Here are the candidates for the 2025-2027 DAN Executive Committee. Following the Democratic Party and DPCA policy, the Chair and Vice-Chair must be of different gender. The two DPCA Voting Representatives, and two DPCA Alternate Voting Representatives, must also be of different gender.
This list has been updated to reflect candidates that have withdrawn from specific races. (May 25, 2025)
CANDIDATES:
CHAIR
Lisa Cooper (F)
Erica Gibson (F)
VICE-CHAIR
Matthew Davidson (M)
David Morse (M)
SECRETARY
Joy Buikema Fjærtoft (F)
TREASURER
Pat Gunn (M)
COUNSEL
Sam Shannon (M)
DPCA VOTING REPRESENTATIVE (2 positions)
Christina Skovsgaard (F)
Andy Stites (M)
DPCA ALTERNATE VOTING REPRESENTATIVE (2 positions)
Leif Marcussen (M)
Pamela Price (F)
Lena Hovakah Westlake (F)
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS:
The DAN Nominations and Elections Committee asked the candidates to answer the following questions in their statements:
- Why would you like to be on the DAN Executive Committee?
- What skills and ideas would you contribute?
- Why do you feel you are the best candidate for the position?
For CHAIR
Lisa Cooper (female)
I am running for a position on the Democrats Abroad Norway (DAN) Executive Committee because I believe that the stakes for American democracy have never been higher — and I am eager to contribute my energy, experience, and deep commitment to voter engagement and advocacy from here in Norway.
My background uniquely positions me to help strengthen and grow DAN’s impact. I bring extensive experience from Board leadership roles across sectors — public, private, and nonprofit. I currently serve as Board Chair of the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, as well as of Equality Check, and sit on the Board of Voksenåsen. I am also the founder and CEO of Catalysts and Catalysts Consulting, where I lead strategic initiatives on diversity, inclusion, and social innovation. In other words, I know what it takes to run an organization, build consensus, and deliver on mission-driven goals.
I have served as Chair of Democrats Abroad Norway for eight years, including during President Obama’s historic presidency. I know this organization well (but do need a refresher!) — its values, its structure, and its potential. I want to help shape a forward-leaning strategy for events, advocacy, and social media outreach. I also bring a strong public voice: I have represented Democratic values and U.S. policy perspectives on Norwegian TV, radio, and in the national press. I believe we need to continue building bridges between Americans abroad in Norway and the local context in which we live — and I have the network and communications skills and drive to help do that.
I also want to help foster a strong, collaborative culture within the Executive Committee — one that is focused, inclusive, and rooted in our shared belief that democracy is worth fighting for.
I’m ready to get to work!
Erica Gibson (female)
I joined DAN last year after Michelle Obama challenged us to “do something” in her speech at the DNC. I was energized by the nomination of Kamala Harris and wanted to phone bank and do voter outreach to help get her elected. As an anthropologist who worked with undocumented immigrants in the US, I knew that electing Harris was our only option to protect vulnerable populations, regain and expand civil rights, and to progress in creating a stronger America for everyone. In September, I was asked to serve as secretary of DAN and happily accepted.
After the election loss, I knew Democrats needed to do more to oppose the incoming administration at every level of government, and we also needed to gain back the trust of the American people. We must be a more inclusive, more progressive party in order to do this and to restore the rights that have already been taken from us. Democrats must fight harder now to oppose the destruction of American democracy, but we should also reimagine building a new future to prevent this level of systematic damage from happening again.
If elected as chair, I would be a proactive representative of DAN members in our DA Global meetings and the DNC to push nominated/elected democrats to continue to “do something” to oppose this administration and hold them accountable for their illegal actions, as well as begin to create new solutions that serve the American people at home and abroad at every level of government. I hope to motivate DAN members to rise up and unify to strengthen our fight against the devastation that we’re currently witnessing in the US affecting us all.
I am uniquely positioned to help others understand what is happening in the US from both a cultural and scientific viewpoint. I’ve worked and lived in communities around the world, and I am committed to trying to make our society more welcoming and equitable. I have media training, been a global spokesperson, and can break down complex issues to make them easily understandable to a broader audience. Voting rights have always been our top priority but we must also focus on fighting for civil rights, understanding new uses of technology and surveillance, and maintaining due process.
Let’s keep up the fight and do something together! I am a part of the “Do Something Crew” and endorse others running in this group.
