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Connecticut Young Democrats

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LEADERSHIP

Gary Turco, Jr.
Co-President

Gary Turco Jr. is serving in his first term as Co-President of the Connecticut Young Democrats. After graduating from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield with a degree in political science, he became the legislative aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, James A. Amann. In 2007, he was promoted to one of the Speaker’s policy aides where he has worked on many important bills in the legislature including 2008’s Child Product Safety bill and the bill to create new services for sufferers of Autism and their families.

Prior to being Co-President, Gary served as CTYDs’ Vice President of Finance. Through his leadership, the YDs were able to revive the Robert F. Kennedy Dinner, which is now going into its fourth year. Honored guests have included Kennedy Family members including RFK’s daughter, Kerry. This dinner raised just over $10,000 last year!

In addition to being Co-President of the CTYDs, Gary serves on the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee. Electing Democrats into office is one of Gary’s top priorities. In addition to volunteering on numerous campaigns, Gary has served as campaign manager to both West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka and State Representative Deb Heinrich.

Jacqueline Kozin
Co-President

Jacqueline Kozin grew up and currently lives in New Haven. She received a BA in English from Albertus Magnus College and a Master of International Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. She has worked for international and human rights organizations and is currently employed as a legislative aide to State Senator Ed Meyer of the 12th Senatorial District. She has worked on 12 campaigns, with only one loss.

Prior to being Co-President, Jacqueline served as the organization’s Vice President of Organization and Development and two terms as President of the Greater New Haven Young Democrats. In addition to being Co-President, she serves as Vice Chair of the Women's Caucus of Young Democrats of America (YDA) and is a member of the steering committee for the Young Women's Leadership Program for Connecticut's Permanent Commission on the Status of Women.

Matt Salner
Vice President of Organization and Development

Matt Salner grew up and currently lives in West Hartford, where he graduated from Kingswood-Oxford School . He received a BA in political science from Lehigh University and served as president of its College Democrats for two years. While in college, he interned for Senator Joe Lieberman, the Democratic Leadership Council, and for Senator Lieberman's presidential campaign. After graduating from Lehigh, Matt was the research director for Diane Farrell's congressional campaign in Fairfield County.

Since December 2004, Matt has served as legislative aide to State Senator Jonathan Harris. In 2006, he managed Senator Harris' successful re-election campaign. Matt is a member of the West Hartford Democratic Town Committee and serves on the West Hartford Senior Citizen Advisory Commission. He is also a member of the boards of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Hartford and the Lehigh University Alumni Club of the Connecticut Valley.

Prior to taking his current position as Vice President of Organization and Development for Connecticut Young Democrats, Matt served as president of Greater Hartford Young Democrats. He represents the Northeast region for the Chapter Building Committee of Young Democrats of America.

Matt, 26, is an avid skier and lives in West Hartford.

Christopher Lyddy
Vice President of Finance

Christopher Lyddy, MSW was elected to Newtown's Legislative Council in November of 2007. He is also involved with the Newtown Prevention Council, the Juvenile Review Board, and the Housatonic Valley Coalition Against Substance Abuse. Chris serves on the board of directors for the Newtown Parent Connection and is an active member of the Connecticut Young Democrats. He is a graduate of Newtown public schools, Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island, and received his MSW from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Social Policy and Practice. While at Penn, Chris studied at the Fel's Institute of Government as well as at the Graduate School of Nursing. Chris is currently the Program Director at the Hartford Juvenile Risk Reduction Center, working with juveniles and youthful offenders on probation.

Mae Flexer
Vice President of Political Affairs