West Side Democrats Officers
Polly Spain
President
I am thrilled to be President of West Side Democrats. A club that has always been home to political icons. My experience as a county committee member, a judicial alternate, a West Side Democrats board member and as a member of Community Board 7 has prepared me to serve in my new role as President. As a graduate of John Jay College B.A. Govt.& Public Adm. and Mercy College M.Ed., I chose to work as a special education teacher for the New York City Department of Education. I look forward to working with my fellow officers, board members and elected officials in continuing our club’s legacy.
Rachel Landis
Vice President, Communications
Rachel Landis is a born and raised Upper West Sider, who’s currently displaced from her hometown while she attends Brandeis University. She is studying politics and economics and also serves as the president of the Brandeis Democrats as well as National Policy Director for Generation Ratify.
Christine Annechino
Vice President, Programming and Events
Upper Westsider for 30+ years. Past member of several parent-run organizations in the New York City public school system including Community Education Council and Citywide High School Council. I currently run a small business in licensing and trademarks. I am looking forward to creating programming that will include a variety of viewpoints; encourage a forum of open discussion and attract new members to the Club. Always open to suggestions and ideas.
Carmen Romero Lee
Vice President, Membership
Suzanne Jacobson
Vice President, Fundraising
I’m excited to bring my fundraising skills to West Side Dems having already launched our inaugural Gala last fall. I have been a member of west side political clubs since the mid 70’s following our schools’ sleep ins to protect the local control law. I’ve run school board, party office and judicial campaigns and volunteered on numerous others. I look forward to working with our first elected officers & Board.
Valerie Horst
Secretary
Member CFD since 2012, current Secretary of WSD, also serve as a County Committee member and Judicial alternate. MA (Sarah Lawrence College), founder and Executive Director Emerita of Amherst Early Music, Inc., a not-for-profit arts and education organization. Upper West Sider since 1958.
Robert Gottheim
Treasurer
Member CFD since 1998, current Treasurer of West Side Democrats. Graduated Binghamton U (SUNY) & Brooklyn Law School. Practiced w/ firm O’Dwyer and Bernstein. Worked for Congressman Nadler since 1998, currently his District Director. Since 1997 Counsel for Nadler for Congress, handling all campaign finances & compliance issues w/ the FEC. Additionally, Treasurer for Linda Rosenthal and Scott Stringer for Mayor. Have worked on numerous campaigns — Stringer, Nadler, Rosenthal, and others in metro area.