Democrats Abroad Austria Executive Committee Elections 2025

The 2025-27 Executive Committee will be elected at this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 16, 2025. Voting will be conducted electronically or in person at the AGM.

The the following positions will be elected:

• Chair
• Vice-Chair
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Counsel
• Two DPCA Voting Representatives *Gender balance requirement
• Two DPCA Non-Voting Representatives *Gender balance requirement
• Up to six Members-at-Large 

A description of these offices’ responsibilities can be found in the DAA’s Bylaws here.

Statements from candidates for Executive Committee positions:

Lisa Savitt for Chair

I am a U.S. licensed lawyer whose practice included international litigation representing U.S. domestic and foreign clients. I currently act as a mediator and arbitrator. I am a former Chair of the American Bar Association International Law Section and serve on the Section’s Council.  I am an International Vice-President of the Senate of the Union Internationale des Avocats (International Association of Lawyers). I am also Chair of the Board of a US non-profit “A Child for All” which helps vulnerable children in Mali, West Africa.

I had been visiting Vienna on a regular basis since 2009 when my husband Mike worked in Vienna for a few years.  Even back then we would attend the Dems Abroad Thanksgiving dinners, after being introduced to Dems Abroad by a good friend living in Vienna.  My husband and I have always been active to elect Democrats, volunteering for phone banking, letter writing, etc. and making our voices heard on issues.  We also worked hard to get our friends and family involved in speaking up.

We finally had the opportunity to move to Vienna and arrived over a year ago, signing up to volunteer with Dems Abroad at the 2023 Dems Abroad Thanksgiving dinner.  Since then, my husband and I have done the requisite training for voter registration and spent many Saturdays at the Vote from Abroad table at various locations in Vienna.  We attended fundraisers and other events.  I became the DA Austria volunteer coordinator and started attending Executive Committee meetings to learn more about Dems Abroad and Dems Abroad Austria.  I saw the dedication of the officers of Dems Abroad Austria and all the volunteers.  Most importantly, I had the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful people dedicated not just to elections, but to the values of the Democratic party.  Also, I learned the value of Democrats Abroad Austria of helping Americans living in Austria navigate all the issues that come up when you are an ex-pat – everything from navigating taxes, to finding the right dentist.  Obviously, these are extremely difficult times in the U.S.  I have the time, energy, experience and dedication to work with others to ensure that democracy and the rule of law continues in the US.

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Brett Carnito for Vice Chair

I moved to Vienna from the USA in 1998 and never found the will to leave. While I always voted and maintained a passive interest in politics, it took the election of 2016 to push me to participate more actively. Volunteering with DA Global IT was a start, and from 2017 to 2021 I served on the ExComm as Secretary. 

Since then, I have supported the organization in various back-end roles, including supporting the 2023 Nominations and Elections Committee, the 2025 Global Presidential Primary, and providing ongoing administrative and technical IT support. 

The 2024 election made clear that the mobilization of American voters abroad for the upcoming midterm elections will be more important than ever, and I look forward to helping the organization achieve this goal as Vice Chair. Outside of DA Austria, I work as an IT consultant, practice Taiji, and maintain a busy travel schedule.

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Jacqueline Berman for Secretary

I work for the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Vienna, Austria on strategy and impact. I am also working with the Gates Foundation on global health matters and a consortium of U.S. foundations on clean energy. My work at ICMPD and previously, other international organizations and NGOs, involves developing and launching organizational strategy and results-based management; monitoring, evaluation and learning; and knowledge management systems to improve social impact. My work aims to develop and implement effective, evidence-based strategies and programs to support democratic institution building, good governance, civil society, health systems and health access, countering trafficking and migrant smuggling, and international security. I hold a Ph.D. in International Relations and a longstanding commitment to democracy and democratic institutions. 

For the past two years, I have had the honor of serving as DA Austria’s Secretary, ensuring that our good work and good ideas are institutionalized in our online system and thus can be leveraged to inform future work and drive future action. Having moved to Austria three years ago, I previously spent considerable time volunteering with DA Austria, including working at the voter registration table for the 2024 elections and helping to organize various DA Austria events and more recently, Solidarity Sundays with Tania (come join us!). I also volunteer with Caritas supporting Ukrainian refugees and homeless groups.

