawa.

In 2008, I served on the advisory committee that revived DA’s moribund Canada’s Capital Region chapter (then Ottawa-Gatineau). A DPCA Voting Representative since 2019, I have participated in Global Meetings in person (Washington, D.C. and Costa Rica) and online.

In 2019, I became co-chair of the Canada’s Capital Region chapter, and with David Schellenberg launched DA’s podcast, the Blue Vote Café (100+ episodes, to date).

I have served on Global Platform committees and Global and chapter-level Nominations and Elections committees; sat on DA Canada’s 2020 Election Watch and 2021 Inauguration Celebration committees; and spearheaded the collection of celebrity videos supporting blue votes in 2020.

Additionally, I have sat on three school councils (co-chairing two); a community association board; and the board of a local theatre. I advise the executive of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators—Canada East chapter. I have volunteered on six campaigns for municipal council, and served as a poll supervisor in Ontario elections.

I would be honored to be elected as a DACA co-vice chair or simply as a DPCA Voting Rep.

Marie McKeegan (Toronto)

My life experience has included a 20 year career serving as a Human Resource leader working in service and manufacturing organizations around the globe, and involved in activities from start-ups to facility closures, for both private and public companies.  Responsible for all HR functions such as budgeting, people and technical functions, and employment law, I was continously faced with new questions that required humility, creativity and strong leadership skills.

An enthusiastic and engaged team member, I have had the privledege of partnering with high performing executive teams, building productive and impactful relationships that have served in navigating challenging business decisions.  These actions necessitated working across all levels of the organziation, from the Board of Directors to front line employees.

I believe that my skills and experience and my ability to communicate and connect with others, combined with my enthusiasm and grounded perspective, would be beneficial to Democrats Abroad, and I look forward to supporting the organization in one of these roles or other ways going forward. 

More information on my professional experience is located at LinkedIn.  www.linkedin.com/in/marie-m-34081612

Thank you for your consideration.

                      Sue Alksnis (Toronto)

"With your support, I would be honoured to be elected as Secretary and/or DPCA Voting Member.

  Professional experience:

•     Volunteer management

•     Fundraising

•     Media Relations

Democrats Abroad experience (selected):

•     Elected Member of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), representing the Americas Region of Democrats Abroad (2024-2028)

•     Elected Democratic National Convention Delegate (2024)

•     Current Membership Secretary and Acting Secretary, DA Canada

•     Former Secretary, DPCA Voting Representative, and Member-at-Large, DA Canada

•     Engaged DPCA Voting Member since 2017, writing resolutions, participating in DPCA decision making, and enthusiastically lobbying Congress members

•     A leading co-founder of the Global Progressive Caucus, former inaugural Co-Chair, Vice Chair

•     Toronto Chapter Board Member at Large, 2017-2019

•     Several Nominations and Elections Committees at the chapter and regional level

•     Canada’s 2020-21 bylaws working committee

•     2019 committee on DA Canada’s process for DPCA elections

Other:

•     Equity, diversity, inclusion and justice approach

Thank you for your consideration.

                       John Garofano (Toronto)

Hello fellow Democrats! I am eager to volunteer for the position of Treasurer of Democrats Abroad Canada. I have had a long career in Treasury and Finance, having served most recently as the Treasurer of my last two companies, previously a small Canadian bank and currently as the company that administers the land registration system for the Province of Ontario. I have also had significant volunteer experience in this capacity, having served as Treasurer for the Oakville Columbus Association (the arm of the Knights of Columbus that operated a facility catering to meetings and events in Oakville), Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair of Links2Care (and organization connecting health care providers with individuals requiring those services in Mississauga and Halton), and most recently as the Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair of thee Oakville Humane Society. And, to cap it all off, this is a time in which the Democrats could use all the help they can get, so I am eager to join the cause!

You are also welcome to view my LinkedIn Profile. Thank you for your consideration.