For VICE-CHAIR
Matthew Davidson (male)
My goal as the vice-chair of Democrats Abroad Norway is to continue to drive the organization to Do Something.
I have been involved in political activism most of my adult life from Philadelphia to Denver and have served DAN as the vice chair for the past two years. I have seen the Democratic party fall from the lofty ideals of Obama’s candidacy to the directionless wilderness we now find ourselves in. Opposing Trump and the Republican agenda is a requirement for the party, but it is just a minimum. We deserve leaders who are going to fight not only against Trump, but for progressive democratic ideals that the majority of the country supports. Things like higher minimum wage, protections for women and minorities, and healthcare.
I bring to this position my skills as both a scientist and a science advocate. While I was getting a PhD in prosthetics, I came to grips with just how badly the US has failed its disabled citizens. This changed my career trajectory. Instead of working in a lab, I learned science communication. I have used these skills and trained others everywhere from conservative bars and skeptical houses of worship to state capitols and Washington DC. I know that it’s not enough to tell people facts. Effective advocacy requires us to tell stories, make connections, build trust, and stand up for what’s right.
This is what I promise if I get to continue as vice-chair: I will be an advocate for those progressive ideals that once made the Democratic party strong. I will support measures to resist Trump and insist that we develop and push a plan to aggressively rebuild as soon as we get a chance. We can do more than just bring back civil rights and the rule of law, we can strengthen and expand them until we live up to the ideals of America and make sure that this destruction never happens again.
We can beat the Republicans. We can make America better. We can Do Something.
I am a part of the ‘Do Something Crew’ and endorse others running with this group.
David Morse (male)
I’m running for DAN vice-chair because Trump and his minions in Congress are a repudiation of my 50+-year career in progressive politics and advocacy. DAN provides a place and people with whom to activate my responsibility to help reclaim our republic from the bad guys.
Background: Professional staff on US Senate Labor Committee; staff director of Reagan task force that preserved the national endowments after his OMB tried to do away with them; taught graduate-level public policy analysis and political communications at Penn & USC; chief communications officer for 3 large progressive foundations (Pew, Robt Wood Johnson, Atlantic); produced Pollie award-winning ads and PSAs for universal healthcare, environmental protection and human rights. Intimate knowledge of and experience with political and organizational processes. Donor to Mind the Gap superPAC, individual D candidates for federal and state offices and DAN call-hubbing. Published in and have good connections with leading US and Norwegian print, broadcast and social media. Fast, concise, persuasive writer and an even better editor of others’ writing. My colleagues have described me as a door opener, collaborator and persuader who can “see around corners.” I’m a pragmatist and consensus-builder who helps colleagues get things done. Though I live in Tønsberg, I show up: Besides family, I have no other commitments or conflicts and can devote myself entirely to resistance and reclamation.
Would advocate for more funding for DA GOTV and related call-hubbing, for critical state as well as federal offices. That will require cajoling with DA global and the DNC, but it may also be a fundraising opportunity if funds are directed to specific GOTV efforts rather than as general support.
What I’ve learned in my short but productive time with DAN and with other organizations is that they work best when it’s not just a collection of individuals pursuing their own interests, but as a team dedicated to a common mission. That’s why I’m aligning with the Do Something ticket that includes talented, productive, deeply-engaged newcomers like Erica Gibson, Lena Westlake and Joy Buikema Fjærtoft and experienced veterans like Christina Skovsgaard and Andy Stites. This is a collaborative team that has already proven itself in the nitty-gritty organizing of the 12 mai rally and in working beautifully together on DAN ExCom. We can hit the ground running the day after the votes are in; we don’t need a transition team, inauguration ball or a dictator on day one.
For SECRETARY
Joy Buikema Fjærtoft (female)
I am running for a position on the DAN Executive Committee because American democracy is being dismantled before our very eyes, and the values we believe in are under serious attack. This is truly disturbing, but I remind myself and others "Don't agonize, organize!" There needs to be a strong resistance movement - people speaking up with their voice and their vote.
I'm happy to have been part of the driving force for the Rally in front of Parliament May 12, contributing ideas, network contacts in Amnesty and left-oriented political parties to get the word out, as well as getting-things-done practical help. This is a start. I see a great potential in DAN to really mobilize Americans in Norway now, as well Norwegians. I would work with the DAN Excom team and members to have a vibrant organization with clear strategies for how to make a difference and opportunities to get involved.
