Vote Run Lead, the nonprofit that trains women to run for political office and win, announces that it has expanded the roles of two valuable longtime contributors: Hannah Kolkmeier, data manager, and Jessica Barnes, project manager. This expansion demonstrates more growth by the organization in advance of the 2024 election cycle.
Hannah Kolkmeier’s new role as data manager elevates her from a position as a Vote Run Lead fellow for the Data team. Her professional expertise includes polling, political campaigns, and K–12 education. Before joining Vote Run Lead, she led research projects at Benenson Strategy Group (a Democratic polling and strategic consulting firm). She has executed qualitative and quantitative research across a variety of sectors, including issue advocacy, corporate strategy, institutional and non-profit work, and support for candidates up and down the ballot. Kolkmeier is also an alum of Hillary for America’s digital advertising team and former member of the New York City Department of Education as a teacher and district project manager. Originally from Springfield, Illinois, she is a graduate of Northwestern University (class of 2015) and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
She says she is particularly proud of her work on behalf of candidates and on education and gender equity issues. Regarding her new role, she said: “I’m excited by how we can use data to tell the story of Vote Run Lead’s impact — and look forward to supporting our continued efforts to create a fairer and more representative democracy!”
Data Director Althea Cavanaugh said, “Hannah’s work as a Vote Run Lead fellow has been a valuable contribution to the organization, and I’m thrilled her work here will continue. In her new role as data manager, she will focus on measuring Vote Run Lead’s impact in the field, assessing results from candidate-training programs, and refining the organization’s Measurement, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) practices.”
Jacquie Ferreira, chief operations officer, said of Jessica Barnes, “Her exceptional multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and track record of delivering outstanding results make Jessica an invaluable asset to our team. Adding this key role will strengthen our communication and collaboration among team members, mitigate risks and further support projects and events. We are confident that Jessica will excel in this new role and continue to contribute to the success of Vote Run Lead.”
With extensive experience and expertise in event operations and project management, Barnes brings a wealth of knowledge to the Vote Run Lead team. She excels in planning and executing memorable events and experiences and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. Barnes first earned a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality & Tourism Management while playing Division 1 volleyball at Delaware State University (class of 2012), then earned a master’s degree in Leadership and Administration from Boston College in 2019. Originally from New Orleans, she currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Barnes said, “I am proud to work for Vote Run Lead because I’ve always had a strong interest in politics and elections. I’m passionate about civic engagement and voter turnout, and making a difference. I also appreciate that Vote Run Lead is a supportive and collaborative work environment. I’m most looking forward to organizing and streamlining our in-person events, and of course I want to see our alumni WIN in 2024!”
Those interested in opportunities to join this powerful (and growing!) organization, visit Vote Run Lead Careers.
