Chapter Presidents Groups

Michael Carlier

Posted May 20, 2019 by Seamus Campbell

Michael is a first-generation American and Queens native residing in Rego Park. Born to an immigration attorney from Ecuador and CUNY Administrator from El Salvador, Michael has grown up experiencing the value of diversity in public service. As the humble son of immigrants with a passion for local issues, Michael believes that involving and empowering youth will go a long way in transforming government institutions into entities that are more reflective of the many rather than a few.

Michael has held numerous public service positions from the Queens Board of Elections to the New York City Council with the offices of Queens Council Member Karen Koslowitz and Bronx Council Member James Vacca. He is currently serving as the Director of Constituent Services in the office of Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi. Michael is also the Chair of Membership for the Queens Central Democratic Club.

Robert Drumm

Posted January 24, 2019 by New York State Young Democrats

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Robert Drumm is a member of the Herkimer County Young Democrats. He is an election expert and advocate for Democratic issues in rural communities.

Liz Cohen

Posted September 27, 2017 by New York State Young Democrats

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Elizabeth Cohen is a Constituent Liaison on Senator Chuck Schumer’s staff, managing casework for veterans, military personnel, small businesses, and the U.S. Postal Service across New York State. She also leads the internship program for the NYC office. In addition, Elizabeth serves as Executive Vice President of the New York State Young Democrats (NYSYD) and President of the Manhattan Young Democrats.

Previously, Elizabeth worked in nonprofit organizations, specializing in development, fundraising, and advocacy. Her experience includes advocating for social change and policy reform, with a particular focus on advancing community interests.

Elizabeth holds a double major in Political Science and International Relations, with a History minor, from Widener University, where she received the Multicultural Student Affairs Leadership Award. She was actively involved in student lobbying efforts for more affordable college education and served as President of both her fraternity and the Political Awareness Club she founded.

Passionate about women’s rights, affordable housing, climate change, and amplifying youth voices, Elizabeth is committed to fostering inclusive leadership and positive social impact.

John Byrnes

Posted June 21, 2016 by New York State Young Democrats

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The son of Union grocery workers, John was always politically minded. However, he didn’t start his political journey until the latter years of college when he realized it was more productive to act instead of just be angry. After graduating from SUNY Albany, he moved back home to Long Island and found his political voice. Since 2015 he has been a veteran of campaigns on Long Island and has been Nassau Young Dems President since 2021. He has used his passion for organizing to grow the chapter and have NCYD be at the forefront of campaign support in the county.

He currently lives in Farmingdale with his fiancé and their beloved beagle. When he is not organizing he is passionate about sports and craft beer.

Carlos Calzadilla

Posted June 21, 2016 by New York State Young Democrats

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Carlos J. Calzadilla is an activist and community organizer who has worked on numerous progressive campaigns since 2016. He lives in Red Hook and is the Director of Community Relations for State Senator Julia Salazar, where he focuses on NYCHA public housing organizing and policy. During the pandemic he led relief efforts as the co-director for Red Hook Relief. He is also a Democratic County County Committee member and reformer.

Carlos has worked on several electoral campaigns in Southern Brooklyn. He was the campaign manager of Jacqui Painter’s successful insurgent District Leader campaign, and of Julio Peña III’s re-election campaign. He was also the Campaign Adviser for State Senator Andrew Gounardes’ successful re-election campaign. He formerly worked as the Community Liaison for former Council Member Carlos Menchaca. Carlos has been a progressive Democratic activist fighting for social justice causes, and immigration reform is close to his heart. During the Trump administration, Carlos fought for immigrant rights and led several successful efforts to stop deportations.