Democratic Committee of Dormont

Amie Downs, Chair

My name is Amie Downs and I live on Edgehill Avenue with my husband, Paul, and our dog, Ferris. We have lived in Dormont for 10 years and this is my sixth year being involved in the Democratic Committee. I’m the communications director for Allegheny County in my day job and am involved in a variety of organizations and boards in my spare time. I first got joined committee because there had been a great deal of conflict over a primary, and I wanted to see Democrats come back together in this community so that we could continue to build and grow the party here, while supporting Democratic candidates. I’ve stayed involved because we are facing so many difficult issues today and I believe that, by working together, we can have a significant impact on the future we all see.

Toby Greenwalt, Vice Chair

Toby Greenwalt is Vice Chair of the Democratic Committee of Dormont and is proud to represent the 10th District. This is Toby’s second term on the committee. He moved to Dormont in 2014 with his wife and son, and they like it so much they ended up having another kid! Toby has worked as a technologist in public libraries, using data, design, and empathy to help bring communities together. (All of these things are important to good government too!) Currently working as an independent consultant, Toby and his family share their house with Mildred Bonk, the world’s worst dog.

Kate Ledford, Secretary

Kate Ledford is originally from Rhode Island and moved to Dormont with her husband and young daughter. Before becoming a mom, Kate worked in higher education but is now raising her daughter full-time. She is an active volunteer with the local Moms Demand Action chapter and is passionate about gun violence prevention. She has volunteered and worked on a variety of campaigns, enjoys voter outreach, and hopes to help others get involved any way they can.

Brent Wasko, Treasurer

Brent Wasko is one of two members representing District 9 on the Democratic Committee of Dormont. Galvanized by then-candidate Barack Obama’s plan to improve health care, Brent first became involved in politics in 2007, when he volunteered to help the future President’s campaign. He registered voters, made phone calls, and distributed materials door-to-door. The experience inspired him to continue fighting for Democratic candidates who passionately believe as he does — that we need to improve health care, fix our infrastructure, protect our environment, and reduce income inequality. Brent is a former newspaper reporter and editor. He now works as the Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Department of Public Works. The Kansas native has lived with his wife, Emily, in Dormont since 2012, and they have a young son, Desmond.

Lauren Shifler

My name is Lauren Shifler and I live on Voelkel Avenue with my husband and have lived in Dormont for almost 8 years now! I ran for committee because I believe being involved in our community is crucial when it comes to enacting positive change. Elections are so important and endorsing democratic candidates in these elections is something I believe can improve the lives of those living in our area.

James Olchowski

My wife and I recently moved to Dormont and fell in love with it immediately! We’ve had a wonderful first year. I joined the Democratic Committee because I wanted to find a group of people dedicated to making this an even better place to live and I believe the committee is a great place to help some great people making positive changes.

Jessica “Jess” Yoest

Jessica "Jess" Yoest, a native of Dormont, has built her career in the field of learning and development. Her commitment to the Democratic party stems from her belief in the importance of accessible, high-quality education for all, regardless of age. She is thrilled to serve on the Democratic Committee of Dormont, viewing it as a platform to connect with her community, comprehend their needs, and champion their causes. For Jess, committee membership is not just a responsibility, but a means to actively participate in and contribute to the democratic process.

Amie Downs

My name is Amie Downs and I live on Edgehill Avenue with my husband, Paul, and our dog, Ferris. We have lived in Dormont for 10 years and this is my sixth year being involved in the Democratic Committee. I’m the communications director for Allegheny County in my day job and am involved in a variety of organizations and boards in my spare time. I first got joined committee because there had been a great deal of conflict over a primary, and I wanted to see Democrats come back together in this community so that we could continue to build and grow the party here, while supporting Democratic candidates. I’ve stayed involved because we are facing so many difficult issues today and I believe that, by working together, we can have a significant impact on the future we all see.

Christian Rieger

Hi, my name is Chris Rieger. I am an attorney in solo practice, specializing in bankruptcy, debt relief, and consumer protection, and also do volunteer work with Just Harvest in Pittsburgh. As a former Congressional candidate and someone who has previously served on the Butler County committee, I ran because I believe in registering, engaging, and mobilizing Democrats in order to elect like-minded individuals up and down the ballot to enact positive, substantive change in our communities. I live on Belrose Avenue with my wife Tracy and son Darrow.

