Meet the SCDP Staff
Joe Werner, Executive Director
Education: BS in Public Policy, Penn State University
Why have you chosen a career in politics? I believe, like Hubert Humphrey, the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.
What is your favorite part of your job? Having the chance to talk politics with Stephen Colbert.
Lance T. Jones, Regional Field Director
Education: Political Science, Benedict College
Why have you chosen a career in politics? The most influential event in my life that lead me to become a Democrat and perhaps a political operative was a memory of my father as a community activist.
What is your favorite part of your job? The art of winning, managing, and organizing so that our county parties are "campaign ready" for summer 2008, and inspiring people to believe that Democrats can compete even in South Carolina.
Cherie Abee Mabrey, Upstate Regional Field Director
Education: MA in Community Education, Appalachian State University, BA in Communication Arts Theatre/Speech
Why have you chosen a career in politics? Politics has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. It’s taken me a long time to get here, but I’m sure my experiences as a party official and my work experiences have prepared me to help other Democrats as we all strive to build the party infrastructure into a more accessible one.
What is your favorite part of your job? The best part of my job is meeting all the incredible Democrats throughout the state who are fighting the good fight. Finding folks with similar concerns and interests give me hope for a better South Carolina and better lives for all of us.
Cedric Jackson, Regional Field Director
Education: BA in Political Science, Benedict College
Why have you chosen a career in politics? The reason why I have chosen a career in politics is because I get great joy from helping others. I also feel I can be a positive voice for my peers and encourage all young people to participate in local politics and most importantly vote.
What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of the job is grassroots politics and also going out into the community and helping others.
Jay Parmley, Technology Director
Education:BA in Public Administration, University of Oklahoma, Master of Public Administration, University of Oklahoma
Why have you chosen a career in politics? Working at the grassroots level in our political system is very rewarding. Helping candidates for office, political operatives, and volunteer party activists engage citizens in a dialogue about the most important issues facing our communities, state and country on a daily basis is inspiring. I chose party politics in particular, because it is the first step in determining our elected officials and knowing that you get to help make a difference in people’s lives is the ultimate driving force behind getting up and coming to work everyday.
What is your favorite part of your job? Meeting and working with so many wonderful people from every possible background and walk of life---all determined to elect Democrats!
Ashley Medbery, Finance Director
Education:BA in Journalism, University of South Carolina
Why have you chosen a career in politics? I have been interested in politics as long as I can remember. In college, Dr. Fowler encouraged his students to volunteer for the campaigns during the election week in 2004. I had a lot of fun and realized it was what I wanted to do full-time.
What is your favorite part of your job? Seeing an event I have worked on for weeks become a success.
Barbara Bowman, Operations Manager
Education: BA in Architectural Design, UCLA
Why have you chosen a career in politics? I was recommended to the Democratic Party because of the my civic and community involvements.
What is your favorite part of your job? The interaction with the public is most rewarding.
Keiana Page, Research/Communications Assistant
Education: BA in Mass Communications, Benedict College
Why have you chosen a career in politics? I’ve always been intrigued by politics and the role it plays in our lives. I was also influenced by my mother who was very politically active and outspoken about anything dealing with government.
What is your favorite part of your job? I love spreading the Party’s message of hope and equality to the masses. I also get to talk to some very interesting people.