                        Steve Weisman (Toronto)

I am seeking your support to serve as Counsel for Democrats Abroad Canada. As a labour lawyer by profession, I bring nearly a decade of legal experience, having worked with trade unions and advocated for workers’ rights across Canada. My practice has focused on upholding fairness, due process, and accountability—values I believe are essential to serving effectively as Counsel.

My involvement with Democrats Abroad began at the local level in Toronto, where I’ve had the privilege of engaging with members on key issues, supporting voter outreach, and helping foster a strong, inclusive community.

As Counsel, I would ensure that our by-laws are upheld, meetings are conducted fairly, and that all members have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities within the organization. I am committed to transparency, impartiality, and collaborative problem-solving.

Democrats Abroad Canada plays a vital role in mobilizing overseas voters and advancing Democratic values. I would be honoured to support that work.

                      Paul Ziakin (BC-Mainland)

Data bases, project management

                       Stephanie Cziczo (Quebec)

I have lived abroad in the UK, EU and Canada for the majority of the past 15 years, and I have remained informed and concerned about US politics that entire time, while also learning about other forms of democratic government.  My professional background includes higher education/academia, as well as wildlife/environmental conservation, and they are also two of my great passions.  I believe that the US is moving in the wrong direction on both education and the environment, and I hope to bring my professional experience, education, and enthusiasm to DemsAbroad’s members, and encourage engagement in US politics and policies.

                      Sue Kronenfeld (Toronto)

Sue Kronenfeld (she/her) joined the DA Canada Board at the end of 2023, responding to an urgent need to fill the Programs and Events Manager position in time to fundraise for the next calendar year, stood for the by-election in the spring of 2024, and would like the opportunity to serve out a full term, by now familiar with the position.  She is very grateful to have something positive to do to support democracy and American voting rights.  Sue has considerable experience in coordinating and directing volunteer efforts, a sense of humor that is indispensable in any such position, and a can-do attitude towards accomplishing goals as part of the DA Canada team.  She is fluent in French, as well as English, and wise in the ways of administration.  Sue has led some very well-attended informational tax webinars online, and is looking forward to putting together some in-person events in the near future, as well.

                      Susan Brennan (BC-Mainland)

  I, Susan Brennan, nominate myself for the IT Manager position. I also want to serve as a DPCA Voting Rep again.

  A member of Democrats Abroad since 2002, I have served in many capacities with DA and DA Canada:

• Currently, I am the DA Canada Treasurer.

• From 2018-2023, I was DA Canada’s Membership Secretary.

• I have been a member of the DA global IT team for 2 years.

• As DPCA Voting Rep since 2017, I have attended all of the annual global meetings – either virtually and in Washington DC in 2020.

• I have served on the executive board of the DA Vancouver/BC Mainland chapter since 2013 (Community Outreach Secretary 2013-2017, Chair 2017-2021, Past Chair 2021-2023, Treasurer since 2023).

  As a lifelong Democrat, I am a dual US-Canadian citizen who was raised in the Chicago area and votes in Cook County. I hold a BS Mathematics from Mundelein College (now a part of Chicago's Loyola University). I have worked as a computer software professional for most of my life.

Please support my candidacy for IT Manager and DPCA voting member. 

                      Jay Baltz (Canada’s Capital Region)

I have been a member of DA since before the first Obama campaign. Lately, I’ve been helping run global DA’s social media (its Mastodon account). As a reproductive biologist, I am passionate about protecting reproductive rights. I was Professor in the Ob/Gyn Department at the University of Ottawa and Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, where I was on the Senior Leadership Team. I retired last year and have more time for DA! I have worked on political campaigns, including running several successful municipal campaigns in Ottawa and doing canvassing and get-out-the-vote work with provincial and federal campaigns and canvassing for US campaigns (starting with McGovern for President!) I also have considerable organizational experience that should be useful for DA. I have been on many boards of directors for non-profit and advocacy organizations, including as president of our local community association, chair of the board of a homeless shelter, chair of the City of Ottawa Built Heritage Committee, and Treasurer and board member of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society. Currently, I’m a member of a City of Ottawa quasi-judicial tribunal. I would love to use these skills to assist DA at the national level.

