Today, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and Executive Director Sam Cornale announced several new additions to the Democratic National Committee’s team. Anatole Jenkins has been named Chief of Staff of the Political Department, and Shelby Cole has been hired as Deputy Chief Mobilization Officer for Content and Creative. Jean Doherty has been brought on to serve as Director of the Secretary’s Office, and Juan Ortega has been promoted to serve as Director of Surrogate Strategy for the DNC.
“We are thrilled to announce new additions to our team at the DNC,” said DNC Chair Jaime Harrison. “These new staff hires are among the best our party has to offer and will bring experience, diversity and strength to the Democratic Party. These new additions to our team will help us to continue to grow our party, and elect more Democrats in 2021, 2022, and beyond.”
“Republicans beware: Joe Biden’s DNC is strong and only getting stronger — and the continued top talent we’re bringing on is yet another proof point,” said DNC Executive Director Sam Cornale. “Democrats nationwide will benefit from the talent of these new hires as we continue to grow and strengthen our party. With their help, we can build on our successes, elect more Democrats, and — most importantly — deliver for the American people.”
“I’m excited to welcome these new hires to the building and am really impressed with the team we’re building under Chair Harrison,” said DNC Secretary Jason Rae. “In particular, I’m thrilled to have Jeannie join the team as the new Director of the Office of the Secretary. She brings a wealth of experiences and connections that will prove instrumental as we continue to engage DNC members and build back better.”
Shelby Cole is a nationally recognized digital strategist with nearly 10 years of experience building teams and directing unique online campaigns for Democrats. Prior to joining the DNC, she served as Digital Director for Vice President Kamala Harris, both on the Biden-Harris campaign and on Vice President Harris’ presidential primary campaign. Shelby led Beto O’Rourke’s digital program for his 2018 U.S Senate campaign, breaking national fundraising records and winning the AAPC’s Campaign Excellence Award for Fundraiser of the Year. In 2016, she served as digital fundraising director for Russ Feingold’s U.S. Senate campaign—the top-raising Senate campaign of the cycle.
Jean Doherty recently assisted the DNC leadership with the transition of Chairs Perez and Harrison. Before this role, she served as the Senior Director of Housing and Credentials for the 2020 Democratic National Convention — her fourth Convention. Jean’s experience includes the Operations Director for the Massachusetts Democratic State Party, Massachusetts Nurses Association Safe Patients Ballot initiative, and state government roles during the Gov. Patrick administration. The Secretary’s Office is a familiar role for her, having served as the director from 2007-2011.
Anatole Jenkins most recently served as the National Director of States Organizing for Joe Biden for President, and as a Fellow at Georgetown’s Institute of Politics and Public Service. Prior to that, he served as National GOTV Director at the DCCC and as National Organizing Director for Kamala Harris For The People and Organizing Together 2020. He served in many leadership positions for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, and led efforts for the winning candidate in the most expensive local race in US history, a Los Angeles County School Board race. Anatole got his start organizing for President Obama’s reelection campaign in Nevada before serving as the Coordinated Campaign Field Director for the Nevada State Democratic Party in 2014.
Juan Ortega previously served as Traveling Chief of Staff for Chair Tom Perez and led the DNC’s general election Latino outreach. Juan joined the DNC in 2018 as Personal Aide and Director of Travel and Advance. He has over 10 years of experience serving in political, communications, and advance roles for Democratic leaders and progressive causes at the local and national level. In addition to politics, Juan has years of experience working closely with talent during major television productions, including most recently serving as Talent Producer for the 2020 Latin GRAMMY and 2021 GRAMMY Premiere Ceremonies.