_.png)
September 3, 2019 | Press Release
WASHINGTON, DC — In the past month, the DC Democratic Party has hired two new full-time staff members—Claudette David and Phoenix Ray—to aid in expanding and strengthening the party infrastructure. Claudette David replaces former Executive Director Natasha McKenzie, who transitioned from the organization in April to work on a Democratic presidential campaign. Phoenix Ray will take up a new role in the organization as the Communications & Digital Associate.
DC Democratic Party Chairman Charles Wilson released the following statement about the party’s new hires:
“I’m excited to welcome Claudette and Phoenix to the DC Democratic Party. As we work to raise our influence in local and national political conversations, I have no doubt their talent and energy will be a tremendous asset to the brand and visibility of our party.”
Vice Chair Linda Gray also released a statement regarding the new hires:
“I am very pleased that the DC Democratic State Committee has hired two new staff members, Claudette David and Phoenix Ray. Their skill levels and energy are exactly what we need to move forward as a party. I look forward to working with them as we strive to enhance our community engagement activities and voter participation. They are truly an asset to our organization.”
Claudette David is a native Washingtonian and first-generation Haitian-American who previously served in the U.S. House, starting as an intern for Rep. Barbara Lee before joining the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. David has also served on numerous federal, state, and local campaigns working directly with constituents to encourage civic participation in the democratic process. David earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from George Mason University and has earned graduate credits at the University of Maryland University College for financial management and at American University for public administration and policy. She also served in the U.S. Peace Corps collaborating with the Ministry of Health in Gabon, Central Africa to address community health issues.
A native Tennessean and lifelong Democrat, Phoenix Ray is a new resident of the District looking forward to getting involved with local politics in her new home. After graduating from Tennessee Tech University—where she was a member of TTU College Democrats and the TTU Equestrian Team—in 2017, she spent two years working in communications and digital marketing within the private sector before moving to DC to pursue her passion for Democratic politics full-time. Prior to relocating to DC, Phoenix gained campaign experience as the Communications Director for candidate Dawn Barlow in Tennessee's 6th congressional district and as the Communications Director for TNDP Chair candidate Christopher Hale. She also co-founded TN-6's first chapter of Young Democrats, Putnam County Young Democrats, in 2018. Here in DC, Phoenix lives in the Hill East neighborhood with her Cocker Spaniel, Sadie.
###
Chartered by the Democratic National Committee as the elected representatives of the Democratic voters in the District of Columbia, the DC Democratic State Committee provides input in the affairs of the Democratic Party at the block, precinct, state, and national level by ensuring, preserving, and protecting the principles of Democracy, freedom, equality, and service for the common good through political action for good government, fair elections, quality elected officials, strong and vibrant communities, the election of a Democratic nominee for President of the United States, and voting rights and statehood for DC.