Historic Triangle Dems Executive Board 2024

Chair

Jennifer Tierney

Candidate statement: I am the current chair of HTD and a professional political consultant, working in more than 75 campaigns, many in California, developing direct mail, producing radio and TV, managing staff and budgets and developing strategy. I have overseen the growth and merger of our committees (Williamsburg and James City, and then the merger with York and Poquoson). I believe we can and should always try to do more for our candidates. Let’s continue to be one of the strongest committees in the State!

Vice Chair for Williamsburg

Jan Keady

Candidate statement: I have successfully fulfilled this position for 2023 and would like to continue.

Vice Chair for James City County

Christine Payne

Candidate statement: I have had the privilege and pleasure to serve as Vice Chair for James City County since 2017 and am eager to continue the work in this upcoming pivotal election year. I strive to strengthen bonds with local affiliate organizations that share our values and legislative priorities and serve as a bridge between our Democratic Committee and members of our greater community.

Vice Chair for Poquoson

Taylor Bresnan

Candidate statement: I was Chairperson for the Poquoson Electoral Board for two and a half years and active in the community through our school’s PTOs, volunteer work, and other school committees.

Vice Chair for York County

Tara Hassan Taylor

Candidate statement: I have been involved in York county politics for many years. I am going into my 5th year as Vice Chair for York County. I am passionate about getting young families involved in our committee, equal rights, education and gun safety. I look forward to continuing to work with our volunteers.

Vice Chair for Media and Communications

MK Sizemore

Candidate statement: I’ve served as media/communications vice chair since 2018. I’ve helped our committee expand the support we offer to candidates, providing design and layout for walk cards, postcards, signs, logos and other collateral materials. We’ve also started using text messaging to remind members of events and to support candidate outreach. Our election-season postcard program reaches thousands of voters each year. I look forward to expanding our communications and media program in the next two years as technology continues to evolve and as we expand our outreach to Democrats in our four-locality area and provide even more support for our candidates.

Vice Chair for Campaigns

Williamsburg-James City County

Mary Beth Gibson

Candidate statement: I have volunteered with the Historic Triangle Democrats over many years and have a lot to offer as a member of the Board. My career spans 35 years and includes work in: state government as a human resource professional; the private sector as a human resource executive for a Fortune 500 company; the non-profit world as the co-founder/executive director of a local non-profit; and in small business as an owner of a consulting business. This background has given me experience in how to navigate within a variety of organizations and how to make those organizations operate as efficiently and successfully as possible. I have served on two Boards and worked as a volunteer in the school system and for area non-profits. I also have extensive experience managing volunteers. I have worked at the polling stations for many elections and most recently helped to find volunteers for election day. I am deeply committed to our community and firmly believe the needs of this community are best served by the ideals and values of the Democratic party. I’m confident my organizational, interpersonal, and leadership skills, combined with my intense passion to preserve our democracy, make me a strong candidate for this position.

Vice Chair for Campaigns

York County-Poquoson

Judith Campbell

Candidate statement: I have served in this capacity since the establishment of HTD and before that have been politically active in both Maryland and Virginia. I am convinced involvement now is critical to the future of our democracy. In private life, I work as an Organization Development Consultant in my own LLC specializing in business development, strategic direction, team building, diversity and inclusion.

Vice Chair for Membership and Data Management

April Greener

Candidate statement: I moved to James City County in 2022 with my husband and two school-aged kids. For more than 20 years, I was involved in Democratic politics most recently as Research Director for Speaker Pelosi and previously as a Medicare and Social Security policy analyst for progressive organizations on Capitol Hill. I was proud to be a part of Historic Triangle Democrats during the 2023 election cycle — meeting so many excellent people in our community who are passionate about protecting our democracy and defending democratic values. I hope to have the opportunity again to serve as the Vice Chair of Membership and Data for the 2024 election year and to work to grow our community voice! Organize, Mobilize, Win!

Vice Chair for Events and Hospitality

Williamsburg-James City County

George Buskey

Candidate statement: I am George Buskey, and I carry the legacy of the vibrant Williamsburg, VA area in my heart. As a proud member of the descendant community, I stand before you with a deep commitment to fostering positive change and unity. For 35 years, I have called the Grove Community my home, where I have not only lived but actively contributed to its growth. My ownership and operation of Yeksub Food Trucks and Commissary in Newport News reflect my dedication to local business and community development. My wife, Sonya, and I share a background as Licensed Practical Nurses, a testament to our commitment to compassionate care and the well-being of our neighbors. Beyond the realm of healthcare, I find solace and joy in music, playing with groups such as the Sensational Gospel Tones of Williamsburg. My affiliations with the YJCW NAACP, Cornerstone Masonic Lodge #44, and St. John’s Baptist Church on Penniman Road are rooted in a deep sense of community and shared values. These connections shape my belief in equity, justice, and the strength that comes from unity. Volunteering as a Historic Triangle Dems greeter over the past two years has allowed me to connect with you, the voters, from sunrise to closing. Your stories, concerns, and aspirations have fueled my determination to stand up and represent your voices effectively. Now, I am ready to take the next step as your Democratic vice chair for events and hospitality. With a heart full of gratitude for the Grove Community, a commitment to your well-being, and a vision of a more inclusive and united future, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, let’s create a Democratic Party that reflects the diversity and resilience of our community—a party that listens, cares, and works tirelessly for the betterment of us all. Thank you for your support, and let’s build a brighter future together.

Vice Chair for Events and Hospitality

York County-Poquoson

Special Projects Coordinator

Williamsburg-James City County

Gerald Mitchell

Candidate statement: After a well fought campaign run for Williamsburg-James City County Sheriff in 2019 where our team earned the first Democratic candidate for WJCC Sheriff -in modern times, a solid second-place finish, I have developed a passion in helping to bring attention to Veteran causes and “Other Special Populations,” services and needs here in the Greater Colonial Triangle Region. I am a military veteran with extensive experience in Public Safety to include; law enforcement, force protection-anti-terrorism, tactical response, community policing and investigations. I have formally studied and received training in business management as well as, compliance (government/corporate/investigative) enabling me to operate a small business for a few years before the pandemic related downturn. I find that I am highly enthusiastic in supporting youth recreation team sports, with soccer -of which I coach being my favorite. I look to serve as an advocate of accountability, access and equality causes within our region. It would be an honor to serve as a member of the board of directors for FY’ 2024.

Special Projects Coordinator

York County-Poquoson

Chris Mayer

Candidate statement: I was previously Chair for York-Poquoson for a number of terms. I was a member of the Central Committee for 20 years. I was previously Chair of the Virginia Association of Democratic Chairs.

Secretary

Corey Buttram

Candidate statement: I have been a resident of the Historic Triangle for more than 20 years and have a background in higher education. Over the past decade, I’ve served several terms on the James City/Historic Triangle Democrats executive board, most recently as Secretary. She looks forward to continuing to support progressive candidates in causes in our area.

Treasurer

Jim Icenhour

Candidate statement: I have served as treasurer for Historic Triangle Democrats, WJCC Democrats and James City Democrats. I’m currently in my fourth term as a member of the James City County Board of Supervisors representing the Jamestown District and am a retired Air Force officer and airline pilot. I was Chairman of the Virginia Board of Veteran’s Services from 2016 thru 2019. I believe we live in a very special place, and I’m honored to continue to do all that I can to improve our community.