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Add-On Member Candidates
Male Candidates
Kevin O'Connor, Ward 7
Skills: Event Planning, Communications, Project Management, Program Administration
I am the most qualified to serve as an Add-On Member because of my policy knowledge and service background. As a former U.S. Army Officer and federal program consultant, I have led teams of over 100 personnel, managed diverse teams, and coordinated stakeholders across agencies and international environments during my deployment overseas. I have the ability to make decisions, manage competing priorities, and execute with accountability and transparency.
Beyond operations, I bring a knowledge of policy through my degree in Political Science and experience in supporting the Department of Commerce and U.S. Coast Guard. I am comfortable with operating in a local and federal environment.
Lastly, as a newly established member of the DC NAACP, I hold strong values of inclusion and participation, regardless of one's social and economic characteristics. I will bring a collaborative mindset to help strengthen the DCDSC and advance Democratic priorities across the District.
Andrew Gerst, Ward 2
Skills: Event Planning, Communications, Political Organizing, Voter Education Initiatives, served as a precinct captain and an outside attorney/poll observer for several elections..
I believe I am the best person to serve as an Add-On Member to the DCDSC because of my extensive experience in Democratic politics and government, both at the local and national levels. I have worked for the D.C. Government in a number of capacities for over 20 years and know the city very well. I currently serve as an attorney for the D.C. Office of Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, helping to assist our local elected ANC Commissioners, and was previously a member of the Ward 3 Democrats.
In addition, I was an Alternate Delegate for former VP Kamala Harris at the DNC Convention in 2024 and former President Joe Biden in 2020. I am skilled in organizing, outreach, communications, campaigning and voter education. I am also very familiar with a number of members on the DCDSC and believe that I would work very well with others on the State Committee.
I am active in the Democratic Party, contributing to various local and national candidates and campaign committees. I also served previously as a member of the District of Columbia Ward 3 Democratic Committee. In addition, I am a member of the District of Columbia Association of Parliamentarians, as well as the District of Columbia Bar and the Maryland Bar.