Michael J. Silva, candidate for the open council seat in Newark’s East Ward, announced today the senior members of his campaign team.

“I could not be more excited to announce the formation of our campaign’s senior staff team,” said Michael J. Silva. “Throughout my career I have dedicated my life to the service of our community and I look forward to working with our team to raise the voices of the residents of the East Ward.”

Axel Owen will serve as the General Consultant and Campaign Manager for Silva’s race. Owen has an accomplished campaign career in New Jersey. He served as the Political Director for the New Jersey State Democratic Committee and managed the campaigns for New Jersey State Senators Joseph Lagana, Vin Gopal and Andrew Zwicker. Most recently, he served as the Deputy Coordinated Director for NJ Forward 21, which worked to re-elect Governor Phil Murphy.

Andrew Kennedy and Kennedy Communications will serve as the Mail Consultant on the race. Andrew has spent the better part of three decades in the field of political campaigns having managed three winning congressional campaigns, served as a Chief of Staff for a Member of Congress, and as a consultant for campaigns and political organizations in 27 states including 12 Democratic state parties, 21 Members of Congress, two U.S. Senators, and a Governor. He’s specialized in campaign mail for the last two decades – counting numerous Members of Congress among his clientele, including Senator Chris Coons, Representatives Linda and Loretta Sanchez, Brendan Boyle, Adam Smith, Henry Cuellar, Donald Norcross, Albio Sires, Sheila Jackson Lee, Grace Meng, and Donald Payne Jr.

Colin Rogerio and 76 Words will serve as the Digital and Creative consultants on the campaign. Colin Rogero and 76 Words have worked and elected leaders at all levels of government including 11 countries. Partner Colin Rogero has won more than 100 creative awards including multiple film festivals. Most recently, in New Jersey, they helped win the ballot initiative legalizing marijuana, ensured Vin Gopal retained his senate seat and produced Spanish language advertising for Governor Murphy’s reelect.

Angelo Genova will serve as general counsel for the campaign. As the Chair and Managing Partner of Newark Headquartered Genova Burns LLC, Angelo has over 30 years of experience representing candidates at all levels of government, from local council races up to the President of the United States.

“I could not be more excited to help Michael run for the East Ward Council Seat. His candidacy and story is truly inspiring,” said Axel Owen. “Michael was born and raised in the Ironbound section of Newark where he witnessed the strength of community. It was that sense of community that inspired Silva to dedicate his life to community service and I could not be more proud to help and support him in spreading his message to the residents of the East Ward.”