NLAS D.C. SPEAKER BIOS
July 13-15
Washington D.C.
WELCOME TO NLAS RECEPTION
REP. SCOTT PETERS (CA-50)
Congressman Scott Peters serves California’s 50th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Coronado, San Marcos, Escondido and most of San Diego. First elected in 2012, Scott commits to working with anyone in good faith to fix a broken Congress. Scott Peters currently serves on the House Budget Committee and Energy and Commerce Committee.
Scott Peters is a civic leader who has made improving the quality of life in San Diego his life’s work. After a 15-year career as an environmental lawyer, Scott was elected to the San Diego City Council, where he later became the City’s first City Council President. On the Council, Scott helped lead the $2 billion redevelopment of downtown San Diego, the cleanup of the city’s beaches and bays, and the completion of a number of major infrastructure projects. He also pursued greater accountability and efficiency through the creation of a new Council/Mayor form of local government with an independent budget review function.
In 2001, the governor appointed Scott to the Commission on Tax Policy in the New Economy, and in 2002, the Speaker of the Assembly appointed Scott to the California Coastal Commission.
Scott later served as chairman of the San Diego Unified Port District – a major economic engine that supports over 40,000 high-skill, high-wage jobs for San Diegans, with $3.3 billion in direct regional economic impact.
During his time in Congress, Scott has passed legislation to give the military the advanced technology it needs to fight terrorism, to level the playing field for small businesses competing for government contracts, has succeeded in getting the federal government to make changes to the homelessness funding formula that disadvantages San Diego, and has spearheaded some of the greatest climate legislation passed in American history.
Ranked the 4th most independent Democrat in Congress by the National Journal, Scott understands that business problems have bipartisan solutions, and is never afraid to work across party lines to build consensus and get things done.
REP. JEFF JACKSON (NC-14)
Congressman Jeff Jackson is a dad, husband and soldier. He is in his 20th year of military service, having enlisted after the attacks of September 11th, trained at Ft. Bragg, and served in Afghanistan. He continues to serve today as a Major in the Army National Guard.
After deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Congressman Jackson attended law school at UNC-Chapel Hill with help from the G.I. bill, before serving as an assistant district attorney in Gaston County.
In Gaston County, he tried more than one hundred cases. In the process, he saw firsthand how a failure to properly invest in and prioritize public education, economic development, mental health care, and criminal justice reform was harming people and families across North Carolina.
Congressman Jackson spent eight years as a North Carolina State Senator, representing Mecklenburg County. He dedicated much of his time in the General Assembly to reforming the criminal justice system, including working to close the consent loophole, decrease unnecessary charges and arrests, and improve our expungement laws.
As a state Senator, Rep. Jackson was outspoken about the need to reform our redistricting process so that voters can choose who represents them, not the other way around. The first bill he ever filed in Raleigh was to end gerrymandering by establishing an independent redistricting commission.
Now, Congressman Jackson is the first person to represent North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District, which includes parts of Mecklenburg and Gaston counties.
Jeff and his wife, Marisa, live in Charlotte with their three children: Haden (14), Owen (8), and Avery (4).
COLIN MORTIMER, DIRECTOR, Center for New liberalism
Colin Mortimer is the Director of the Center for New Liberalism, a leading center-left grassroots group in the country that serves as a home for young, center-left voters in our populist age.
As Director, the Center for New Liberalism has developed a network of tens of thousands of individuals around the world advocating for issues such as economic innovation, policies that promote abundance in housing, education, employment, healthcare, and more, making responsible public investments in science, technology, and infrastructure, investing in the skills and career prospects of Americans from all economic backgrounds, giving Americans the tools for economic mobility, spurring a clean energy transition that creates good jobs for U.S. workers and modernizing education and global interconnectedness through trade and immigration.
Prior to that, Colin was a consultant at Bates White Economic Consulting focusing on healthcare antitrust. He graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2019 with degrees in Economics and Mathematics-Statistics.
