Executive Board

President, Dave Kunes
Dave.Kunes@MCYD.org
Dave Kunes lives in Silver Spring with his partner Nik and two cats. Dave works in the Maryland General Assembly for Delegate Tom Hucker (D-20) supporting legislation for clean energy, safe food, and civil rights. He also does consulting for nonprofits and small businesses including the Human Rights Campaign, AFSCME International, and Project CHANGE Maryland. Dave is an active volunteer with the MCDCC and the upcoming 2012 Ethiopian Festival.

 

Executive Vice President, Alexis Reed
Alexis.Reed@MCYD.org
Alexis Reed was raised in Montgomery County, and currently works as Legislative Director for Delegate Eric Luedtke (D-14). She also works for Montgomery County Public Schools as a volleyball coach at Springbrook High School. In the past, she handled constituent outreach for County Councilwoman Nancy Navarro, focusing on youth, low income residents and community development, organized Navarro’s Youth Advisory Group, and has volunteered for several youth-focused organizations.

 

Director of Membership, Kelly Holleran
Kelly.Holleran@MCYD.org
Kelly is a life-long resident of Gaithersburg.  She is completing her Bachelor’s degree in English, with minors in Women’s Studies and Rhetoric at the University of Maryland, College Park.  Kelly was a fundraising fellow for Women’s Campaign Fund where she helped advance women’s participation in government through a combination of campaign development and social media coordination. She was elected WCF’s Fellowship Alumni Chair this fall and is developing a comprehensive social network with other local, progressive women’s organizations.

 

Director of Finance, Amit Mistry
Amit.Mistry@MCYD.org
Amit lives in Damascus in Northern Montgomery County.  He is currently the Legislative Director for Majority Leader Kumar Barve (D-17) and has previously worked for Governor Martin O’Malley, the Maryland Democratic Party and Congressman Steny Hoyer.  Amit also serves as First Vice President of the District 14 Democratic Club and is Treasurer of the District 14 Slate.

 

Director of Communications, Abe Saffer
Abe.Saffer@MCYD.org
Abe lives in Silver Spring with his wife Tonya.  He is pursuing his Master’s at George Washington University in Political Management with a concentration in political communication and campaigns. He has previously worked as Grassroots Manager for a dialysis provider, two Members of Congress, the Maryland Democratic Party, Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher (D-18) and most recently as Campaign Manager for Tim Male for Takoma Park City Council.

 

Director of Programming, John-Ubong Silas
John.Silas@MCYD.org
John-Ubong Silas has worked on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies, colleges, and community organizations. Most recently, he worked as a program coordinator at Montgomery College in Rockville where he regularly planned and implemented service programs for students, faculty, and the community. His programs have been recognized both locally and nationally for their success. A constant desire to provide services to the community is the main reason he continually seeks to serve as a consultant and volunteer for non-profits and small businesses.

 

Secretary, Nik Sushka
Nik.Sushka@MCYD.org
Nik Sushka moved to Montgomery County three years ago to further her commitment to building healthier, happier, and safer communities through community-based work. She currently works in the Center for Civic Engagement and Public Service in the George Washington University, supporting local efforts to reform education, promote responsible consumption of resources, alleviate poverty, and more. She is a mentor through the Mental Health Association of Montgomery County‘s Bridges to Pals program, a frequent volunteer for Montgomery County and Maryland state officials, and an avid hiker, cyclist, and amateur coffee-shop guitarist.