I’m a psychologist with a specialization in organizational psychology. I work with culture change, in particular the barriers and facilitators of a speak-up culture. I now work at the Norwegian Directorate of Health with national guidelines and programs to promote a speak-up culture in healthcare in order to increase patient safety. For my previous work with culture change at Oslo University Hospital, I was awarded the National Work Environment Prize (2018). My expertise in organizational psychology and my experience in organizing and speaking at countless courses, seminars, events and conferences, as well as networking skills, I hope to use to benefit DAN.
Regarding recent board work, since 2021 I've been on the board of a chapter in Arbeiderpartiet focusing on policy and initiatives to halt climate change and the loss of nature. This has given me some very useful experience in political work.
New York is where I lived last, so that is where my vote is cast. But I was raised in Iowa and have contact in the Midwest with like-minded friends and family, as well as those who voted for Trump. My life experience is also colored by having lived a year in East Germany, and three in West Germany. I know what it is to live in a dictatorship, and have also seen that a country can become a true and strong democracy after years of fascism.
For TREASURER
Pat Gunn (male)
Last year, I took a two-month leave of absence from my job here in Norway to volunteer for the Kamala Harris campaign in both Pennsylvania and Michigan. I thought this was the most important election of my lifetime and I had to do something. I reasoned that no matter the results, I could take a step back afterwards and say I’d done my best to stop the worst and be more or less at peace and focus more on my job and personal life.
I was wrong. I can’t read the daily headlines and see our Republic torn apart day in and day out. Knocking on doors for one election cycle wasn’t enough because even though the easiest way to defeat Trumpism would have been at the last ballot box, the fight goes on.
I think the most effective way I can now contribute to the health of America’s representative government is by volunteering as a member of the executive committee of Democrats Abroad Norway; and the best way I can help DAN is as treasurer given my 10+ years professional experience working in finance in the United States, the UK, and Norway.
My background, I believe, is further suited for the position given my undergraduate degree in political science and, while finance is my job, politics remains a strong and passionate personal interest. I hope to aid the organization as treasurer and any other way I can to participate in one of the most consequential battles the Democratic Party has yet to face.
For COUNSEL
Sam Shannon (male)
Since Trump’s reelection last November, the Democratic Party has been in turmoil. While our platform includes some great policy goals, many of which Democrats have a long history of successfully fighting for – providing affordable healthcare, promoting workers’ rights, and ensuring due process for all – we are not doing enough of what really matters: winning. And in my opinion Trump’s two victories illuminate the path to reclaim the Presidency, Congress, and state governments. This path requires that we become a more common-sense party. We must adapt to political realities without compromising our core values, which means appealing to a broader range of voters (some of whom are now probably regretting their vote for Trump last November) by pushing for practical Democratic solutions to problems of real concern to Americans. I believe this is going to happen, and it would be a privilege for me to contribute to the Party as it goes through this crucial process.
As Legal Counsel at Democrats Abroad Norway (DAN) I can do just that: contribute. I am a lawyer with experience both in academia and private practice, where at various times I have worked with judicial independence, corporate law, and commercial litigation. Currently, I am working as a researcher and am studying how courts enforce the law during a constitutional crisis. This work involves, among other things, in-depth interpretation of a wide range of substantive and procedural provisions of U.S. and European Union law.
I believe my professional experience will allow me to both carry out the core tasks of Counsel as well as enrich our debates on the future actions this Party should take, including on how to respond to President Trump’s incessant attempts to delegitimize the judiciary as it does its level best to check his power. Few Americans in Norway can provide this kind of experience. On top of that, I have a good working relationship with other DAN members running for Executive Committee positions during this election, who already have extensive experience serving on the Committee. If elected, this rapport will help me hit the ground running.
Thank you for your consideration.
I am a part of the “Do Something Crew” and endorse others running in this group.
For DPCA VOTING REPRESENTATIVE
Christina Skovsgaard (female)
No matter where our members live or the reasons behind their choice, we share a commitment to our home country. Our members vote in every district in the USA, and now more than ever, we need to mobilize the vote. I have been dedicated to this effort for 20 years. My name is Christina Skovsgaard, and I'm from Cleveland Ohio, in the Rust Belt—I knew it before it became rusty.
