2011/2012 Executive Board
Our Executive Board is the heart of our organization. From facilitating relationships with members to inviting outstanding and accomplished speakers, to planning canvassing trips and our annual member’s formal, the CD Board works hard to keep the Democratic agenda thriving on and off campus, as well as create a community of friends on campus. Our organization would be nothing without our membership, so everyone is encouraged to stay involved and even run for office at our annual spring election (new AND old members!).
Joseph Maniscalco – President:
Hi guys! I’m Joe Maniscalco and I’m from a pretty awesome place called New York City. I’m a political science major here at GW and will be serving as your President! I hope to have a fun and exciting year giving back to our school and community with everyone.
Fun Fact: I’m a huge Yankees fan
Favorite President: JFK
Abby Bergren – Vice President:
Hey, everyone! I’m Abby, a junior Political Science major with a minor in Music. I’m from Georgetown, Ohio, which is definitely not the same thing as Georgetown U, but rather a small, rural, tobacco-farming community near Cincinnati. When I’m not busy with the CDs (which is always!), you can find me at the basketball games rockin’ out with the Colonial Brass, somewhere in the depths of Phillips Hall, or taking late-night walks around the District. That said, feel free to stop by the office anytime to chat, ask questions, or discover what we’re doing around campus!
Fun Fact: I’m spending my summer in Amman, Jordan!
Favorite Presidents: George Washington
Shiah Shahmohammadi – Communications Director:
Hey there! I’m Shiah, your Communications Director. I’m a political science major from the great state of Colorado. My job is to be the voice of the CDs. I’ll work hard to communicate to you all of the great things CDs have in store for the 2011-2012 year as well as promote the Democratic ideals we all believe in. Feel free to contact me or stop by during my office hour!
Fun Fact: I’m in love with Anderson Cooper
Favorite pres: FDR
Spencer Dixon – Political Affairs Director:
Hello everyone, I’m Spencer Dixon, a sophomore majoring in Political Science in the CCAS. I’m from Severna Park, MD, a town outside Annapolis. I have the privilege of serving the GWCDs as your Political Affairs Director. I am a proud progressive who believes the true definition of equal opportunity in America means universal healthcare, better eduction, and fair taxes among other things. I disagree with the pundits who warn against the fall of the American empire and believe our best days are still ahead of us. If there are any ideas you may have when it comes to political events or other student organization you think we should pair up with, feel free to contact me ([email protected]). I am also going to be in charge of the debates this year, so if you’re interest, just shoot me an email.
Interesting Face: I love to ski and travel.
Favorite President: FDR
Ditra Backup – Community Service Director:
Hi team! I’m Ditra Backup, your Community Service director for the year. I’m a sophomore studying international affairs, political science, and anthropology. In my imaginary free time I like to play soccer and ride horses and, hailing from the beautiful Green Mountain State, I love all things democrat. I can pretty much guarantee you I’ve heard every possible joke about backing up, being a replacement, being a socialist, or Vermont not being a real place, but I challenge you to develop an original slur. Feel free to share them, your general thoughts, and just about anything with me during office hours!
Fun fact: I went to high school with Ben (of Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream)’s son
Favorite president: FDR
Trevor McCray – Membership Director:
Hey everybody! I’m Trevor McCray from the amazing city of Baltimore, Maryland, right up the road from here. I’m an International Affairs major and minoring in Religious Studies. This year, I’ll be your Membership Director – AKA – your soon to be favorite Executive Board member!
Fun Fact: My weakness is Chocolate…
Favorite President: Theodore Roosevelt, Republicans, they’re not all bad!
Gordon Pera – Finance Director:
Phil Gardner – Campaign Manager:
Hi there! My name’s Phil Gardner. I’m a junior from Tacoma, Washington (the other Washington) majoring in political science and history. I have the pleasure of serving as the Campaign Manager for the College Democrats this year. I’m in charge of organizing all our super fun and exciting campaign trips. I’m also involved with Camp Kesem GW and Delta Tau Delta fraternity. In my free time I like to watch old episodes of the West Wing and read books about obscure political movements from history. Make sure to sign up for our campaign trips – you’ll make new friends and have the time of your life!
Fun fact: I appeared on NickNews with Linda Ellerbee to talk about the state of political discourse in America
Favorite President: LBJ
Danny Leimberg – Assistant Membership Director:
Hey guys! I’m Danny and I’m from St. Louis Missouri. I am a Junior majoring in political science and psychology. I am super excited to make sure all of the CDs have an amazing time this year! I look forward to getting to know all you new members and I am excited to get to know all of our current members even better.
Fun Fact: My favorite food is fried pickles….. looks like we have to go back to Kentucky 
Favorite President: FDR
Eric Katz – Assistant Communications Director:
Hello, my name is Eric Katz and I will be the Assistant Communications Director for College Dems this year. I am a journalism major and a political science minor from Philadelphia. I am excited about the opportunity to join the executive board this year and to help articulate the message of our organization and that of Democrats across the country. When I am not busy pushing the radical Socialist agenda of our president, I am being constantly disappointed as an avid Philly sports fan. I hope to see all of you at our events, I will be the guy behind the camera documenting it all!
Fun Fact: I don’t actually think our president is a radical socialist
Favorite Presidents: George Washington and Bill Clinton
Jen Stutman – Executive Assistant:
Hey everyone, I’m Jen Stutman, a sophomore majoring in International Affairs with a minor in European History. I am originally from Baltimore, MD. This is my first year on the College Democrats Executive Board and I will be serving as the Executive Assistant. Once you get to know me, you will know quickly that I am a strong liberal advocating for a better health care system, increased funding of public education, and increased female and homosexual rights in the American community. I am very excited about this upcoming school year and look forward to meeting everyone who will be joining the College Democrats family. If you have any questions for me or any ideas of how I can make College Dems more awesome than it is, please feel free to email me at [email protected].
Interesting Fact: I am currently writing this bio in Israel where I started my summer
Favorite President: Abraham Lincoln
