The nomination period for the National Leadership Elections has now closed. The candidates for National Leadership are listed below.
National Chair:
Ronny Rubin
Ronny Rubin: After two dynamic years as Chair of Riviera—expanding events, launching two subchapters, and boosting engagement and funding—I’m eager to bring this drive to the national level.
As Americans abroad, we play a key role in mobilizing voters and shaping conversations back home. I’m committed to supporting and strengthening our 12 chapters while drawing inspiration from EMEA & beyond.
Success hinges on relationships—collaborating with leadership, helping chapters reach their full potential, and engaging effectively with DA Global.
I’ve been told that’s my thing, so I’m rolling with it!
I served as Chair of DA Brazil (2021–2023), leading a small, dispersed ExCom in reviving the committee from non-compliance to one of the Americas’ better performers.
Before that, I spent 18 years in Paris (naturalized French in 2011), including work as Head of International Development at Reporters Without Borders. I’ve also worked with and led international teams at Disney, Sony, and Twentieth Century Fox.
And to think, it all started back at Emory as a member of Jimmy Carter’s Peanut Brigade! I don’t have all the answers, but I know how to bring people together, spark enthusiasm, and get results.
I’d be honored to have your vote—and I won’t disappoint.
First Vice Chair:
Sally Richardson
My name is Sally Richardson and I am running for Vice Chair of Democrats Abroad France. I have been an active part of the Democratic Party since Obama’s 2008 campaign, working in the Miami Dade county area in a youth program for phone banking and voter registration. I am from a generation that was promised an Obama future, and is being asked to normalize and accept a Musk America.
I’ve worked with Democrats Abroad for 4 years, and have been in France for 6. I am currently Chair of the Youth Caucus, and have organized many events and countless GOTV voter registration tables. I’ve helped build structures that make our organisation stronger. I’m looking forward to working together to set up Democrats for success in the 2026 midterms.
As someone who was welcomed to the party at a young age, I am concerned at the youth’s lurch to the right in this past election, and am dedicated to bringing in young members of our party. In France, we are very well positioned to activate voters, fundraise for our causes, recruit young leaders, and push those who are heading back to the US to stay engaged and run for office.
Second Vice Chair (Chapter Liaison):
Lisa Barlow
Like most Democrats today, I am deeply disturbed by the actions of this US administration.
Since November, I have been searching for a way to have an impact on the situation, and joining the team of DA in France seems like a good start. I would like to hold a first role as the National Second Vice-Chair, so that I can get to know the organization, and its Chapters.
I think it’s important to hear members’ different views to be effective in representing them. I am a Senior Advisor and Coach today - after a career in Executive Search & strategy consulting in top international firms, where I assisted multinational clients on their personal and corporate development. I am also a member of the Strategy Committee of the Fondation du Patrimoine, and of the National Board Association (IFA), which provides recommendations to France’s corporate boards. Prior to my corporate career, I was in the Peace Corps in rural animation in Senegal. I attended the Lyçee Français de New York, and then earned a BA and MBA before moving to France in 1989; I am married to a French land-artist and we have 3 sons.
Scott Stroud
As one of the early members of the DAFR Toulouse chapter, I’ve been active on the Toulouse ExCom since 2007, and I’ve just termed out as Chair. My experience in DA is varied, including as a Voting Representative and Media Spokesperson, and doing voter assistance, phonebanking, and events coordination. I have attended DA global and regional meetings. I plan to continue my work in Toulouse as chapter secretary.
I arrived in Toulouse 38 years ago on a Fulbright Scholarship and am the father of two, working at the Ecole Nationale de l’Aviation Civile as an English teacher. I vote in Nashville, TN. I believe in the power of community engagement and as a result have recently become a Citizen Liaison Volunteer with the US Consulate in Marseille.
As Second Vice Chair, my experience in DA France at the chapter level will be a great asset in terms of helping the chapters to work together more closely on events and other activities. In the context of the current political climate, mutual support and encouragement will be vital in fighting for what is right for all Americans.
I would be honored to receive your vote.
