Your Party.
The AACDCC is your local Democratic Party in Anne Arundel County. We are comprised of 20 elected members. Every four years, in the mid-term gubernatorial election. Each Senate district fully in Anne Arundel County is represented by 2 Male and 2 Female representatives. Each Senate district partially in Anne Arundel County is represented by 1 Male and 1 female representative.
Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee
Chair Dylan Behler
District 30
Bio Coming Soon
Samantha Zwerling
Secretary - District 33
Sam has been involved in Maryland politics for the past decade personally and professionally. She started her career working in the Maryland General Assembly, served as the campaign manager for Sarah Elfreth in 2018, and currently holds the position as political and legislative director for a major labor union in the state. Sam lives in Crownsville with her husband, Josh, and Labrador, Freddie, and is a member of Temple Beth Shalom in Arnold.
Email: samanthazwerling@gmail.com
Geonta Simmons
District 12
Geonta Simmons was appointed to the AACDCC in January of 2023. As a long-time, Anne Arundel County resident Geonta has been active in local politics working alongside members of the county council and the House of Delegates. Geonta is currently majoring in political science at Anne Arundel Community College & the University of Baltimore.
Email: sgeonta@gmail.com
Joe Nagro
District 21
Bio Coming Soon
Sarah McDermott
District 21
Scott MacMullan
District 30
Courtney Buiniskis
District 30
Courtney Buiniskis is a native of southern Anne Arundel County and is proud and honored to serve her community and others around her. Mrs. Buiniskis has a master's degree in Higher Education and was an educator for 12 years, most recently with Anne Arundel Community College. After a hard fight for Delegate in District 30B, she landed in constituent services as a Community Engagement Officer in the office of the County Executive. Courtney’s communication skills coupled with her hard work ethic will be beneficial in fostering meaningful conversations and relationships within the community. Especially when it comes to the Central Committe, she is ready to help others succeed.
Mrs. Buiniskis is passionate about serving Anne Arundel County residents and communities and enjoys South County living in Shady Side with her husband, son and family dog Kroscoe.
Maria Celia Matiella, EdD, CPA, CGFM, CDFM
District 30
Professional Experience, 34 years in Federal Govt: Assistant Secretary of the Army, Financial Management and Comptroller, Department of the Army, February 2010 to February 2014, President Barack H. Obama nominated me November 2009, Senate confirmed in February 2010; Assistant Chief Financial Officer for Accounting, Department of Housing and Urban Development, April 2004 to June 2008. Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, December 2001 to 2004.
Congressional Candidate: AZ Congressional District 2, June 2017 to August 2018. Nonprofit Board Leadership: Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service, 2023-present;
Anne Arundel Immigrant Affairs Commission, 2020-present; Annapolis Justice Immigration Network, 2019-present; Univ of AZ Civilian Advisory Committee, College of Educ, 2015-present. Leg Co-Lead, AAC’s Moms Demand Action, 2019-present.
Formal Education: Doctorate, George Washington Univ, EdD; Specialist in Education, George Washington University, EdS; Master in Business, University of Arizona, MBA;
Bachelor in Art, University of Arizona, BA.
Conor Curran
District 31
Curran has been involved in local issues and advocacy for six years. He has served as Secretary of Education with the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils representing 83,000 students to the Board of Education, including serving two terms as president, and as chair of the county executive’s Youth Advisory Council. He currently is a member and equity committee chair of the Joint Commission on the Opportunity Gap, executive vice president of the Student Government Association, and the Student Trustee of the Anne Arundel Community College Board of Trustees. Curran was appointed in December 2021, filling a vacancy, and elected in July of 2022 to a full 4-year term. As a representative from District 31, Curran is dedicated to building the groundwork to flip the district and build trust between the community and government.
Email: Curran4AACO@gmail.com
Rebecca Baucom
District 31
Rebecca Baucom is a New Jersey native who has recently come to call District 31 in Anne Arundel County home. She has been an educator for 18 years and is currently a Special Education teacher in Anne Arundel County. Rebecca has volunteered for political campaigns here in Maryland, canvassing and sending postcards. Among other organizations she has volunteered with are Special Olympics, Girls on the Run, Gigi’s Playhouse, and Maryland Society for Educational Technology. She was appointed to the AACDCC in January 2023, and wants to be a part of changing our community for the better. She is a dog mom, marathon runner, and radical do-gooder.
Dr. Jessica Johnson
District 31
Dr. Jessica Johnson was elected to AACDCC in January 2023. She is a native of Anne Arundel County and believes it is “The Best Place for All.” Dr. Johnson is a wife, mother, and educational leader looking forward to supporting her community in a new way with AACDCC.
Dan Glennon
District 31
Bio Coming Soon
Yemi Adetola
District 32
Yemi Adetola is a former U.S. Army Reservist, and a community leader that believes in inclusive leadership for all. JFK said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”. Therefore, I believe that my experience in community organizing, business, and project management will serve the Maryland Democratic State Central Committee by bridging the gap between the elected officials and residents/ business owners in Anne Arundel County. As a team player, I strongly believe that the Democratic Central Committee can work together with elected officials to ensure that democracy prevails in our decision making and future endeavors. Yemi Adetola is happily married to Kemi Adetola, and are proud residents of Anne Arundel County “The Best Place for All”
Jenese Jones Oden
District 32
Jenese is an accomplished non-profit leader, skilled community organizer and campaign manager/advisor, Immediate past Vice Chair, Fundraiser Chair & Events Chair of the AACDCC. She leads Oden Strategic Design Group, LLC a boutique consulting firm specializing in organizational leadership development, political campaign advising, and portfolio management for individuals and small businesses. She lives in West County and represents District 32. To learn more about Jenese, visit LinkedIn (Jenese Jones Oden)
Edward Evans
District 32
A native of Baltimore, MD EDWARD ‘ED’ EVANS is Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for Cordish Gaming Group. His responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of proactive diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to drive Cordish Gaming Group. Mr. Evans also serves as the lead representative for external community relations, working with local and regional stakeholders in all markets to promote Cordish Gaming Group’s DEI mission. With my passion for giving back, I’m an active supporter of numerous local groups including serving as a Board Member for The Y of Central Maryland, CFACC, Planning and Advisory Board for AAC, President of the PTSA for Meade HS, a Mentor for New Songs Community Learning Center.
Keshia Baird
District 32
Bio Coming Soon
M. James Faison
District 33
Bio Coming Soon
Priscilla Monroe
District 33
Bio Coming Soon
Joe Franco
District 33
Joe is an accomplished advocacy executive, local community advocate and non-profit leader who works to find real solutions for community problems by bringing people and ideas together. He is one of the youngest Hispanic campaign manager's in U.S. History, winning his first political campaign at the age of 16. He is also an adjunct professor teaching State and Local Politics and Interest Group Politics to graduate students.