Parkinson Named Western Regional Representative by the ASDC
The South Dakota Democratic Party (SDDP) announced today that its Executive Director, Sam Parkinson has been named Western Regional Representative by the Association of State Democratic Committees (ASDC). In this new position, Parkinson will be working with state parties in the western region of the United States by helping them grow through fundraising, messaging, and electoral success, while also strengthen their voice within the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Parkinson’s last day as SDDP Executive Director will be May 2.
“Sam has been a valuable member of the SDDP team for the last four years, first as Finance Director and then as Executive Director,” said Ann Tornberg, SDDP Chair. “I want to thank him for everything he’s done to help build the Party during his time here. The SDDP is in a stronger place today than it was when he started, and his hard work and leadership has been a key part of that. I’m glad to see that work acknowledged on a national level, and I know he’ll do a great job at the ASDC – South Dakota’s loss is the country’s gain.”
“It’s been an honor working for the SDDP, a party that has produced leaders like McGovern, Daschle, Johnson, Herseth Sandlin, Sutton, and many more,” said Parkinson. “I can’t say enough about the South Dakotans I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the last four years. We’ve successfully advocated for higher pay for teachers, increasing the minimum wage for all South Dakota workers, and increased transparency in state government, among other issues. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued growth of the SDDP as South Dakota Democrats continue to push for Medicaid Expansion, higher wages for the working class, expanding the farm economy through things like hemp production, and much more.”
Incoming SDDP Chair Paula Hawks also congratulated Parkinson on his new position.
“While I’m disappointed that I won’t get the chance to work closely with Sam as chair, I am thrilled to see the ASDC hire a South Dakotan for this important position. I know Sam will be a strong advocate for South Dakota and other rural states and will make sure the needs and interests of states like ours are at the front and center of the national Democratic Party.”
Hawks said the search for a new executive director would begin immediately and that the Party intends to fill the position as soon as possible.
Located within the Democratic National Committee, the ASDC represents state party interests at the DNC as well as with the other national campaign committees: Democratic Senate Campaign Committee, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Democratic Governors’ Association and the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee.
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