Secretary:
Fred Hoffman
I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Secretary of DA France. Living in France since 1989, and a member of DA France for 20+ years, I became actively involved during Hillary Clinton’s 2008 campaign. Chair of the DA France LGBTQ+ Caucus since 2023, I previously served as interim Chair, and Co-Chair since 2019. During these past 6 years, I organized and co-organized multiple Caucus events.
One of the French-speaking DA France’s spokespersons since 2020, I was honored to speak on behalf of DA France during Joe Biden’s campaign, election, inauguration, and 4 years in office. I was equally proud to speak on behalf of DA France during Kamala’s Harris campaign. From June 2024 to January 2025, I made 45 media appearances (TV, Radio, in-person debates, and print press).
With strong organizational and communications skills, I promise to fulfill my duties as secretary, if elected. I am committed to working with the leadership team to serve our members, and to succeed in our mission of assisting American Democrats in France to get registered, vote, and re-gain a majority in Congress, safeguarding rights and laws that protect all Americans.
I would be honored to receive your vote. Thank you for your consideration.
Treasurer:
Leo Jaffer
I am excited to announce my candidacy for Treasurer of Democrats Abroad France. As a seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of experience in financial services, operations, and strategic project management, I am eager to apply my expertise to strengthen our organization’s financial oversight and operational efficiency.
Throughout my career, I have successfully managed multi-million-euro budgets, optimized processes, and led diverse teams to drive impactful results. My background in governance, management, and compliance ensures that I can maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Additionally, my entrepreneurial experience has equipped me with a hands-on, results-driven approach—critical for managing finances effectively in a dynamic, volunteer-driven organization.
I am passionate about supporting Democratic values abroad and ensuring that Americans in France have a strong, well-managed organization advocating for their voices. If elected, I will work diligently to ensure financial integrity, maximize resources, and contribute to the long-term success of Democrats Abroad France.
I am male and open to being contacted by voters for any questions regarding my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact.
Counsel:
Joe Voelker
I would be proud to use my legal background to serve DAF as Counsel. I trained as a lawyer and have been a managing editor for what is now Bloomberg BNA, reporting on legal developments in Washington. In recent years, I was Director of Marketing, Communications and Development for a UK-based educational institution.
I have been active in DA for many years, most recently serving as Chair of DA France, having been First Vice-Chair and Counsel. I joined DA France shortly after moving to Nice with my husband at the end of 2014. Before that I had been a member of DAUK. I have served on the DAF Riviera Chapter executive committee as variously: member-at-large, treasurer, secretary, and chairperson. I have also been on the LGBT+ Caucus Steering Committee.
As a life-long Democrat, I volunteered for the 1993 presidential campaign and for various state and local campaigns in Virginia. I enjoy a good political discussion and debate, but believe that we, Democrats, must work together constructively to resist Trump and to take back control of government in the United States at local, state, and federal levels.
Database/IT Manager:
Richard Gigax
I have extensive experience in managing large Excel databases both through academic projects at university, as well as through 6+ years of work experience. I am currently working as a Risk and Compliance Consultant, where I coordinate emails amongst internal and external stakeholders, which I believe translates to skills needed to effectively operate as an IT Manager for Democrats Abroad France. I believe that my background reflects a blend of analytical expertise and practical experience, making me adept at handling complex tasks with precision, while also giving me the experience needed to propose potential enhancements.
I am running for the position of IT Manager because I truly think I can make an impact in the future to fight the continued attacks on democratic norms and institutions. I aim to leverage my experience to amplify our mission, engage stakeholders effectively, and ensure seamless communication to drive impactful change.
GOTV Officer:
Susan Fitoussi
I am from Los Angeles, California and I have been abroad since 1984 when I left California to be an au pair in Italy! I studied Art before that and French was my minor.
I have been living in Marseille since 1994 with my children now grown and with their own families to take care of. After being local Chair of the Aix Marseille Chapter, National vice chair DAFR and phone banking coordinator last term, I hereby submit my candidacy as GOTV officer for this upcoming term.
I have always felt the need to do phonebanking and GOTVing wherever and when ever possible abroad. I follow our GOTV Voter assistance group and guidelines with a particular eye on phone banking. I promise to give you all the support and information you need to help your chapters and caucus members get their ballots and to work on GOTV in your local communities.
