DNC Announces New Senior Staff Hires
Today, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Executive Director Sam Cornale announced several new additions to the Democratic National Committee’s senior leadership team. Roger Lau has been named Deputy Executive Director of the DNC. Alana Mounce has been hired as Political Director, and Monica Guardiola will serve as Chief Operations Officer. Clay Middleton has been brought on as Senior Advisor to the Chair, and Jose Nunez will be Deputy Chief Mobilization Officer for Organizing. Patrice Taylor has been promoted to Senior Advisor, and Lauren Williams has been promoted to Deputy Chief Mobilization Officer for Grassroots Fundraising.
“We are thrilled to announce new additions to our team at the DNC,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “These new staff hires are among the best our party has to offer and will bring diversity, experience, and strength to the Democratic Party. These new additions to our team will help us to continue to grow our party, build on our successes, and defend our victories in the months and years ahead.”
“The DNC continues to recruit top talent to meet the moment,” said DNC Executive Director Sam Cornale. “We are committed to building an organization reflective of the diversity of our party that will fight tirelessly to improve the lives of every American. These new hires serve as a down payment on that commitment and will help to strengthen our party and build on our successes in 2021, 2022, and beyond.”
Monica Guardiola previously served as Deputy Chief Operations Officer at the DNC, helping build and support a diverse coordinated campaign, collaborate with state parties, and win up and down the ballot. In 2016, she served as Deputy General Counsel at Hillary for America. Prior to working on campaigns, Monica practiced employment law in various law firms in Denver, Colorado. Monica, a first generation Mexican-American, has been involved in campaigns since 2012.
Roger Lau comes to the DNC from Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office, where he served as a senior advisor. Roger first began working for Senator Warren on her 2012 Senate campaign and more recently became one of the first Asian Americans to manage a presidential campaign during her 2020 bid. Prior to his time with Senator Warren, Roger served in many roles on John Kerry’s senate staff and campaigns. Roger has managed campaigns for several Senate and House congressional races in New England and also served in the Commerce Department during the Obama Administration.
Clay Middleton is a veteran political operative, military combat veteran, and long time friend and trusted advisor of Chair Harrison. Like Harrison, Clay is a former aide to Majority Whip Jim Clyburn. His vast experience covers everything from being a South Carolina Regional Field Organizer during Howard Dean’s 50-state strategy to his work as a member of the Biden-Harris transition team. He is an Obama campaign alum, former Obama/Biden Administration appointee, former Secretary Hillary Clinton’s 2016 South Carolina State Director and Regional Political Director in Florida, and Senior Advisor for Senator Cory Booker’s 2020 presidential campaign.
Alana Mounce previously served as the Chief of Staff for the Presidential Inaugural Committee and delivered Nevada for President Joe Biden, where she served as State Director. Previously, she was the Executive Director for the Nevada State Democratic Party, where she oversaw the most successful midterm election in recent memory, flipping six statewide seats. Additionally, Alana has served in battleground states for both President Obama and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaigns.
Jose Nunez previously served as Director of Digital Organizing for the Biden-Harris campaign where he developed and directed the campaign’s national digital and distributed organizing programs. Prior to joining the Biden-Harris campaign, Jose directed programs at Organizing Together 2020, Vice President Kamala Harris’ primary campaign, and the Democratic National Committee.
Patrice Taylor has spent more than 15 years working to improve, reform, and strengthen the Democratic Party. As a critical member of the management team of the DNC, she has successfully managed the Party’s internal rules and nominating process. Patrice’s elevation to Senior Advisor will ensure a continued emphasis on maintaining a well run organization, team, and party processes.
Lauren Williams previously served as the DNC’s Direct Marketing Director overseeing direct mail, telemarketing, mid-tier donor, sustaining donor, and merchandise fundraising programs. In that time she has raised over $150 million for the DNC and Biden Victory Fund. Prior to joining the DNC, Lauren managed the direct mail and telemarketing programs at EMILY’s List.
