Monmouth County Young Democrats Elect 2022 Executive Board

For Immediate Release

February 25, 2022

Monmouth County, NJ – The Monmouth County Young Democrats are excited to announce its 2022 Executive Board, including the re-election of President Samantha Minchello. The MCYD general body elected the new team at the annual elections held on Wednesday, February 23.  During the meeting, the organization emphasized its growing impact in Monmouth County.

“We are incredibly proud of the exponential growth our organization has had in recent years. Our commitment to both political engagement and community service has remained our guiding principle,” says re-elected President Samantha Minchello. “In the last year, we have raised significant funds for candidates across the county, helped our neighbors in need, and engaged young people in the county to become involved in the political process. We are excited to continue this work.”

Senator Vin Gopal, of Monmouth’s 11th Legislative District said, “Congratulations to Samantha, Catherine, Allison, Michael, and the entire MCYD team. The Monmouth County Young Democrats is one of the most vibrant and active young democrat chapters in the state, and it is without a doubt due to the leadership of this incredible team.”

“I am very pleased with the leadership of the Monmouth County Young Democrats and the direction they are moving in.” said Monmouth County Democrats Chairman David G. Brown. “I have full faith and confidence in Samantha and the entire team. They are innovative, inspiring and working well as a team and with the greater good of the Monmouth County Democratic Party as a whole!”

The 2022 Monmouth County Young Democrats Executive Board:

Samantha Minchello, President – President & CEO of Maidenstone Strategies, Samantha also serves as the Executive Director of the Monmouth County Democrats. The former Aide to the Governor in the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs also serves as the Deputy Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region for the Young Democrats of America.

Catherine Tung, Vice President – Raised in Monmouth County, Catherine proudly serves as the Vice President of MCYD and as the Secretary of the New Jersey Young Democrats. She is a Senior Policy Analyst at the Assembly Majority Office, working on issues pertaining to economic development and the environment. She is also a member of the PAM’s List Board and Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey.

Allison McLeod, Secretary/Communications Director – Allison is a lifelong Monmouth resident. Her background is in environmental science and policy, and she currently works in local government administration. In addition to serving as Secretary/Communications Director for MCYD, she is an Aberdeen Township County Committeewoman and member of the local zoning board.

Dr. Michael Penna, PhD, Treasurer – Michael lives in Asbury Park, he is an educator teaching Theater and English to at-risk and special needs children at Collier High School. Michael was the Democratic Candidate for Monmouth County Commissioner in 2019 and 2020. Michael is also the Chair of the Monmouth County LGBTQ Caucus. He is dedicated to social justice and equality for all, he is an advocate for the disabled, a champion for Education and is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

New Jersey Young Democrats President Fatima Heyward lauded the MCYD saying “Congratulations to Samantha Minchello, Catherine Tung, and the rest of the MCYD board. I am incredibly proud of the growth and leadership displayed by the Monmouth County Young Democrats. I am excited to see them continue to make a difference in the lives of young democrats and their communities. The New Jersey Young Democrats proudly stands with them in their efforts.”

The objective of the Monmouth County Young Democrats is to encourage and develop the interest of young people in politics, support and elect Democratic candidates for public office, train young people for positions of leadership, and provide opportunities for young people to network, volunteer and elevate civic involvement.

This past year, the MCYD supported the community with its biannual porch pick-up food drives, hosted fundraisers for young candidates running for office, organized voter registration drives, and collected over $1,200 in school supplies donated to the Asbury Park School District.

The MCYD holds monthly meetings throughout the county, as well as fundraisers and social events throughout the year. For more information on the Monmouth County Young Democrats, follow us on Facebook or Instagram @MonmouthYoungDems.