When I attended my first Democrats Abroad (DA) global meeting in 2005, I knew I had found a home. Since then, I have regularly participated in DA global and regional meetings, forging friendships worldwide. In 2024, I was one of 12 candidates elected by the Global DA leadership community to represent Democrats Abroad as a Delegate in Chicago. I became known through my work for DA Norway and DA Global. I have participated in door-knocking efforts in Washington, D.C. and lobbied for issues important to our membership. On a global level, I've served on the Steering Committees of the Global Women’s Caucus (8 years), the Ohio State Team (3 years), and the Global Black Caucus (4 years). With this experience and the institutional knowledge I have gained, I am qualified to represent DA Norway globally, which is a significant part of the job.
For decades, I’ve been an ardent Get-Out-the-Vote assistant in Norway, supporting registration drives, organizing events, CallHub, and serving on previous DAN Executive Committees. I am a certified DA voting assistant and also in the Federal Voting Assistance Program. For the past four years, I’ve served as the Chair of Democrats Abroad Norway. Under my leadership, we’ve increased our membership, sent out monthly newsletters, hosted multiple events, started Norway's first precinct in Stavanger, and engaged and encouraged other DAN officers to join the DA Global community.
As Chair, I've had the honor of working with a dynamic team, the "Do Something Team." I support the members of that team. New energy and skills are essential during this period of resistance. Additionally, a mature voice with experience can be an asset to both DA and DAN. I would appreciate your vote.
In my personal life, I have worked as a Speech Therapist (MA), a Ski Instructor (PSIA and DNS certified), and in our family business. At home, I am a wife, a mother, a happy grandmother, and the head chef. 😉
Andy Stites (male)
GOAL: Pass along to next Democrats Abroad Norway ("DAN") Executive Committee ("ExCom") what I´ve learned in six years of ExCom service, while encouraging and not impeding change. Independent of any "slate."
DAN:
2019-24 Counsel. (California State Bar # 72828 Retired). Elected, then appointed two more terms. Advised variety of DAN ExComs/Volunteers concerning DAN Bylaws ("Our Contract with our Members") and Democratic Party Committee Abroad ("DPCA" or "DA") Charter. Consult with DA International Counsel, occasionally defend DAN´s interests vis-a-vis DA.
2023-25 DPCA Voting Representative. Represent DAN before "the governing body" at all DA Global and Regional meetings. Work with other DA/N colleagues and Global Leaders. Report to and consult with DAN ExCom.
2019-25 ExCom Governance. Assist as possible with planning and execution of mission: AGM prep, esp Bylaws revisions, assistance at DAN Events, e.g. Dobbs - Embassy protest, DAN role in Stortinget Seminar, Embassy Voter Registration, National Theatre "Get Out the Vote" ("GOTV") handbilling, recent Town Hall and Rally (advisor to Planning Committees/Security), 4th July. Help recruit volunteers. DAN yearly CallHub ("CH") Voter Registration, Member outreach phonebanking (Approx 3,000 calls).
DA:
- Phonebanker, to date per CH "Leaderboard," 21,758 "Conversations" (left msg or live), (Rule of thumb = two calls for each "Conversation") i.e. approx 43,000 calls since August 2020. (Feb 2025 Wisconsin/Florida campaigns approx 1,000 calls.)
- DA Global Caller Support Team.
- CC "Extras" Caller: Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, Czech Rep, Japan.
- DA Voter Assistant level 2 (highest 3) and Federal Voting Assistance Program ("FVAP") Certified.
- State Teams, Ohio River Valley (+Indiana) steering group. Caller: NJ, OH, GA, WI, CA, NY, FL, PA.
- Veterans & Military Families Caucus (4 years active duty, U.S.Navy, Vietnam. 7 days "in country.")
- Committee on Legal Compliance and Implementation...mediating DA FEC Rollout Crisis.
- Voter Protection.
SUGGESTIONS:
Fewer spontaneous ExCom meetings without quorum. Schedule at regular intervals, with notice, quorum, officer reports, and a portion open to all DAN Members. More transparency. Model on DPCA ExCOM and DA Europe-Mideast-Africa ("EMEA") Regional Meetings.
Start an Annual MLK Weekend "Vote From Abroad" Request Your Ballot drive.
Weekly scheduled attendance-optional 30 minute informal ExCOM Zooms with option to extend.
Weekly scheduled "office hour" open for all DAN Members.
