2012-2013 Executive Board

President: Daniel Tuchler

Daniel Tuchler is a third-year student at the University of California, Berkeley pursuing a double major in Rhetoric and Political Science. Originally from Orange County, Daniel searched for a new political perspective and joined Cal Dems during his first week at Berkeley, quickly finding a community that embraced progressive values unlike his home in Southern California. Daniel previously served as the Finance Director for Cal Dems and worked to bolster the financial capability of the organization for the 2012 campaign season. As President, Daniel is excited to unite the progressive community at Berkeley and improve coalition building among students.

You can contact Daniel at president@caldems.com.

VP of Finance: Lizzy Hennes

Lizzy Hennes is a second year student at Cal majoring in Psychology and Gender & Women’s Studies. She became interested in politics while living in South Carolina during middle school when she became aware that her family was literally one of the few in her suburban neighborhood supporting Kerry. She found Cal Dems within a week of being on campus and has enjoyed furthering her political knowledge and bonding with the people that have become her second family. This school year she hopes to contribute to a successful and exciting campaign season for Obama while maintaining the club funds.

You can contact Lizzy at finance@caldems.com.

VP of Membership: Canaan Lewin-Welsh

Canaan Lewin-Welsh is a fourth year Social Welfare and Global Poverty and Practice student. She became more aware and interested in politics during Obama’s campaign in 2008, and the interest grew immensely when she arrived at UC Berkeley. Canaan has been involved in Cal Dems since her freshman year. She also will serve as a coordinator for the ASUC Vote Coalition this fall. This year she is looking forward to electing Democrats in elections at all levels of government, while getting to know current and new Cal Dems members and helping enhance our wonderful community.

You can contact Canaan at membership@caldems.com.

Political Director: Caitlin Quinn

Caitlin Quinn is a second year Political Science major intending to minor in Public Policy. Caitlin joined Cal Berkeley Democrats as soon as she became a student, and has since fully delved into many political spheres. While remaining an incredibly active member of Cal Dems, she also was appointed to be one of the ASUC’s Vote Coalition Directors in the Office of External Affairs. Caitlin is passionate about empowering women, people of color, and queer folks in the political realm, and will seek to use Cal Berkeley Democrats as a way to further increase her work in progressive politics. She is excited to enable students of all backgrounds to register to vote, and thrilled to be able to work with such incredible folks for the 2012 election year.

You can contact Caitlin at political@caldems.com.

Development Director: Alicia Eitnier

Alicia Eitnier is a Senior studying Anthropology. She transferred to UC Berkeley from Fullerton College. She first became seriously interested in politics during the six years she spent serving in the United States Coast Guard. Since then she has become an active member in Cal Dems and California politics. She wants to apply her education in the study of society and culture towards writing public policy that will be beneficial to as many people as possible. On her off time she volunteers on local campaigns helping keep California blue!

You can contact Alicia at development@caldems.com.

Communications Director: Sofie Karasek

Sofie Karasek is a second-year student intending to major in Political Economy. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, she grew up surrounded by a number of passionate and influential liberals. Ever since she watched Florida change from Gore to Bush when she was six years old, Sofie has advocated and worked to further her progressive values. In high school, she worked as a canvasser for a non-profit group, working to pass legislation to increase recycling rates. After raising over $10,000 for the non-profit and testifying in front of the Massachusetts State legislature, Sofie has solidified her intention to pursue a career in politics, and as the next Cal Dems Communications Director she will work to form a strong coalition between progressive groups on campus to get Barack Obama re-elected in 2012.

You can contact Sofie at communications@caldems.com.

IT Director: Anais LaVoie

Anais LaVoie is a Senior studying Ethnic Studies and Education. She came to Cal full of hope and enthusiasm from a conservative pocket of Southern California, knowing that Cal Dems could be the niche she never had.  Three years later, she is excited to be leading the most active college Democratic club in California.  Anais is deeply passionate about social justice issues, and wants to work towards increasing representation of women and people of color in higher education and electoral politics.  When she isn’t listening to Journey with Cal Dems, she works for the Performing Arts Center on campus and serves as Corresponding Secretary for the Women’s Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

You can contact Anais at it@caldems.com.

Smart Ass Editor In Chief: Michael Manset

Michael Manset is a fourth year studying History and Political Science. Originally from Ventura, California, Michael has long possessed a strong interest in politics and a passion for progressive causes. Upon arriving at UC Berkeley as a freshman, he was able to transform this passion into activism by joining Cal Dems. Michael is looking forward to serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the Smart Ass and will continue the publication’s tradition of serving as the voice of Berkeley’s democratic left.

You can contact Michael at smartass@caldems.com.

Programs Director: Julia Jackson

Julia Jackson is a second year intended MCB major with a passion for coffee, social justice, and ultimate frisbee. Throughout high school she gradually became more interested in politics and specifically started becoming more involved with social justice and education inequalities last fall when she began tutoring and mentoring elementary school kids through Calcorps. As Programs Director, she hopes to be able to maintain and foster new connections with other campus organizations as well as come up with new ideas to help the club grow!

You can contact Julia at programs@caldems.com.

Field Director: Josh Cohen

Josh Cohen is a second-year Political Science major from Los Altos, a San Jose suburb. He first became interested in politics during the 2008 Presidential campaign and hasn’t let up since, interning at Terris Barnes Walters, a political media firm, and even writing his own blog at politicohen.com. As a passionate Democrat, he’s extremely excited to be the Field Director for the crucial 2012 elections and to train the club in activism throughout the year. In his free time, he enjoys sleeping, although life sometimes gets in the way. He’s also a music connoisseur, provided the genre you choose is rock, and enjoys following his long suffering Oakland A’s and Golden State Warriors as they miss the playoffs every year.

You can contact Josh at field@caldems.com.