Originally motivated to get involved with DA Austria by my continuous worry about the multi-pronged assault on democracy in the U.S. and around the globe, my hair is now officially on fire. My motivation to run for a second (and final) term is driven by my desire to work in community with others to develop innovative ways to fight this distressing assault with everything we’ve got! 

An incredible shock is now spreading (belatedly) over many voters who did not take the time to understand what they were voting for. More and more articles are coming out about how these voters are not “on board” with what is happening, frustrated by high – and now rising – prices, and the loss of government programs on which they rely (and despite having voted for someone who continuously and mendaciously misrepresents the government and the good work it does). As they drown in a range of emotions from confusion to despondency to fear over what is happening, we have an unprecedented opportunity – née requirement – to galvanize a multi-faceted, multi-dimensional, “all hands” defense and strengthening of our democracy. This will require all of us to stand up, act up, and make our voices heard. My first step is to run for something! In this case, DA Austria, Secretary. Thank you!

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Jennifer Rakow-Stepper for Treasurer and DPCA Voting Representative (F)

I am a longtime DA Austria member and am currently serving my second term (2023-2025) as Regional Vice Chair (RVC) of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) on DA’s International Executive Committee. My term on the international board will end on June 8, 2025. I served as DA Austria’s Chair from 2017-2021 and as a Member-at-Large from 2021 to present. 

As a Member-at-Large for Austria, I have continued to publish the monthly newsletter and organize fundraisers to support our work. Amongst my many contributions to DA both locally and globally, in recent years some highlights include organizing the 2023 Ken Martin (now DNC Chair) fundraiser in Vienna, the 2023 EMEA Regional meeting in Alicante, Spain with Larry Cohen from Our Revolution, and in ‘22 and ‘24 championing a global grants program which has directly benefited membership countries during election cycles. I have also implemented a new fundraising donation strategy that significantly increased DA Austria’s donations and operating budget.

As RVC-EMEA, I have enjoyed having a broader perspective of the organization and has been able to develop programs across the region, including the establishment of the DA Africa Committee and the oversight of a more robust outreach in countries without official committees. This work has led to the establishment of active groups in Ghana, Nigeria, Poland, and Türkiye.

I am proud of the work I’ve accomplished to date and, as both DA Austria Treasurer and DPCA Voting Representative, I hope to continue to contribute to DA Austria. I live in Vienna and vote in California.

Please note: The DPCA Voting Representative position is not a DA Austria Executive Committee role and does not have a vote on the Executive Committee. That is why Jen is running for both Treasurer, where she will sit on DA Austria’s ExCom, as well as for a DPCA Voting Representative position to represent DA Austria at global meetings.

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David S. Schuman for Counsel

I am an experienced lawyer from the United States who votes in Maryland, currently living with my wife and two boys in Vienna, Austria. I retired from NASA in June 2024, after nearly 35 years, to support my wife in her current posting for the World Bank. At NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland, I was lead counsel for the James Webb Space Telescope from the project's very beginning through launch, as well as other space science projects including the Hubble Space Telescope. 

My practice included every aspect of the Federal procurement process, agreements with other agencies and private entities, international work, and ethics issues, including financial disclosure, conflicts of interest, and annual training for employees. For many years, I helped teach other Government lawyers the Freedom of Information Act with the Department of Justice Office of Information Policy. Alongside DOJ, I participated in Administrative Procedure Act cases in Federal District Court and the Federal Courts of Appeal. I had several detail assignments at NASA including serving as Executive Officer to NASA's Chief of Staff, Executive Officer for NASA's Associate Administrator for Science, and as a Brookings Institution Congressional Fellow for Senator Bob Graham (D-FL). 

Outside work, I took part in a successful summit of Denali in Alaska, and completed the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal. My wife and I enjoy ballroom dancing in Vienna. 

I would like to support Democrats Abroad Austria during this unprecedented time in the United States. I am very interested in the ongoing legal challenges exploring the extent of executive authority, plan to track these cases closely, and hope to brief members from time to time. I will work closely with the Executive Committee helping to answer questions on voting issues, record keeping, and any relevant topics.