CNL Leadership & Center-left Activism at the Local Level
RAYA ARBIOL
Raya Arbiol is a passionate advocate for progressive values, recognized for her unwavering commitment to social justice, equity, and community empowerment. As a panelist at the CNL Conference, Raya brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experiences that have shaped her political journey.
Raised in a working-class family, Raya witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by marginalized communities. These experiences ignited her drive to create meaningful change and led her on a path of political activism.
Raya's journey began with grassroots organizing, working tirelessly to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups and fight for policies that address systemic inequities. Her dedication and ability to build bridges among diverse communities garnered attention, earning her recognition as a rising leader in progressive circles.
Inspired to effect change from within the political system, Raya took a bold step forward by running as a candidate for the NJ General Assembly. Her campaign centered around transformative policies, including affordable housing, accessible education, and sustainable environmental practices. Raya's personal stories and deep connection to the struggles faced by everyday New Jerseyans resonated with voters, propelling her to be a powerful advocate for progressive values in the political arena.
MICAH ERFAN
Micah Erfan is the Chapter Leader of the New Liberals oft Houston, an Editor for the Vital Center magazine, and a present consultant for the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation.
Prior to these roles, he has held positions in local Democratic party organizations, special needs education, and youth fitness training.
CATHY REISENWITZ
Cathy Reisenwitz writes a daily newsletter called Sex and the State, which sits at the intersection of social science, personal essay, and public policy. She co-leads Huntsville New Liberals.
Her bylines have appeared in the Daily Beast, VICE Motherboard, Newsweek, and other fine publications. And her television appearances include Fox Business and Al Jazeera America. She served as VP of Communications for the San Francisco Sex-Positive Democratic Club.
MATTI MIRANDA, DIRECTOR, NEW DEMOCRACY
Matti Miranda recently joined New Democracy, an organization which serves as a home-base for center-left leaders in all level of government. Here she is guiding the organization to help broaden the Democratic Party's appeal everywhere. With the recent joining of Center for New Liberalism and New Democracy, Matti will also be strengthening the 70+ chapters globally to build a digital and field for needed for center-left victories.
Foremost, a strategist focusing on communications, development, and organizational infrastructure in the pursuit of advancing pragmatic Democrats and progressive policy, she has years of experience in fundraising for Congressional candidates, from safe incumbents to red to blue races; convening thought leaders and policy influencers and aligning around common values and pragmatic solutions; and building scalable chapter organizations empowered to thrive in politically friendly and unfriendly territory.
Inside Baseball: the Role of Ideological Caucuses in Congress
Andy FLICK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NEw democrat coalition
Andy Flick serves as Executive Director for the New Democrat Coalition, a caucus of nearly 100 Democrats in the House of Representatives focused on pragmatic policy solutions. Flick serves as the chief policy and political advisor for the Coalition. Flick has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than 13 years. Previously, Flick served as Chief of Staff for Congressman David Trone (D-MD). He began his career as a legislative aide for Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) and later worked in senior roles for Congressmen Jim Costa (D-CA) and Seth Moulton (D-MA). A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Flick is a native of Hamilton, Ohio.
Andy LaVIGNE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BLUE DOG COALITION
KATHRYN SORENSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NewDem Action FUnd
Kathryn Sorenson is the Executive Director of the NewDem Action Fund, the campaign-arm of the New Democrat Coalition in Congress. Prior to joining the NewDems, she served as Chief of Staff for Congresswomen Elaine Luria (VA-02), after successfully managing Luria's 2018 red-to-blue campaign.
A seasoned political operative, Kathryn brings a decade of campaign experience to her effort to elect and reelect NewDem candidates and members. Utilizing on-the-ground experience in organizing, fundraising, and managing, Kathryn endeavors to equip campaign teams with the tools and strategic guidance they need to win in the most competitive districts.