More Norway-wide: Member-to-Member networking for Congressional/state legislative campaigns against MAGA voter suppression: Energize and GOTV!
Respectfully,
Andy Stites
For DPCA ALTERNATE VOTING REPRESENTATIVE
Leif Marcussen (male)
I am a dual US Norwegian citizen and from Vermont, where I once campaigned for Bernie Sanders. I’m running because this is an Apollo 13 moment for our Democracy – as Apollo flight leader Gene Kranz once said: «Failure is not an option!» I am an optimist. Let’s have fun and win big in 2026.
If elected my goals are:
- No fear! Speak out boldly, visibly, and often
- Fun—and teamwork—with any DAN election winners and all volunteers
- Double our membership and triple voter calls
-
Lobby party leadership to invest in:
- Long-term grassroots GOTV, AI, and social media influencers
- Reclaiming our role as the party of the middle class
- Win the midterms decisively
- Great 2026 election night parties across Norway
My key qualifications include: leadership experience in both Norwegian and American organizations, a positive and optimistic outlook, native speaker of Norwegian and English, and contacts in Norwegian labor unions and political parties.
Let's have a blast and win big :)!!!
Pamela Price (female)
I was an inactive member of Democrats Abroad – mostly just attending Pub Nights in Oslo – until the pandemic kept me home glued to my computer. What I was learning about US politics increasingly gave me motivation to do what I could politically. In the process of attending the zoomed DAN Annual General Meeting in 2022, I ended up being appointed as a Democratic Party Committee Abroad (DPCA) Voting Representative. This year I am running as a DPCA Alternate Voting Rep, meaning that I would continue to attend regional and global DA virtual meetings, but voting when the regular DAN Voting Reps cannot also attend.
The Global DA organization, with all of its Country Committees, like DAN, is a special political body that provides an unusual bridge between US expatriates and major political developments in the Democratic Party. Being on the DAN Executive Committee provides incentives and suggestions to find ways to put political values to work, not only to protect democratic governance, but to build a democracy that gives all Americans fair and just chances in life.
During this time of Trump DAN can contribute to these goals by organizing more public meetings, to spread knowledge about major issues and to impress upon Norwegians that resistance to MAGA reaches far. The DAN Town Hall and the Rule of Law rally on May 12th, were good beginnings which Dan can build on, hopefully coordinating with days of mass mobilization in the US.
My political work is grounded in my experience as a teacher and writer of the history of modern India. With a doctorate in Indian political change, I was fortunate to get tenured employment at the University of Oslo. Nowadays I focus on political change in the US, taking the long view as a historian, learning about the MAGA madness and how it can be confronted. The more I learn about American history and culture, the more confidence I have that we can, working together, turn this terrifying time into a great opportunity to build a better life for all.
I am hoping that skills I gained as a teacher have left me with a consciousness of the importance of truly seeing others and encouraging them to use their voice.
Lena Hovakah Westlake (female)
I want to contribute to the fight ahead. We are currently living in dangerous times, at risk of having history repeat itself in disastrous ways. I believe building a strong community of like-minded Americans abroad, while providing an arena to exchange ideas, grievances, and victories is key to DAN achieving its objectives. We are stronger together and I strongly believe that if we manage to combat the feelings of hopelessness over the state of politics, we can achieve amazing things. I want to be part of this community and help make it stronger.
I have previously been the chair of a similar, albeit less political, organization for five years during which I helped reinvigorate the organization's member base, increase member engagement and activity. I would like to use some of the same strategies to build a stronger and more engaged community of Americans in Norway, so that we not only feel like we are doing something, we are actually making a difference. That’s why I am part of the do Something crew and I am proud to endorse my fellow candidates, such as Erica Gibson and David Morse, who I know share my desire to make a difference.
Aside from the experience mentioned above, I have also extensive volunteer experience, particularly in organizing, creating engagement and building community. I also have a very unique personal background that allows me a unique perspective in the DAN Executive Committee. While I was born in the United States, I have lived the majority of my life in Norway - with the exception of my time at Boston University, followed by three and a half years in the Netherlands. My mother is Swiss, and my biological father is Kiowa, therefore I am proud to say that I am a member of the Kiowa Tribe. I carry this legacy with an awareness of the unique privilege that the circumstances of my life have awarded me, and a strong desire to fight for justice and strengthening the communities around me.