Here is a letter from DNC Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It was with great pride that we watched President Obama take the oath of office Monday at the Inaugural ceremony. As the President enters his second term, so too the DNC enters a new chapter, with some new faces, and some familiar ones, too. Thanks to all of you for this incredible opportunity to serve as your chair for another term, and let’s extend a warm welcome to our new and returning leadership. With talent like this, I know we’ll accomplish great things as we work to strengthen our already-thriving Democratic Party.
It is my pleasure to introduce all of you to a group of talented, dedicated and passionate public servants – our new DNC officers. Maria Elena Durazo, Tulsi Gabbard, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, and Henry R. Muñoz III represent the future for our party, and we all look forward to the energy and enthusiasm they will bring.
Maria Elena Durazo will serve as Vice Chair of the DNC. Maria’s work as Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, and her years of service as President of UNITE-HERE Local 11, reaffirm our party’s steadfast commitment to American workers as we work toward immigration reform and the establishment of a path to citizenship for undocumented workers. Maria will strengthen the already powerful bond between the DNC and our brothers and sisters in labor.
Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii will also serve as a Vice Chair of the DNC. Congresswoman Gabbard is the first American Samoan and Hindu member of Congress, and along with our colleague Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, she is also one of the first female combat veterans to serve in Congress. As one of the youngest members in the 113th Congress, Congresswoman Gabbard’s story is an inspiration, and her dedication to public service showcases the best of our party’s values. I look forward to serving with her both in the House of Representatives and at the DNC.
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will serve as Secretary of the DNC. Mayor Rawlings-Blake was the youngest person ever elected to Baltimore’s City Council. She has made Baltimore a stronger city through her focus on improving public safety and education and strengthening city neighborhoods. Stephanie’s leadership will help move our party forward and ensure that our party functions are carried out in the best tradition of the DNC.
Henry R. Muñoz III will serve as National Finance Chair. As Chairman of the Board and Chief Creative Officer of Muñoz & Company, he leads one of the largest and oldest minority-owned design practices in the country. As National Co-Chairman of The Futuro Fund, he helped to facilitate a critical dialogue between the Latino community and the President’s re-election campaign.
These new officers will join our outstanding returning officers: Donna Brazile, Vice Chair, Voter Registration and Participation; Mayor R.T. Rybak, Vice Chair; Raymond Buckley, Vice Chair; and Andrew Tobias, Treasurer. We’ve all watched their exemplary leadership and dedication to not only the Democratic platform, but to our extended Democratic family, and I can’t wait to continue our partnership leading our party forward.
And of course, I thank our departing DNC Officers for their tremendous service to our party and country. Outgoing Secretary Alice Germond; Jane Stetson, who served as National Finance Chair; and Congressman Mike Honda and Linda Chavez-Thompson, who both served as vice chairs, have all led our party with conviction, integrity, and passion. Our gratitude to them is immeasurable, and I look forward to continuing our work together advancing Democratic causes and values.
I am excited to serve alongside my fellow DNC officers as we continue to move our great nation forward under the leadership of President Barack Obama, and forge a stronger and more vibrant Democratic Party.
Forward,
Debbie