Bob Boughton (Victoria)

I have been active in Democrats Abroad in Canada and Mexico for many years. I moved to Victoria in 2024. My previous activity was in Vancouver, BC and Guanajuato Capital, Mexico.

I have a long record of community activism in Vancouver. Among other things, I was President of the Airspace anti-tobacco organization, the Vancouver Bicycle Club, and the New Westminster Tennis Club. I am involved with Transport Action Canada in Victoria. In Guanajuato, I was involved in PEN International, and supported the ABBA migrant shelter and the Las Libres abortion rights group.

Over the past few years, I have been making financial contributions to deserving Democratic candidates, including Rep. Abigail Spanberger, who is now running for Governor of Virginia.

I grew up in Fredericksburg, VA, and got a BA degree from Virginia Tech. I had a very long career as a computer programmer and system developer, and was a bit of a pioneer in web site development.

                         Larry Rousseau (Canada’s Capital Region)

I am humbled and pleased to put forth my name as DPCA Voting Representative. I have been an active member of Democrats Abroad since 2008, when I became involved to get Obama elected. Since then I have held various positions with DAC, mainly with the Canada Capital Region Executive. Notably, In 2011, I took on the role of Chair of the Affirmative Action Committee for Democrats Abroad, to update rules and documentation for AA delegates to Convention. As the French language spokesperson for DAC-CCR (Member -at-large) as well as a Special Guest to the 2024 Chicago Convention, not to mention one of the highest ranking Labour leaders in Canada, working with the AFL-CIO, my commitment to the Democratic Party and its principles is unwavering. 

Scott Tavis (Toronto)

I’m a proud Kennedy (not RFK jr. ) Democrat and a passionate supporter of Democrats Abroad because I believe in American Democracy, no matter where we live in the world. For over 25 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of purpose and leadership – partnering with more than 50 CEOs and their teams through management consulting to drive meaningful change. My career has focused on strategic planning, change management, and supply chain transformation, and I currently bring that expertise to the United Nations, helping them navigate complex global challenges.

What draws me to Democrats Abroad is the shared commitment to equity, justice, and progress. Living outside the U.S. has deepened my appreciation for the role American policies play globally, and I’m energized by the opportunity to help mobilize voters and champion a vision of leadership rooted in compassion, intelligence, and global responsibility. The antithesis of what this current administration believes. Whether it’s through grassroots engagement or strategic initiatives, I believe in strengthening our democratic institutions and ensuring every American voice is heard – no matter where we are.

                      Julie Buchanan (Toronto)

Julia (Julie) O’Neal Buchanan, Mobilian (AL) voting in Tennessee, living in GTA for 25 years.

My journey with Democrats Abroad Canada started with the unforgettable bus trip to President Obama's inauguration in 2009. Since then, I have proudly served in various leadership roles for over 15 years. My dedication to the organization is fueled by the incredible influx of talented and committed volunteers. I am eager to continue leading and mentoring as Chair of the Toronto Chapter for the 2025-2027 term and as DPCA Voting Rep for the Canada Board.

I have held numerous positions within Democrats Abroad, both elected and appointed, often stepping up to fill vacancies:

•     Canada-Member at Large (2009)

•     Toronto- Secretary Pro Tem

•     Toronto-Chair

•     Toronto Vice-Chair

•     International- Best Practices Committee

•     Canada-Membership Co-Secretary

•     Canada-IT Manager

•     Canada-Secretary

•     Canada By-Laws Committee x2

•     International-Global Administrator Assistant, Global IT Team

•     Canada-DPCA Voting Representative (6 terms)

•     Canada-Co Vice-Chair

•     Canada-Executive Vice-Chair

•     Toronto-Treasurer (2025)

Jessica David (Toronto)

Statement not received