NextGen NewDems Staff Academy Inaugural Cohort Celebrates Completion of the Nine-Month Program
Co-Chaired by New Dem Reps. Greg Landsman (OH-01) and Marc Veasey (TX-33), NextGen NewDems provides NDC Staffers with monthly professional development experiences
Last week, the NextGen NewDems Staff Academy’s inaugural cohort participated in its final meeting, capping off the New Democrat Coalition’s first coalition-wide staff development program with a conversation with NDC Leadership Members, including Chair Annie Kuster (NH-02), Chair Emeritus Suzan DelBene (WA-01), and Vice Chairs Brad Schneider (IL-10), Sharice Davids (KS-03), and Salud Carbajal (CA-24).
Created in September 2023, NextGen NewDems offers the best and brightest staffers from New Democrat Coalition offices opportunities to learn from experienced professionals on and off the Hill while developing valuable skills they apply to their daily work over the course of nine monthly meetings.
“We’re proud of this NextGen NewDems cohort for investing in themselves, taking advantage of this inaugural program to develop the key skills and relationships they need to grow as professionals on or off the Hill,” said NextGen NewDems Co-Chairs Greg Landsman and Marc Veasey. “We look forward to witnessing all they accomplish in the future, and are excited to welcome a new cohort of staffers for the second running of the program in the fall.”
Throughout the program, Co-Chairs Greg Landsman and Marc Veasey spearheaded a series of discussions for the cohort – consisting of more than 60 staffers from New Dem offices with fewer than three years of Hill experience – and guests that included Members of Congress, senior staff from personal offices and committees, legislative affairs staff from across the Administration, wellness experts and human resources professionals from the House, and more.
“The NextGen New Dems Staff Academy was one of the best things I’ve done for my career,” said cohort member Jake Green, Digital Director for Rep. Gerry Connolly (VA-11). “Not only did I learn how to navigate the Hill from Members and senior staff, but I was also able to forge relationships with other junior staffers and cultivate a network across the Caucus. I wish every staffer could have this opportunity.”
“Next Gen New Dems Staff Academy allowed me the opportunity to engage directly with members of New Dems, participate in professional development sessions, and network with staff from other New Dems offices,” said cohort member Ally McKeone, Legislative Aide for Rep. Andrea Salinas (OR-06). “I am thankful for this experience and greatly appreciate that New Dems invests in junior staff."
Next year, NewDems plan to expand and grow the program in several ways, including increasing size, adding additional speakers, and holding professional development series on key topics.
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