Kathryn cut her teeth in campaign organizing with DC OFA, where she recruited and trained Ward 3 volunteers to assist in getting out the vote for President Obama in neighboring Virginia. She went on to work on three successive Virginia campaigns: Terry McAuliffe for Governor in 2013, John Foust for Congress (VA-10) in 2014, and Katheen Murphy for Delegate in 2015. In 2016, she led Steve Santarsiero’s fundraising operation in Pennsylvania’s 8th Congressional district, raising $2.8M in an open, DCCC Red-to-Blue targeted race. Kathryn returned to Virginia in 2017 to manage the successful David Reid for Delegate campaign, defeating a three-term Republican incumbent. Her adaptive approach to organizing, mobilizing, and channeling grassroots resistance groups was profiled in The New York Times Magazine.
Kathryn was born and raised in Northern Virginia and attended American University.
Phil GARDNER, SR. Advisor, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03)
Phil Gardner is a political strategist from the State of Washington. Over the past 15 years he has managed successful campaigns for federal, state, and local office in the Pacific Northwest.
Most recently, Phil was the campaign manager for Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the 34-year-old working mom and auto repair shop owner elected to Congress last year over far-right extremist Joe Kent. Veteran political analyst Stuart Rothenberg called Gluesenkamp Perez's victory "one of the biggest House upsets I have seen over the past 40 years."
Phil now works as Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez's senior advisor, helping her in her new role as Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, alongside the other two co-chairs Jared Golden of Maine and Mary Peltola of Alaska. The three co-chairs represent the three most Republican-leaning seats currently held by any House Democrat.
Prior to his current job, Phil served as Chief of Staff for Washington Lt. Governor Denny Heck. He also worked as then-Congressman Heck's Communications Director and District Director. Phil is based in Washington, D.C. but tries to escape back home to his Washington as much as possible.
STU MALEC, DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, PPI
Stuart Malec is the Director of Government Affairs for the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI). In this role, Stuart helps to oversee and implement PPI’s congressional engagement strategy. He administers PPI’s congressional fellowship program, which places policy and communications fellows within the New Democrat Coalition and Blue Dog Coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives. Stuart also manages external relations with several key PPI partners.
Before joining PPI, Stuart worked in multiple congressional offices for the first eight years of his professional career. He was Communications Director for two Democratic U.S. Representatives, serving on the senior staff for lawmakers on the Energy and Commerce, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Armed Services Committees. Prior to his ascension to Communications Director, Stuart led outreach programs for a congressional district office and worked on state and local political campaigns.
Stuart is a proud New Englander and alum of the University of Rhode Island. He now lives in Washington D.C., where he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, and co-parenting his dog, Biscuit, when not at work.
Pathways to Ensure Equal Access to Economic Opportunity
REP. VAL Hoyle (or-04)
Congresswoman Val Hoyle was born on Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California.
As the oldest sibling, you can always count on Val to tell you where she stands.
Growing up, Val got a front-row seat in community activism and service. Her father was a firefighter and labor leader, and her mom organized in support of the 1972 Equal Rights Amendment.
When Val was a teenager, she waited tables in high school and worked summers in a local bike shop. Val was also the first in her family to get a college degree. She began school at Bunker Hill Community College, and later graduated from Emmanuel College with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a concentration in international studies.
After graduation, Val spent 25 years working in the international bicycle industry in retail management, manufacturing distribution, and international trade.
Val was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 2010 representing West Eugene and Junction City, and eventually served as Majority Leader. She was later elected statewide to serve as Oregon’s Labor Commissioner, a nonpartisan role leading Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries. In January 2023, Val was sworn into the 118th U.S. Congress representing Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District.
Val and her husband, Stephen, are both proud union members. They moved to Lane County over 25 years ago to raise their two children.
TAYLOR maag, director, workforce development policy, ppi
In her role as Director of Workforce Development Policy, Taylor focuses on developing policy solutions that strengthen our nation’s workforce, ensuring employers have the talent they need to remain competitive and people have the skills and critical supports necessary to succeed in today and tomorrow’s economy.
