FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
CONTACT:
Press@Chicago2024.com
Chicago 2024 Host Committee Announces Senior Staff Hires
Chicago, IL – Today, the Chicago 2024 Host Committee announced the hires of key senior staff members that will support the Host Committee’s goals of fundraising and ensuring individuals and businesses across Illinois have the opportunity to experience the benefits of hosting the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
“I am thrilled to welcome these skilled senior leaders to our team to help us tell Chicago’s story to the nation,” said Host Committee Executive Director Christy George. “They bring a breadth of talent, experience, and commitment to the Host Committee’s mission and I look forward to working with them to host a successful Convention next summer.”
Maurice (Mo) Green has been named Senior Director of Civic & Community Engagement, Natalie Edelstein is Communications Director, Shaunna Sims-Davis is Chief Equity Officer, Joanna Belanger is Senior Director of Partnerships & Donor Relations, Jake Mikva is Operations Director, and Morgan Prewitt is Senior Director of Events Management & Production.
Mo Green is the Senior Director of Civic & Community Engagement for the Host Committee. Green has 10 years of experience in the public and political sectors, most recently serving as the Political Director for SEIU Local 73 where he oversaw the union’s political and legislative programs and served on the SEIU IL State Council. Green also previously worked in Governor JB Pritzker’s administration as Director of Public Affairs for the Illinois Department of Human Rights, and served as the Illinois Deputy State Director in Joe Biden’s successful 2020 campaign for president. Equality Illinois awarded Green with the LGBTQ Advocate Award in 2018 and was named in the Windy City Times 30 Under 30 class in 2019. Green has worked for other Illinois elected officials, including State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, and Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin. Originally from Houston, Green graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and lives in South Chicago with his partner.
Natalie Edelstein is the Communications Director for the Chicago 2024 Host Committee. As Governor JB Pritzker’s campaign communications director, Edelstein played a critical role on the bid team that brought the Democratic National Convention to Chicago, while also leading the communications department on the Governor’s successful re-election campaign. Before her time with the Governor, Edelstein held key communications roles at all levels of government including deputy communications director for US Senator Tammy Baldwin and communications director for US Congressman Eric Swalwell. Edelstein graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in journalism and political science and earned her Master of Arts in Media and Strategic Communication from George Washington University. Edelstein and her fiancé reside in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Shaunna D. Sims-Davis is the Chief Equity Officer for the Chicago 2024 Host Committee. She has 13 years of experience as an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the public sector and previously held the role of Chief Deputy of External Affairs for the Illinois Secretary of State where she developed and executed public engagement efforts for community wide issues. Prior, Sims-Davis served as the Director of Community Development Initiatives for the University of Chicago where she was responsible for community economic development efforts impacting Chicago’s Hyde Park, Kenwood, and Woodlawn neighborhoods. Sims-Davis also held key roles under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel as his Political Director, and subsequently served in his administration as a Deputy Procurement Officer, Government Affairs Public Engagement, and Deputy Procurement Officer. Born and raised on Chicago’s southside, Sims-Davis is a graduate of Hampton University, and currently lives in the Pill Hill neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side with her husband.
Joanna Belanger has worked in electoral politics and non-profits for over 15 years, finding a niche at the intersection of policy and politics. Most recently, Belanger was a consultant to elected officials, candidates and non-profits on their digital strategies, from fundraising to path to victory and how to utilize both paid and organic social channels. Belanger previously served as the Political Director at Giffords Courage to Fight Gun Violence, and in several capacities at Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action where she spearheaded major projects and priorities. She got her start in politics in Chicago, working in fundraising for Senator Dick Durbin and Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Belanger lives in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago.
Jake Mikva is a Chicago-based political staffer and consultant, most recently serving as Federal Policy Advisor in the City of Chicago Mayor’s Office, where he oversaw the strategy and deployment of funds under the $2.5 billion Chicago Recovery Plan. He brings over a decade of operations experience, from across the investment management, campaign finance, social enterprise, and public administration sectors. He is a Clinton and Buttigieg presidential campaign alum, and the founder of GoodWerk, a hybrid PAC focused on boosting millennial political engagement. Mikva holds an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a B.A. from the University of Southern California. Mikva lives in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood.
Morgan Prewitt is a seasoned event professional with over a decade of experience with major events under her belt such as ComplexCon Chicago, Obama Foundation Town Halls, Major League Soccer (MLS) Draft Chicago, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Re:Invent/Re:Inforce and many other notable global events and memorable gatherings. Her meticulous planning style and innovative approach to executing events, has made experiences unique and unforgettable. Prewitt is originally from Cleveland, Ohio and is a graduate of Howard University. She has managed large scale events at McCormick Place and executed global events for Amazon. Prewitt’s focus and passion lives in building event experiences with a lasting, sustainable impact to the community. Prewitt lives in the Bronzeville neighborhood of Chicago.
The Chicago 2024 Host Committee is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive event that showcases the best of what Illinois has to offer across a wide range of service sectors. The Host Committee liaises between the Democratic National Convention Committee, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois to create a world-class experience for all Convention attendees and residents, and drives lasting social and economic impact across the Chicagoland area.
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