Leadership
Born in Minnesota, Roger and Mary have 6 children, 13 grandsons, and 1 great grandson. Roger taught HS political science and economics before working for the Teachers Union. As Political Director in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Pennsylvania he managed 2 Gov candidate campaigns, and numerous legislative campaigns.
Working as Manager for Organizing at NEA, he helped build membership to 2.8 million, organized the Teacher Union Reform Network. His work in Seattle led business leaders to lable him "The most outstanding urban education leader in America".
Roger Chairs the Center for Ethical Leadership, lectures and serves on several education related Boards, and is VP of Washington Public Campaigns. He serves on the Wa. State Democratic Central Committee, is the Chair of the Elections Committee and is VP of the Labor Caucus.
Doug Bell, Vice Chair - Membership & PCO
Doug is a native of eastern Washington and graduated from Washington State University with a degree in mathematics. He worked for over 35 years as a software engineer before retiring and moving to Olympia in 2010. He has been active with the Thurston County Democrats since then and was active with the 48th LD Democrats and the King County Democrats prior to that.
Doug volunteers in math tutoring, the Thurston County Parks Advisory Board, and other causes as his curiosities strike him.
Susan Herring, Vice Chair - Campaigns
Susan was raised in south Seattle and in 1971 she moved to Olympia to attend the Evergreen State College. She graduated in 1975 and started working for state government. She soon joined the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Thurston County Democrats. She has served in many positions and was awarded the 2003 Democrat of the year award.
She is a strong proponent of civil rights and responsibilities and she continues to strive to make this a more just place for everyone. Her favorite quotation: “Politics is only as good as the people who participate.”
Katrina Wynkoop Simmons, Secretary
Katrina and her family have lived in Thurston County more than 25 years. She has served as PCO, Treasurer and Secretary for Thurston County Democrats and has volunteered in many campaigns.
Retired from the Washington State Department of Health, she owns a small business and works part time with the Adverse Childhood Experiences Partnership to reduce child abuse and neglect in our community.
Chr
istine Garst, Treasurer
A native of Binghamton, NY, Christine received her B.S in Education from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, and M.A. in Education from George Washington University. She has worked for U.S. Congressman Tom Harkin, PrePress (London, England), the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery, Management Assistance Program for Nonprofits (Minneapolis) and currently The Nonprofit Center (Tacoma).
She met her husband of 38 years, Sam, campaigning for anti-war candidates in 1970. They have two children, Matthew, 31, in Rosemount, MN, and Jo, 27, of New York City, and two granddaughters, Nya (10) and Anna (8).
Christine has served in many capacities in Democratic politics, including PCO, County Chair, Member-at-Large and Secretary of Thurston County Democrats, and Campaign Treasurer.
Cheryl Selby, Interim Committee Member at Large - Fundraising
Cheryl moved with her young daughters to Olympia in 1994 and jumped into the community through her job at the City of Olympia Parks Department and volunteer efforts with the Olympia School District. In addition to her many board positions over the years and another stint with the City of Olympia managing a public safety program, she currently serves on the Olympia Downtown Association, the Olympia PBIA Board, The Thurston County Chamber Board and the Olympia Artspace Alliance Board.
Cheryl's passion continues to be creating economic vitality through the arts and running Vivala, her clothing shop in downtown Olympia.
Mizanur Rahman, Committee Member at Large - Burger Booth
Mizanur has been living in Thurston County for the past 25 years. He has been involved with local Democratic politics over a decade and has been a three term PCO for Lacey 18. He has a Bachelors and Masters in Sociology. He also has a professional degree in culinary and has been in food services for the last 30 years and has been working for the Military Club Systems in Fort Lewis for the last 15 years as an Executive Chef.
Mizanur is a native of Bangladesh but has been living in America for the last 30 years. Mizanur is married and has two sons. The oldest son graduated from college and the youngest is still attending college.
Dylan Carlson, State Committee Man
After serving four years as Chair of the 22nd LD Democrats, Dylan was elected as State Committeeman in 2012. He was also elected as a 10th CD delegate for Barack Obama to the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.
In 2010, Dylan was recognized with the WA State Democrats' Warren G Magnusen "Maggie" Award for "Rising Star of the Year." He enjoys skiing, backpacking, and alpine mountaineering. He lives and works in Olympia.
Liber
ty Ryder, State Committee Woman
Liberty is a lifelong resident of Thurston County, currently living in Lacey with her husband, Lacey Council Member Andy Ryder and their two children, Jesse (18) and Josie (8). This is her third term on the Thurston County Democrats Executive Committee, previously serving as Vice Chair. Liberty received the Thurston County Democrat of the Year award in 2009.
She is a small business owner who cares deeply about this community and sees her time on the executive committee as a chance to give back and make a difference in Thurston County.
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