Vermont Democrats Welcome May Hanlon as Executive Director

MONTPELIER, VT -- MARCH 17, 2025 -- The Vermont Democratic Party (VDP) announced today that it has appointed May Hanlon as Executive Director. Hanlon succeeds Jim Dandeneau, who recently stepped down after serving over two years in the role. Born in Island Pond, Vermont, Hanlon joins the VDP with a track record of success in local, state, and federal campaigns.

“Growing up in the Northeast Kingdom, I saw firsthand how policy decisions ripple through a community. This shaped my idea that elections aren’t just about candidates, but about deep listening, meeting people where they are, and proving that Democratic policies can work for all of us,” said VDP Executive Director May Hanlon. “I am committed to ensuring that our campaigns aren’t just about one election cycle, but about building long-term, sustainable movements that empower communities. Together, we will strengthen Party infrastructure in every part of the state, stand up for the principles we believe in, invest in our grassroots, and elect Democrats up and down the ballot.”

“I am looking forward to May returning to Vermont and working closely with me as Chair, the VDP team, our county and town committees, and our elected leaders and candidates to help strengthen and expand our Democratic Party,” said Interim VDP Chair Jim Ramsey. “May is a fierce competitor with a tremendous drive to win.”

Hanlon most recently served as Deputy Director of Direct Marketing at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where she managed direct marketing strategies and operations for the Harris Victory Fund. In 2021, Hanlon joined the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee (PAHDCC), where she executed data-driven, long-term electoral strategies that were successful in flipping a net of twelve seats in 2022, resulting in the first Democratic majority in over a decade. Building on that success, Hanlon enacted an extensive campaign plan for the 2023 special elections to defend a Democratic Pennsylvania state House majority. Hanlon began her career with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), where she built grassroots support for pressing public interest issues and increased community engagement across the state. Hanlon is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit www.vtdemocrats.org or follow @vtdems on social media.

CONTACT:

Asha Carroll

Assistant Treasurer

Vermont Democratic Party

acarroll@vtdemocrats.org

(651) 808-0700