Prior to joining PPI, Taylor worked at Jobs for the Future (JFF) where she assisted in the development and implementation of JFF’s federal and state policy agenda, focusing on workforce reform and innovation, access and affordability in postsecondary education and federal poverty alleviation policy. Additionally, Taylor led JFF’s congressional and workforce-related practitioner networks to ensure federal policymakers were staying connected with leaders implementing innovative and successful strategies on the ground. Taylor also has worked in direct service as a Therapeutic Behavioral Coach for New Alternatives, a non-profit in San Diego, CA. In this role she provided in-home coaching and support for clients ages 2-21 that received services based on income eligibility and experiences of severe trauma.
Taylor received her Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University and her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Connecticut. Taylor lives in Washington, DC and she loves her dog, Richard, travel and all things Boston sports!
THE need for a durable, broad majority
REP. BRad schneider, (iL-10)
Brad Schneider is currently in his 5th term representing the 10th District of Illinois in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected in 2012, and then, after a narrow loss in 2014, showed the world that defeat is not fatal by winning again in 2016. He earned reelection in 2018, 2020 and 2022.
Brad presently serves on the House Ways and Means and the House Foreign Affairs Committees, and has previously served on the House Judiciary and Small Business Committees. On Ways and Means he has earned distinction for his leadership on a diverse range of issues including international tax, health care innovation and training, sustainable aviation fuel and the repeal of the unfair SALT deduction cap. On Foreign Affairs, Brad is working to ensure democracy is thriving at home and abroad. With competitive threats from Russia, China and Iran, Brad is working with allies to promote the United States’ standing on the world stage. He is a recognized leader on the Middle East, and in particular the U.S.-Israel relationship. Brad is co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Abraham Accords Caucus.
In Congress and at home, Brad is focused on building an economy that works for all Americans, breaking through partisan gridlock to find solutions, and promoting core American values of opportunity, equality, and security. Brad is fighting to protect the Affordable Care Act, Social Security and Medicare, a woman’s right to choose, a healthy, sustainable environment, and full equality for the LGBT+ community. He’s a passionate advocate for students, seniors, veterans, family-owned businesses, and people seeking to find their political voice.
A strong, independent voice for the Tenth District, Brad has been ranked among the most bipartisan members of Congress. He is a vice-chair of the moderate New Democrat Coalition and an active member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. He is also a vice-chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, co-chair of the Bulgaria Caucus and involved with several other important groups such as the Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus (SEEC), the Pro-Choice Caucus and the House Task Force Combating Antisemitism.
Before serving in Congress, Brad had deep roots and a long record of dedicated service in and for the community. His business career spanned nearly three decades, principally working as a business advisor helping company leaders plan for and realize strategic growth. He also owned and managed a life insurance agency.
Brad and his wife, Julie, have lived in the 10th District for more than 30 years, where they have created a home, built their careers and, most importantly, raised their two, now-adult sons Adam and Daniel. They now live in Highland Park with their rescue dog, JoJo.
CLOSING REMARKS
Jeremiah Johnson, Co-Founder & Podcast host, Center for new Liberalism
Jeremiah Johnson is the co-founder of the Center for New Liberalism. He co-founded CNL along with Colin Mortimer in 2017 to promote liberal ideas like free trade, immigration, housing abundance, green energy, economic dynamism and social liberalism. CNL has since developed into the nation's foremost center-left grassroots movement and has advanced liberal values through its dozens of local chapters.
In addition to founding and leading CNL for several years, Jeremiah also hosts and produces CNL's podcast which has hosted Nobel Prize winning economists, Pulitzer Prize journalists, members of Congress and boasts millions of listens across its history. He has written for publications such as New York Daily News, The Bulwark, USA Today and Liberal Currents with a focus on regulatory reform, technology policy, and liberal political theory.
Prior to founding CNL, Jeremiah worked in consulting and data science, and has a Master's Degree in Statistics.