Members of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee (LCDC) elected new officers Jan. 26 during the organization’s monthly meeting.

Those elected to chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer will each serve a two-year term.

Kelli Whitlock Burton of Waldoboro was elected chair after serving the past two years as vice chair.

"It's such an honor to work with this extraordinary organization and the many volunteers who have a hand in making LCDC work," said Whitlock Burton, who also served as campaign leader for last year’s election. "I'm looking forward to building on the momentum from the 2022 campaign, finding new ways to connect with voters in Lincoln County, and continuing our efforts to connect with neighbors and support our communities."

Whitlock Burton succeeds former chair Christopher Johnson of Somerville, who served in the capacity since 2017. Johnson will remain part of LCDC leadership as the most recent past chair, a position that Valarie Johnson of Somerville has held for the past six years. Valarie Johnson was chair in 2016 and also from 2011-2013. The LCDC thanks them both for their unwavering dedication and looks forward to their continued participation and guidance as they remain on the organization’s executive committee.

Joining the executive committee for the first time are Rich Livingston of Bremen as vice chair, Julie Niedhamer Tenan of Newcastle as secretary, and Mary Devlin of Damariscotta as treasurer.

“I have chosen to serve with the Democratic party at this time because I see our country and communities in need of voter participation to hold safe the concept of Democracy. Each eligible voter needs to do their part; however big or small,” shared Tenan.

The LCDC thanked Jim Hatch of Bristol for his meticulous attention to detail as treasurer since 2020 and Autumn Mahoney for her outstanding work as secretary during the past term. Mahoney remains on the executive committee as the communications leader.

Thanks was also extended to outgoing executive member Anna Ridle of Wiscasset, who served as an at-large member since 2021. Ridle plans to focus more locally as the Wiscasset Democratic Committee treasurer.

"These leaders gave of their time, energy and expertise in their respective roles, and we are all better for it," Whitlock Burton said. "LCDC thrives and continues to grow because of work by volunteers like them and so many others."

Other members of the executive committee include Democratic State Committee members Barbara Cray of Westport Island and Ina Demers of Wiscasset, finance leader Dan Hunter of Damariscotta, fundraising leader Geoff Bates of South Bristol and outreach leader Jan John of Bristol.

The LCDC meets on the fourth Thursday each month, sometimes by Zoom only, and sometimes in person and via Zoom. Details may be found at http://lincolncountydemocrats.com or www.facebook.com/lincolncountydems/.