Communications Coordinator:
Anne-Isabelle Moritz
This crucial political time has shown me how important it is to be politically active and do my part as a U.S. citizen whilst living abroad. It would be an honor to fully commit to being a National Officer for the next two years to help convey Democrats Abroad's crucial message. I am determined to put my creativity, rigor, and interpersonal skills to good use as the National Communications Coordinator.
As the daughter of an American mother and a French father, I grew up in France immersed in both languages and cultures. Obtaining my Master's degree in International Strategies and Diplomacy was a natural outcome of this dual sense of belonging.
I have since been able to acquire concrete experience as a Cultural Mediator for the European Parliament and a Crisis Communication Officer for the French Ministry of Interior and was given the responsibility of coordinating a variety of tasks across multiple teams to ensure project deadlines and quality were met. While constantly hyper-aware of international political issues, security, and reputation threats, I fully contributed to developing the communication strategy and briefing elements for the Ministry's media presence.
As 'new media' spread as my generation grew, I have faith that my communication abilities can help continue to assert Democrats Abroad's ideology and presence in France. Thank you for considering my candidacy for the upcoming election.
Garland Walton
In my eight years here, I’ve developed a deep knowledge of our organization’s mission and the activities we must engage in to help Americans vote so we win elections. An Illinoisan with Missouri and New Jersey roots who spent most of her adulthood in Connecticut, I have diverse political and nonprofit experience. In the IL State Senate, I ran political campaigns and was chosen for an intensive DNC campaign manager training focused on political comms, GOTV, and managing a team. In Connecticut, I worked for an urban mayor after running his campaign, then worked at a regional nonprofit leading communications and fundraising.
I've been on the DA Riviera executive committee, was France's deputy GOTV Officer in 2020, and have been a deputy communications officer for France since 2020. I write, copyedit, and design the DA France enewsletter (since 2022) and participate on the Global Communications team.
Personally, I’m a reader, writer, aunt, and mediocre but enthusiastic visual artist.
Collaborating with others to protect our values is very fulfilling. Working together, we can ensure our communications efforts engage, educate, and motivate our members to take action. Thank you for your consideration.
Issues, Programs and Events Coordinator:
Gerri Lutes
I am running for a second term as Issues, Programs and Events Officer. I have 20 plus years of experience in event planning, including conferences and large scale events. I also have hands-on experience during the last 3 months of the past election cycle for Democrats Abroad France. During this time, I supported DA France efforts in GOTV, large scale concerts and the election night in Paris. I’ve also supported Zoom events for debate watches and many other smaller, but impactful moments. I’ve had routine zoom calls with chapters to troubleshoot and collaborate to create successful events.
In the event capacity - it's all about you. I'm available to collaborate, commiserate or coerce (when needed). I am constantly looking for new and unique ways to get the message out. I also have extensive experience on the often-overlooked issues of permits, contracts, copyrights and binding agreements.
My litmus test is - would you go to this event? And my last question to all chapters - what is the end result? how can we deliver success?
Events take a lot of energy, time and sweat - and with a volunteer based organization it also takes passion. I am here to help!
Thank you for your support!
Volunteer Coordinator:
Anna Tyberg
Having completed two terms as chair of the Montpellier Chapter, I’m pleased to leave the chapter with a new, larger leadership team and the fresh ideas and perspectives they bring. But I want to continue to contribute to Democrats Abroad France in this historically perilous time. I think that welcoming the many enthusiastic volunteers who are coming forward, getting to know them and their particular skills, and finding where they can be most effective, is an important part of what we do. I would therefore like to submit my candidacy for the post of Volunteer Coordinator. If elected, I look forward to working with the chapters to make the most of the excellent system Mickey Farrance has put in place. The more we can find volunteers and put their skills to good use, the more we can grow our membership and bring out the vote.
DPCA Voting Representatives (in alphabetical order):
Edna Ayme-Yahil
I am running for DPCA Voting Representative to ensure that the voices of Americans living in France are heard within Democrats Abroad and the Democratic Party. As a lifelong Democrat voting in Nevada, I am deeply concerned about the direction of US politics and the impact of Trump’s policies domestically and abroad. Now, more than ever, we need strong international representation to advocate for the rights and interests of overseas Americans.
