Kaine Campaign Announces Additional Staff Hires

From the Kaine campaign, it looks like they’re stocking their roster with talented female, diverse, employees. They also appear to be putting a significant emphasis on doing well in the urban/suburban “crescent” from NOVA to Richmond to Hampton Roads, where Democrats traditionally must do well to win in Virginia. Smart moves.

Richmond, VA – Today, Kaine for Virginia announced the campaign will add experienced staff in the Field, Political, Communications and Operations departments, building out the infrastructure needed to convert the early grassroots momentum of 2011 into a winning coalition in 2012.  Tim Kaine released the following statement regarding the announcement:

“I’m extraordinarily pleased to welcome so many qualified and dedicated individuals to my campaign team,” said Kaine.  “Traveling around Virginia, I have been overwhelmed by enthusiasm for our campaign’s message that Washington can learn lessons from Virginia on how to rebuild our economy, restore fiscal responsibility and rediscover common ground.  I am confident this innovative and talented group will help me deliver that message to every corner of the Commonwealth and build a winning coalition of support.”

Please see below for background on new Kaine for Virginia staff:

Ally Coll, Field Director

Ally Coll got her start in field working for Barack Obama in Southwest Iowa during the 2008 presidential primary. She has since worked for Washington Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell.  Coll served as the Field Director on Murray’s successful 2010 re-election campaign and has most recently worked as Murray’s Political Director and Cantwell’s State Finance Director.

Tyee Davenport, Political Director

Tyee Davenport has served as Deputy Political Director at the Democratic Party of Virginia (DPVA) since April 2010. Previously, Davenport worked as the Richmond and Hampton Roads Political Director for the Wagner for Lt. Governor campaign. In 2008, she served as Political Outreach Organizer for the DPVA Coordinated Campaign where she assisted Congressman Bobby Scott’s campaign in Virginia’s 3rd Congressional District. Davenport also brings eight years of private sector experience where she worked for a Fortune 500 logistics company.

Sindy Benavides, Northern Virginia Political Director

Sindy Benavides joins the Kaine for VA campaign from the Democratic National Committee where she served as the National Director of Community Outreach.  Benavides formerly served in Governor Kaine’s administration as the Director of Board Appointments, the Deputy Director of Constituent Services, and the Latino Liaison.

Brandi Hoffine, Communications Director

Since April 2011, Brandi Hoffine has served as Kaine for VA Press Secretary.  Hoffine joined the campaign from the Democratic National Committee where she served as Deputy National Press Secretary.  During the 2008 presidential election, Hoffine was a member of the Obama for America and DNC joint rapid response team. Prior to that, she worked in political research.

Lily Adams, Press Secretary

Lily Adams joins the campaign from the office of U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal where she served as Press Secretary. During the 2010 election cycle, Adams was Deputy Press Secretary for Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s re-election campaign.  Adams returns to Virginia where, in 2009, she worked as a member of the Deeds gubernatorial campaign press team.

Nicole Gyorfi Titus, Director of Digital Media

Nicole Gyorfi Titus most recently served as a Director of Business Development for new media firm Blue State Digital. Previously, she worked with direct mail firm O’Brien, McConnell and Pearson as a Director of Client Services managing national grassroots fundraising programs for the DNC, Hillary Clinton for President, Senator Harry Reid and leading advocacy organizations.  Titus also worked for EMILY’s List during the 2004 election cycle.

Dawn Hillard, Operations Director

Dawn Hillard has served as Operations Director at the Democratic Party of Virginia since 2009.  Prior to that, Hillard worked for Virginia Victory 2005 and Moving Virginia Forward PAC also in the role of Operations Director.