Beth Dabruzzo

Beth Dabruzzo has been living in Dormont for about 20 years. A mom of two sons and a wife, she loves gardening, cooking new dishes and is focused on various hobbies like reading and traveling, especially by train. Beth is recently retired after having worked at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh for almost 30 years as an administrative supervisor. She is currently focused on ensuring that as many Democratic candidates as possible get elected. Beth hosts a weekly postcarding event in Bakery Square each Saturday from 1-3 PM at the PA Dem office.

Jim Dabruzzo

Jim Dabruzzo is a 20-year Dormont resident who has voted in every election since 1992. An active volunteer and member of committee, Jim works at an area hospital in its imaging department.

Michael Jarrett.

Hello! My name is Michael Jarrett. I moved to Dormont in 2021 and live on Peermont Avenue. I’m originally from the South Hills area, but spent the last decade in Washington, D.C. and New York City. Pittsburgh drew me back in 2020 and I couldn’t be happier that I ended up in such a vibrant community. My interest in politics started during the 2000 presidential election when I was in fourth grade and had the opportunity to meet Vice President Al Gore during a family vacation in Philadelphia. I’ve been a political junkie (and a Democrat!) ever since and I’m thrilled to be a member of the Dormont Democratic Committee representing District 3. I’m passionate about elected officials who want to combat the effects of climate change, reduce gun violence, support the LGBTQ+ community, and work toward a more equitable society for EVERYONE in the country. I currently work as the policy director for a startup that focuses on the intersection of sustainability policies and social justice issues.

Daniele Ventresca

My name is Daniele Ventresca and I was born and raised in Dormont. After living in another area of the county for a few years, I returned to raise my family here. My husband and I are the proud parents of three boys. I am a mental health professional and a licensed social worker. I am also privileged to be a member of Dormont Borough Council and currently serve as its president. This is my sixth year in office. I first got involved in the Democratic Committee to reenergize the committee and our advocacy in this borough. I am excited to see a committed, active group of people involved this year and look forward to seeing everything this group does.

Brent Wasko

Brent Wasko is one of two members representing District 9 on the Democratic Committee of Dormont. Galvanized by then-candidate Barack Obama’s plan to improve health care, Brent first became involved in politics in 2007, when he volunteered to help the future President’s campaign. He registered voters, made phone calls, and distributed materials door-to-door. The experience inspired him to continue fighting for Democratic candidates who passionately believe as he does — that we need to improve health care, fix our infrastructure, protect our environment, and reduce income inequality. Brent is a former newspaper reporter and editor. He now works as the Public Information Officer for the Allegheny County Depa0rtment of Public Works. The Kansas native has lived with his wife, Emily, in Dormont since 2012, and they have a young son, Desmond.

Melissa Reinert

Melissa Reinert has been a life-long Democrat, even encouraging her parents to vote Democratic when she was seven years old! Melissa sought to join the Democratic Committee of Dormont four years ago and was recently re-elected. She wants to support voter engagement and encourage everyone to participate in the process. It's critical to vote blue up and down the ticket each election to ensure access to health care, secure civil rights for all peoples, and respond to climate change, among many other current issues. Melissa has been a resident of Dormont since 2012. She resides on Earlsmere Avenue with her spouse, Jason, their three children, and an orange medium-haired tabby cat named Paulo.

Brandon Ledford

My name is Brandon Ledford and I live on Grandin Avenue with my wife, Kate (also on the Committee), our daughter, Charlotte, and our dog, Zelda. We have lived in Dormont for four years and this is my fourth year being involved in the Democratic Committee. I’m the Senior Vice President of a national, public-sector consulting firm that works on issues of social impact and equity for my day job. I’m also on Dormont Council and lead our Business District Relations and Development Committee. I fell in love with Pittsburgh as a young kid, as I was a rare cancer survivor treated at UPMC Children’s Hospital. I’m working on continuing to improve our business district and parks and am excited to support local Democrats in any way I can.