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Hilary Monihan for Member-at-Large

I joined DA Austria in 2011 after attending a Thanksgiving dinner event, which quickly became a family tradition. This annual gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate a beloved American holiday while engaging with like-minded Americans and fostering community, which eventually led me to more engagement in DA Austria.

My involvement increased following the 2016 election, particularly through participation in Solidarity Sundays meetings. In 2019, I took on the role of Women’s Caucus chair. In March 2024, I was elected as the interim Vice Chair of DA Austria. Over the past presidential election year, I concentrated on enhancing our Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiatives and boosting membership engagement.

My contributions include:

•       Co-organizing the 2024 Global Presidential Primary in Vienna
•       Coordinating DA Austria events such as July 4th and Thanksgiving celebrations, the 2024 Election Night party, debate watch parties, and other member events such as museum visits
•       Facilitating weekly voter registration tables from June through October 2024
•       Supporting voter assistance tables leading up to the 2024 presidential election
•       Creating and organizing the distribution of 2024 GOTV materials

As we ramp up our response to the Trump destruction of democracy while also preparing for the 2026 midterms, my goal as a Member-at-Large is to activate our members and expand our outreach to more Americans in Vienna and around Austria. To strengthen our organization and involve more voters, DA Austria must focus on both election-related activities and community building. My objectives are to amplify our outreach efforts and both grow and strengthen our volunteer team. By revitalizing our caucuses and regional branches, as well as enhancing our visibility through events and social media, I hope to engage both long-standing members and new individuals interested in becoming involved. 

I look forward to further contributing to our mission and ensuring every American abroad has the opportunity to make their voice heard. Thank you for considering my candidacy for Member-at-Large.

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Mike Phillips for Member-at-Large

I originally came to Vienna in 2009 when I was selected to work at the UN/IAEA. My last formal gig with the UN was with the CTBTO. I have kept many of these friends and colleagues.  

Last year, my wife Lisa and I both returned to Vienna to begin a Climate Change Science firm focusing on support to the UN here and CTBTO Signatories. I am currently Chief Scientist of C2D2 Technologies.

My introduction to DA Austria was through my landlord. Last year, I participated in a few DA Austria voter outreach events, which was a good match for my interests and skill set. Democracies are not spectator sports – and as a member-at-large, I would like to find ways to encourage more Americans to be both aware and active.

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Elisa Schmidt for Member-at-Large

I’ve been involved with Democrats Abroad in various capacities over the last few years and I am now more motivated than ever to help in the fight against Trump and Elon Musk’s agenda.

I’ve been living in Vienna for the last three years, working on humanitarian aid and climate change. Seeing the impact of the new administration around the world and in my own work has been devastating, and we have a lot to do to fight back and prevent the dismantling of our democracy, human rights and values. 

I supported voter outreach efforts for a few months before the 2024 election in Vienna and I really want to do more in an official capacity to support Democrats Abroad Austria in their efforts. I promise to bring energy and dedication to the role, and I hope that together we can make a difference.

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Bruce Murray for DPCA Voting Representative (M)

I am a semi-retired university professor with more than two decades of active membership in Democrats Abroad Austria. I currently serve as DA Global Progressive Caucus Vice Chair. I have served as DA Austria Counsel, Bylaws Committee Member, and DPCA Voting Representative. Among other things, I have co-sponsored successful DPCA resolutions on topics such as healthcare and environmental policy. I have been a regular Solidarity Sundays participant and dedicated DA Austria phonebanker. 

In the aftermath of our disappointing 2024 election results, my wife Renee and I are currently engaged with our Project 2025 Cross-Country Reality Check, striving to strengthen solidarity among working people in the United States. 

I would be honored to represent DA Austria as DPCA Voting Representative, contributing to the impressive DPCA campaigns to mobilize U.S. voters abroad and engage members in support of our platform, promoting progressive political action globally. My guiding principle is strength in diversity!

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Jennifer Rakow-Stepper for DPCA Voting Representative (F)

See statement above.

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