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* Press release…
Today, the Democratic Party of Illinois announced two new staff hires: Jake Lewis will serve as Deputy Director overseeing all communications and Maralea Negron will serve as Operations Director.
“We’re thrilled for Jake and Maralea to join the DPI team,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly, DPI Chair. “Both Jake and Maralea bring unique skills and experiences to the DPI that will support our work in making the party more active, inclusive, and transparent. Jake has been a leading voice in some of our most recent progressive political and legislative fights and he will be critical in helping us connect with voters about Democratic successes while holding Republicans accountable. Maralea’s experience working with Springfield legislators and advocating for the most vulnerable individuals throughout our state will serve the DPI well as we continue to grow our capacity and build our party.”
Jake Lewis will serve as Deputy Director and will oversee all communications. Previously, he worked as the Director of Communications for the Chicago Federation of Labor where he was responsible for internal and external communications. Jake also worked as the Campaign Director for Illinois Working Together, a labor coalition fighting for working families during the Rauner Administration, as a strategist for the political consultancy 270 Strategies and as field director for now Sen. Tammy Duckworth in her 2012 run for Congress.
“I am thrilled to join the DPI team and work to support Democrats up and down the ballot,” said Lewis. “Illinois Democrats have led the charge at the local, state, and federal levels to grow jobs, end the pandemic, protect our environment, and build a stronger economy that works for everyone. I look forward to helping the DPI communicate with voters, party leaders, and activists about the Democrats’ vision for the future as we head into a major election year.”
Maralea Negron will serve as Operations Director, working hand-in-hand with DPI leadership to ensure the party grows in size and scale to work with all Democrats this cycle. Previously, she worked as Chief of Staff to Rep. Kelly Cassidy, developing policy by engaging grassroots advocates and stakeholders on issues, tracking legislation, and serving as a liaison to the community and constituents. She also serves on the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission of the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the DPI team,” said Negron. “Now more than ever, our communities need Democratic leaders who will stand up for what is right and take on the toughest challenges we all face. I am eager to be a part of the DPI team as it continues to grow to meet Chair Kelly’s vision of an inclusive, effective state party.”
Jake won a Golden Horseshoe Award for his work at Illinois Working Together.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 9:29 am
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Jake is a good hire. I don’t know Maralea.
Comment by Arsenal Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 9:42 am
Great gets by DPI.
Jake is the real deal and Maralea also has practical operations experience.
Comment by Scott Cross for President Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 9:43 am
They needed to do “something” when the Robin Kelly DPI is mocked by the ILGOP and they seemingly are/were far worse than the ILGOP, if you measure, as one example, by monies.
It’s acknowledging a real problem that this new DPI has, and trying to do all this without real support except the tepid kind, “we’re all Democrats” from, say, a billionaire governor they shunned…
It’s a needed move, a Golden Horseshoe winner included, it’s a positive move for them.
Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 9:50 am
Two bang-up choices. Jake is one of the most effective and entertaining communicators in the state and Lea has kept the wheels on the bus for one of the most active members of the GA.
Comment by The Opinions Bureau Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 10:01 am
Both Jake and Lea are phenomenal - they’ve been two of my favorite people to work with in Illinois politics.
Lots of people have seen Jake’s work and know how great he is. But if you haven’t gotten a chance to work with Lea, you’ve missed out.
Two great hires for a new DPI.
Comment by SaulGoodman Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 10:03 am
Marlea was a classmate of mine at EIU. She’s a very smart, talented, and bright person with a desire to serve. Great hire of a great human.
Comment by ILLannoyed Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 10:16 am
Congrats to Lea, she has been a great staffer.
Comment by Buford Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 10:40 am
These are two great hires. They along with relatively new Exec. Director Abby Witt are poised to do great things!
Comment by Surgevoter Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 11:07 am
I’m sure these are two good, capable people but DPI is a ghost of itself. That won’t change with a couple hires. The center of gravity has moved.
Comment by High Socks Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 11:26 am
Outstanding
Comment by The Captain Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 11:33 am
Nice! Jake is a star.
Comment by Brian Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 11:44 am
Jake is a great hire - bright guy, good communicator. A little tall for my tastes but some people are into that.
Comment by Best Team in America Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 12:02 pm
A perfect addition to the DPI team, especially in this transitional moment under new leadership. Lea has always been on it - bright, hard-working, caring and principled. We’ll miss you in the House. Congratulations, Lea! Well deserved.
Comment by Staffer Monday, Nov 1, 21 @ 6:57 pm