From 2023-25, I served as Communications Coordinator for the DA France Paris Chapter, working to engage and mobilize voters. Having lived and worked in Europe since 2000, I understand the unique challenges faced by Americans abroad. I have spent over 20 years in multinational corporations and, since 2023, have been a professor at Le Mans University, teaching Common Law and Legal English. I also have a French husband and a bi-national child who will turn 18 in 2025, and is eager to cast her first vote in Nevada!
With experience in communications, education, and international business, I am committed to strengthening voter outreach and ensuring DA France has a strong voice in shaping the Democratic Party’s future. I would be honored to have your vote.
Marjorie Bernstein
I have had the honor and privilege to serve you as Voting Representative. I always kept my cool and often kept my smile. I love to research the issues, charter amendments and resolutions. I don’t stop until I've understood the pros/cons and cast a vote in the best interests of DAF.
I participated in DPCA meetings online. I didn't have the financial means to attend in person, nor the freedom to travel due to family responsibilities. I WAS THERE, night and day. When roll call began in Costa Rica, Washington DC, Tokyo, I proudly responded 'PRESENT' for France, even at 3am!
You can count on me again, to be present, non-stop, for entire weekends, for all the DPCA meetings.
I came to Paris 47 years ago as a Computer Project Manager. I have a mathematics degree from the University of Pittsburgh. I have three sons, born in Paris, attended French schools, all three are DEMOCRATS, and VOTE! SI NON, EN GARDE!
I have been thrilled to serve you as your National Treasurer and as Secretary. I offer my qualities of thoroughness, dedication, enthusiasm, AND FRIENDLY PERSUASION and ask for your vote as Voting Representative.
Shelley Bradford-Bell
I have 40+ years of service in political, corporate, and nonprofit leadership and organizational development. Serving as President of the Planning Commission under San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, I help to write and revise Planning and administrative codes for San Francisco. I have knowledge of the City Charter and over 30 years experience as a hands-on ,high level political campaign manager, including communications and strategic planning. In these times under the current administration, we need people who have a deep understanding of where we are, what we need, and how we should go about achieving it. I’m throwing my hat in the ring, because that is what I do for my community, my family, and my country.
Why I’m running for DPCA Voting Representatives
America faces the most challenging times in the history of our Democracy. The game has drastically changed. That means our rules of engagement must change to support the actions needed to affect positive change. We must review, revise and amend our rules to ensure we are appropriately addressing the needs of our organization and indeed our country.
Jim Cohen
I have resided in France since 1977 and vote in Massachusetts, where I grew up. In 2023 I retired from the French university system, where I taught political science and American studies (all the Americas included) and continue to do research in these fields.
While serving these past two years as a DPCA Voting Representative, I have also had two other very formative political experiences: being a spokesperson for Democrats Abroad France as a member of the Media Team, and serving as co-president, with a colleague in Japan, of the committee that produced the 2024 Democrats Abroad Platform, which was adopted at our Global Convention in Costa Rica on June 1, 2024.
These activities have given me an excellent opportunity to focus not just on our party’s messaging but on the whole project of building a robust, socially progressive, ecological and fully inclusive alternative to the authoritarian and oligarchic form of government that is now being imposed on us. We have major battles to fight to restore and enhance our democracy and it is in that spirit that I ask for your vote for a second term as Voting Representative.
Marnie Delaney
I’m honored to run as DPCA Voting Rep from France. My experience with Democrats Abroad (DA) has been busy, rewarding and inspiring due to interaction with Americans across the globe.
Being retired, I’ve time to consider issues, opportunities and barriers confronting us as immigrants and emigrants - abroad, yet still connected, concerned, and supportive of Americans “at home”. Knowing our complex, sometimes disfunctional electoral system can work for everyone under the right governance.
I live in Lorgues with two dogs and several disabilities, Chair the Global Disability Caucus, serve on the Senior Caucus Steering Committee, Affirmative Action Committee and lead Gender-Based Violence issues for the GWC. I drafted the Disability Rights, Well-being, DEIA and Care Economy sections of our platform.
