Meet Your Candidates
Note: All nominated candidates were given the opportunity to submit a bio and photo for inclusion by a certain deadline.
Secretary
George Perezvalez
Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1964. Served in the Navy aboard the Submarine Fleet in South Carolina and Georgia (King’s bay). Earned a Veteran designation and was honorably discharged in 1993.
I have brought to commissions and organizations the three following beliefs: community service, accountability and integrity. I strive to add my voice on decisions affecting issues related to Veterans, LGBT and Latino communities.
Chair of the BART Police Citizen Oversight Agency
Chair of the Berkeley Police Review Commission
Alameda County Central Committee Alternate Delegate for AD15 and Finance Committee.
CA Veterans Caucus
CA Chicano Latino Caucus
CA Environmental Caucus
CA LGBT Caucus
CA Progressive Caucus
Fundraising organizations
Wounded Warrior Project
Swords to Plowshares
Education
United States Navy, Veteran, Submarine Fleet (USS Casimir Pulaski and USS Batfish)
Clark University, Worcester, MA
Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico in 1964. Served in the Navy aboard the Submarine Fleet in South Carolina and Georgia (King’s bay). Earned a Veteran designation and was honorably discharged in 1993.
I have brought to commissions and organizations the three following beliefs: community service, accountability and integrity. I strive to add my voice on decisions affecting issues related to Veterans, LGBT and Latino communities.
Chair of the BART Police Citizen Oversight Agency
Chair of the Berkeley Police Review Commission
Alameda County Central Committee Alternate Delegate for AD15 and Finance Committee.
CA Veterans Caucus
CA Chicano Latino Caucus
CA Environmental Caucus
CA LGBT Caucus
CA Progressive Caucus
Fundraising organizations
Wounded Warrior Project
Swords to Plowshares
Education
United States Navy, Veteran, Submarine Fleet (USS Casimir Pulaski and USS Batfish)
Clark University, Worcester, MA
Porsche Middleton
I am the daughter of the late SGM Leslie Rayford. My family has a long and rich history of military service.
I have dedicated the last 10 years to connecting veterans with state and federal resources and supporting legislation that strengthens and protects veterans and their families. I am an active member of the Sacramento Dem Vets, the National Association of Black Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary
I have worked elbow to elbow with our current executive board since May of 2016 to help restructure and make our caucus more inclusive for veterans, their families and those who advocate on behalf of our veterans.
I proudly serve as the interim Secretary of the CDP Veterans Caucus and would be honored to have the opportunity to continue serving and advancing the mission of the caucus.
I am the daughter of the late SGM Leslie Rayford. My family has a long and rich history of military service.
I have dedicated the last 10 years to connecting veterans with state and federal resources and supporting legislation that strengthens and protects veterans and their families. I am an active member of the Sacramento Dem Vets, the National Association of Black Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary
I have worked elbow to elbow with our current executive board since May of 2016 to help restructure and make our caucus more inclusive for veterans, their families and those who advocate on behalf of our veterans.
I proudly serve as the interim Secretary of the CDP Veterans Caucus and would be honored to have the opportunity to continue serving and advancing the mission of the caucus.
Treasurer
Kelsey Presnall
George Perezvalez
Born in Puerto Rico in 1964. Moved to Massachusetts in 1983 to attend college. Served in the Navy aboard the Submarine Fleet in South Carolina and Georgia (King’s bay). Earned a Veteran designation and was honorably discharged in 1993. I bring the following beliefs: service, accountability and integrity
Born in Puerto Rico in 1964. Moved to Massachusetts in 1983 to attend college. Served in the Navy aboard the Submarine Fleet in South Carolina and Georgia (King’s bay). Earned a Veteran designation and was honorably discharged in 1993. I bring the following beliefs: service, accountability and integrity
Northern Vice Chair
Gigi Rayford
I am the daughter of a Korean war veteran and the widow of the late SGM Leslie Rayford. I’ve been working with veterans for over 15 years, in part by supporting legislation that protects and serves veterans and their families. I also work with veteran and their families to assist with obtaining benefits, burial, housing and art therapy for PTSD. Many of us have family members who have served or are currently serving our country. Our job as a caucus is to make sure that these courageous selfless servicemen and women receive the best benefits that our country can offer. I am currently the CDP Veterans Caucus Organizational Development Chair, President of the American Legion Unit 637, active member of the Society of Military Widows, and the National Association for Black Veterans. I would be honored to continue to serve in a larger capacity as your Northern Region Vice Chair.
I am the daughter of a Korean war veteran and the widow of the late SGM Leslie Rayford. I’ve been working with veterans for over 15 years, in part by supporting legislation that protects and serves veterans and their families. I also work with veteran and their families to assist with obtaining benefits, burial, housing and art therapy for PTSD. Many of us have family members who have served or are currently serving our country. Our job as a caucus is to make sure that these courageous selfless servicemen and women receive the best benefits that our country can offer. I am currently the CDP Veterans Caucus Organizational Development Chair, President of the American Legion Unit 637, active member of the Society of Military Widows, and the National Association for Black Veterans. I would be honored to continue to serve in a larger capacity as your Northern Region Vice Chair.
Central Vice Chair
CrystalJackson:
Dr. Crystal Jackson not only has an astonishing academic achievement by receiving her Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Divinity, but she has an impeccable record as a Philanthropist by giving back to her community. She served in the US Navy in 1989 and later served with the Department Defense until she retired in 2005. She is a notable lifetime member of the American Legion, Aviation Ordnance Association and many others. In addition to her already outstanding community involvement, she’s the Academic Advisor and Professor for the Summit Bible Satellite in Visalia, a Board Member of A.M.E.M Interventional Organization which is a Non-Profit Organization that advocates for Juveniles with Mental Health Disorders. Dr. Jackson is also the Vice President of the NAACP volunteering many hours assisting Veterans with various needs. She’s also a prominent Appointed Member of the Kings County Democratic Central Committee advocating for Democrats statewide.
Dr. Crystal Jackson not only has an astonishing academic achievement by receiving her Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling and a Doctorate in Divinity, but she has an impeccable record as a Philanthropist by giving back to her community. She served in the US Navy in 1989 and later served with the Department Defense until she retired in 2005. She is a notable lifetime member of the American Legion, Aviation Ordnance Association and many others. In addition to her already outstanding community involvement, she’s the Academic Advisor and Professor for the Summit Bible Satellite in Visalia, a Board Member of A.M.E.M Interventional Organization which is a Non-Profit Organization that advocates for Juveniles with Mental Health Disorders. Dr. Jackson is also the Vice President of the NAACP volunteering many hours assisting Veterans with various needs. She’s also a prominent Appointed Member of the Kings County Democratic Central Committee advocating for Democrats statewide.
Southern Vice Chair
Eric Dean