Dan is a lifelong Democrat who grew up one of 10 kids in Chicago.  He married his high-school sweetheart and raised 2 kids in the suburbs of Kansas City and Iowa. Dan spent 25 years as a contract negotiator for major health care and publishing corporations across the US.  He continued this work on Florida’s Space Coast until 2012 when his wife of 30 years, Louise, was taken by cancer. Since her death, Dan became a small businessman and  has thrown himself into improving the community around him for the people he loves.  He went back to school to earn a master’s degree in management and sustainability which was awarded in 2023. Dan has served in several capacities for the Brevard Dems; Interim Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, Precinct Organizer and Twice Elected President of LGBTA Dem Caucus, and most recently PROUDLY as one of the Congressional District Delegates at the National Democratic Convention in Chicago. Dan also ran this year as a candidate for the FL8 Congressional Seat. He proudly served as a City Councilman lowering property taxes each year, spearheaded the revision of the City’s sustainability plan and was Committeeman on the Federal Action Strike Team for the last four years representing West Melbourne where he lives with his husband of 8 years, Bill McKay.

Jen is a highly accomplished project manager with almost 20 years of experience as a Federal contractor. She has a proven track record of leading teams from project inception to completion. Her diverse skill set includes client management, requirements development, knowledge management, strategic management, and process improvement.  An Army veteran, Jen brings discipline, leadership, and strategic thinking to all her endeavors. Her two decades of work supporting the aerospace industry have equipped her with unmatched expertise in managing complex projects, fostering innovation, and driving results in high-stakes environments. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jen is deeply devoted to serving her community through a variety of impactful roles. From 2020 to 2024, she served as the Technology Chair for the Brevard Democrats and, from 2022 to 2024, represented her community as State Committeewoman. As a Guardian ad Litem volunteer, Jen passionately advocates for the rights and well-being of abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Brevard County. In addition, she serves on the boards of multiple nonprofits and actively volunteers, dedicating her time and expertise to initiatives that uplift and support the community.

After a career dedicated to marketing and communications in the arts, I relocated from California to Brevard County three years ago and experienced a profound culture shock. A year later, I discovered Brevard Dems, attended a few meetings, and began volunteering with Ken McDonald on communications. Before long, Ken convinced me to take the reins as Communications Chair. 

While stepping into Ken’s shoes has been no small task, the unwavering commitment and spirited dedication of Brevard Dems have been a transformative force in my life. They’ve reignited my sense of purpose by connecting me to the core values of democracy—community, equity, and the power of collective action. Through this work, I’ve grown to care deeply about Brevard County and am proud to advocate for a stronger, more inclusive future.

Claudette is a retired program manager for the US Air Force civil service where she was responsible for overseeing budgets for worldwide contracts relating to nuclear treaty monitoring. She is a retired Navy JAG Captain, former assistant prosecutor and public defender in Florida, and is currently on the D4 Organizing Team.