It’s critical we build an increasingly diverse, involved membership, in all aspects - ethnic, economic, geographic, and more. We need a broad perspective to engage, assist, and inspire U.S. citizens throughout France to participate in elections and make their voices heard by legislators and the Administration. We also need DA France voices heard throughout DA. I’d be able and honored to help do that. I appreciate your consideration of my qualifications and commitment. Vive la France!
Max Dunitz
The Democratic Party Committee Abroad has two major responsibilities: administering presidential primary elections and making civic engagement accessible to Americans living abroad. I will always use France's vote to ensure we have the organizational capacity and leadership needed to run fair, accessible elections with low ballot spoilage rates and transparent, interpretable results. I will demand more from our leaders and to ensure we have the resources and training needed to run competent campaigns and leave less power on the table. I use France's vote on the DPCA in concert with our local tech capabilities to launch new tech and data initiatives, using digital technologies and oft-ignored records like state absentee ballot status request files to help us reach more voters and campuses. A strong supporter of Our Revolution France, I believe preserving our democracy and fighting oligarchy requires reforming our party and putting an end to dark money in our primaries. With the right leadership, focus, and tools, we can continue becoming the party our dedicated volunteers deserve and our moment demands.
Dani Follett
I would be honored to serve as one of DA France’s Voting Representatives to the DPCA. I was National Chair of DA France from 2021 to September 2024, when I stepped down due to long Covid. I’m now well enough to fulfill the duties of Voting Representative.
As Chair of DA France, I led our delegation of DPCA Voting Representatives, and had many opportunities to work closely with the leadership of the DPCA. I steered DA France through the transition to a new financial system adopted by DA Global in 2022. In 2023, DA’s International Chair Martha McDevitt-Pugh appointed me to chair the Committee on Legal Compliance and Implementation Issues, a global committee that produced several reports on legal and financial questions. I have an intimate understanding of the way the DPCA works, and would be able to represent DA France well to the DPCA.
On resolutions, my vote would reflect my strongly progressive values. Before becoming involved in leadership of DA France, I was active in the France for Bernie campaign. My values are well represented in the DA Platform, one of the most progressive platforms of all the Democratic State Parties.
Thank you very much for your vote!
Richard Gigax
Throughout my career, including professional experiences during and after university, along with
volunteering experience, I have developed significant expertise in reviewing and updating policies, governance frameworks, and managing stakeholder relationships. As a consultant, I have experience engaging with senior stakeholders to coordinate action items, in addition to reviewing policies and procedures. Furthermore, my role in Hall Senate during university, along with my position as Director of Finance for my university’s student government, not only managed budgets, but I also attended relevant student-lead legislative sessions to discuss pertinent subjects to students. Moreover, I demonstrated initiative and creativity by establishing Financial Literacy Month and a new partnership with another university-based organization to better serve students. I believe that his mixture of practical policy work, governance, and innovation makes me qualified to serve as a DPCA Voting Representative.
Even though I live in Paris, I truly do care about the United States. I think it’s now more than ever important that we are engaged and ready to fight for our future and make positive changes and impacts. This is why I am running to be a DPCA Voting Representative.
Robert Levitt
My name is Robert Levitt (FL-23) and I'm running for DPCA Voting Representative to ensure tax issues remain a top priority for Democrats Abroad. These issues are particularly important in France, due to the favorable US-France tax convention and particularly important in designating the recent Residential Based Taxation legislation as "elective", allowing French residents the option, should the legislation be approved, to participate or remain in the current system. I have served a two year term as a DPCA representative for France beginning in 2023 and have been very active in promoting both advocacy and fund raising objectives as I outlined two years ago. Through my efforts of financial awareness webinars and in-person seminars, I have personally raised over $50,000 for Democrats abroad, including DA Global, DA France, DA Germany and various DA local chapters. I presently serve as Deputy Chair of DA Taxation Task Force, speaking regularly with Congress, the IRS, Treasury, and banking associations concerning legislation to remedy the tax concerns of Americans Abroad.
