The 2008 Elected Officers of the Dallas County Young Democrats

President Juan Ayala

Juan was elected President in February 2008. Juan Ayala is a Dallas native who graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in East Dallas. He went on to earn a BA in Economics from Trinity University. Juan works in the telecom industry and is also on the board of directors for the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Before being elected president Juan had been active in the Dallas County Young Democrats since 2004 and joined the board of directors that year. In 2007, Juan served as Vice-President of the Dallas County Young Democrats and as co-chair of the national convention of the Young Democrats of America (YDA). He is currently the chair of the international affairs select committee for YDA and represents YDA at international forums and meetings.

Contact Juan.

Vice President Renee Hartley

Rennee was elected Vice President in February 2008.

Renee Hartley was born in Pensacola, Florida. There, she learned the values of hard work and determination from her mother, Lillie, who worked for the Department of Defense and her father, Bobby who was a proud member of the United States Navy.

Renee continued a proud family legacy by attending Grambling State University a Historically Black College in the rolling hills of Northern Louisiana.

Renee is currently; Regional Director for Texas Young Democrats Region 5, and the Vice Chair of Young Democrats of America Campaigns Committee. Renee sits on the Board of Positive Leadership Advances Youth Self-Development. A foundation dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults in the Oak Cliff and South Dallas areas of Dallas. Renee is also a volunteer for People Empowerment Project and The Oak Cliff Jets, Pop Warner football team.

Renee and her husband Don were married in 1998. They have 3 children, including their eldest daughter Brianna, 8 year old Don III and 6 year old Emersen.

Contact Renee.

Director of Political Affairs Ken Ostrom

Ken was elected Director of Political Affairs in February 2008. Originally from Houston,TX, Ken moved to Dallas in 1996. Ken has been in the security industry for 12 years and, current works as a Technical Adviser/Trainer for Monitronics International.

Contact Ken.

Director of Community Service Jason Land

Jason was elected as Director of Community Service in February 2008, having previously served on the DCYD board. Air Force "brat" grew up all over the country and world. Currently work for the Salvation Army Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex Command as the Database Administrator. Received BA in Historical Studies from University of Texas at Dallas. Graduate work in Philosophy at State University of New York. Currently completing MBA at University of Dallas. Hobbies include Marathon, triathlon, and hockey. Active volunteer for International Rescue Committee, Prison Entrepreneurship Program, Texas Literacy Coalition, Junior Achievement, Team in Training.

Contact Jason.

Director of Finance Cassandra Black

Cassandra is originally from Boston and has lived in Dallas since she graduated from Sarah Lawrence College. She is Vice President of Photographique, a full service photography lab in Dallas, and she has a studio where she is pursuing her painting career.

As Director of Finance, Cassandra works manages the finances of the organization, including fundraising.

Contact Cassandra.

Treasurer Andy Barron

Andy was elected Treasurer in February 2008. He is originally from East Texas. He moved to Dallas after graduating from Texas A&M University. His degrees include BBA in Accounting and MS in Finance. He is currently a CPA in public practice. His duties as treasurer include keeping the financial records of the organization, preparing financial reports, and maintaining the organization's bank accounts.

Contact Andy.

Secretary Marie Benton

Marie was elected Secretary in February 2008. More information to come.

Contact Marie.