Andrea Dew Steele to Depart Emerge America

  • Apr 9, 2019
  • Emerge Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2019

CONTACT: Allison Abney

(202) 670-7994; allison@emergeamerica.org

 

 Andrea Dew Steele to Depart Emerge America

Washington, D.C.–Emerge America, the nation’s premier organization that recruits, trains and provides a powerful network for Democratic women to run for office announced today that its founder Andrea Dew Steele will step down as the organization’s president effective May 30. The board of directors will begin a national search for her successor.

“I have devoted my life to developing leaders, and it is time for a new leader to take the reins at Emerge America. I am confident that the organization will continue to support Democratic women in politics around the country,” said Steele. “The most gratifying aspect of this work has been getting to know so many incredible Emerge alumnae around the country. I have been inspired by them on a daily basis and for that I am extremely grateful.”

Steele founded Emerge America in 2005 with one employee and training programs in two states. Under her leadership, Emerge America has grown into a nationwide organization with programs in 25 states, partnerships with more than 80 organizations and has trained more than 4,000 Democratic women to run for office. Currently 690 Emerge alumnae serve in elected office, including five women in Congress and over 170 in state legislatures. The organization provides a comprehensive six-month training program, as well as national boot camp trainings for candidates around the nation running for elected office.

“We are grateful for Andrea’s vision and hard work in building a powerful organization. Due to her stewardship, the organization is well positioned to continue its critical work of preparing the next generation of diverse Democratic women leaders,” said Rashmi Yadav Marya, Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.

Amanda Renteria, current chair of Emerge America’s board of directors, will assume the role of the organization’s interim president. Previously, she served as the National Political Director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 Presidential Campaign. She was also formerly the Chief of Operations for California’s Department of Justice and the first Latina Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate.

“As we search for a permanent person to lead Emerge into the future, Amanda’s leadership in politics will help the organization become even stronger as it enters its next phase. We are looking forward to 2020 and beyond, and Emerge is more committed than ever to recruiting and training women who represent the rich demographic diversity of the Democratic Party to build a more equitable and just America,” said Yadav Marya.

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