Anna Marie Mattson
I am the DA France Chair of the Veterans and Military Families Caucus and on the Steering Committee of the DA Global VMF. Veterans need a long overdue voice and place at the table of Democrats Abroad. I will fight against Republican extremists in our country who do not value our veterans and who even dare to call them unfit to serve in the federal workforce. I will keep you abreast of our issues. Since 2003 I have attended DA Global meetings, particularly representing the military by crafting resolutions, cheering up wounded soldiers at Landstuhl Military Hospital in Germany and laying wreaths at cemeteries. My father and all my uncles fought in World War II so there is a legacy to follow. My 20 years of DA France experience include Vice-Chair, Media, DPCA leadership, DNC Conventions, organizing events such as D-Day, phonebanking. I also work with a wonderful team of volunteers. People say I walk the talk. I promise not to disappoint you. I appreciate your support. I am fired up, ready to go!
Kaila O’Neill
Bonjour, je m'appelle Kaila O'Neill. I’m running for the position of DPCA Voting Representative, and I would be honored to receive your vote. I’m from San Francisco, where I was a French Communicator for Mayor London Breed’s European Tour Team. In France, I studied physics and political science at HEIP Paris and La Sorbonne. I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of Democrats living abroad and making sure that they resonate in the halls of U.S. decision-making.
I have experience working for the Paris Organising Committee of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as in international relations and net-zero energy initiatives. I am also the newly elected Co-Chair of the DA France Diversity Caucus. I'm committed to advancing the goals and values that matter most to us as Democrats. As a bilingual Voting Representative, I will be honored to vote favorably on resolutions that promote equity and sustainability. I envision a future where each woman—regardless of her background—has a seat at the table. The current political challenges, the actions of our political adversaries and the unconstitutional coup underway in our home country deeply motivate me. And I’m determined to do my part. Merci for your vote!
Ada Shen
I am honored to run for DPCA Voting Representative for DA France. I have served as a DPCA voter since 2019, and if re-elected to this position, I would continue to support the evolution of Democrats Abroad as a force for democratic voice and activism as well as as a powerhouse for getting out the overseas vote — our most important mission in Democrats Abroad.
I was Chair of DA France in 2019-2021 when DA helped to deliver the margins of victory to deliver key states of GA and AZ for Biden, defeating Trump — we must do everything we can at the Global DPCA level to ensure that we are firing on all cylinders heading into 2026.
I am the outgoing GOTV coordinator for Paris as well as outgoing Diversity Caucus Chair (among other roles). I organize the Paris Resistance Reading Rooms as part of the global DA Resistance project, and also played a key role organizing the People's March on Jan 18 and the International Women's Day protest on March 8. I understand our potential top to bottom and get things done —you have my commitment to raising our voices and votes of Democrats Abroad. I ask for your support.
Bob Vallier
Over the past decade, I have served Democrats Abroad as the secretary of DA France, the vice chair of DA Italy, and the Chair of the Global LGBTQ+ caucus. In those positions I have helped to raise more than $50,000 for the organization, co-managed to global presidential primaries, and co-organized major events such as the Amsterdam Canal Pride. I also appear regularly on French media as a spokesperson for the organization. I have a deep and broad understanding of the organization, its mission, and the challenges it faces in the coming years. If elected as a voting representative, I will represent the interests of DA France to the global organization, and inversely I will endeavor to provide members of DA France with important information about Democrats Abroad and the DNC.
Joe Voelker
I am strongly progressive and enjoy a good political discussion and debate. But I believe that we, Democrats, must work together constructively to resist Trump and to take back control of government in the United States at local, state, and federal levels.
I trained as a lawyer and have been a managing editor reporting on legal developments in Washington. In recent years, I was Director of Marketing, Communications and Development for a UK-based educational institution.
As a life-long Democrat, I volunteered for the 1993 presidential campaign and for various state and local campaigns in Virginia. I have been active in DA for many years, most recently serving as Chair of DA France, having been First Vice-Chair and Counsel. I joined DA France shortly after moving to Nice with my husband at the end of 2014, having been a member of DAUK when we lived in England.
I have served on the DAF Riviera Chapter executive committee as variously: member-at-large, treasurer, secretary, and chairperson. I have also been on the LGBT+ Caucus.