The party has the momentum and grassroots support that it takes to win in 2018

 

Today, the members of the Florida Democratic Party used their grassroots power to elect Terrie Rizzo as the new chair of the Democratic Party. Chairwoman Rizzo is committed and ready to continue the string of victories seen by Democrats this year.

 

“Acting Chairwoman Judy Mount led the Florida Democratic Party in the lead-up to today’s election. Chairwoman Mount was the first African-American woman to lead the state’s Democrats and we are grateful for her dedication and leadership.” said FDP spokesperson Johanna Cervone. “Democrats around the country are resisting Donald Trump and the Republican party’s disastrous policies that only serve the wealthy few while leaving working families behind. Our state has seen a swell of momentum that has resulted in major election wins for Democrats in 2017. Florida Democrats are organized, energized and taking on Donald Trump, Rick Scott and the GOP. Under Chairwoman Rizzo’s new leadership, FDP is ready to flip Florida blue in 2018 and begin creating an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.”

 

Chairwoman Rizzo Bio:

 

Terrie Heinrich Rizzo is the three-term Chairwoman of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party, the “Chair of Chairs” of the Florida Democratic County Chairs Association (DCCA), and one of Florida’s ten elected members of the Democratic National Committee. She is proud to be part of the Florida Democratic Party team that will Flip Florida Blue in 2018 and retake the White House in 2020!

 

DEMOCRATIC ACTIVISM AND PARTY MANAGEMENT:

Always an “engaged citizen and passionate Democrat”, Terrie first become politically active with Democrats Abroad while living in Europe during the 2000 Presidential Election, and vowed to “get involved and make a difference.” After moving back to the United States, she started her path to activism as a volunteer with the 2004 John Kerry Campaign, then as DEC Committeewoman for her precinct in Boca Raton, and was elected to be Palm Beach County DEC Vice Chair in 2006. 

 

Terrie assumed the position of the Palm Beach County Chairwoman in 2012 and was unanimously re-elected without opposition in December 2014 and 2016. Under her leadership, Palm Beach County Democrats have developed an organization which is widely regarded as one of the best county organizations in the state of Florida and nationally, focusing on year-round organizing, training and precinct development, and emphasis on voting by mail. 

 

In January 2017 she was elected by state Democrats as one of Florida’s ten representatives to the Democratic National Committee, and in April 2017 she was elected by her fellow county chairs as “Chair of Chairs” of the Florida Democratic County Chairs Association. She also served as an elected Florida Delegate to both the 2012 and 2016 National Conventions.

 

FUNDRAISING:

When Terrie’s team took the helm of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party, the organization was not self-sufficient and in debt.  UnderTerrie’s leadership the Palm Beach DEC went from a negative operating budget to raising over $600,000 in the 2016 cycle. Palm Beach DEC does not have paid staff or consultants, so 100% of those fundraising dollars went to support campaigns and grassroots organizing. Her team has developed the innovative Blue Victory Precinct Leader’s Manual and Victory Express Precinct Newsletter, now used by over 35 counties in Florida.

 

PERSONAL:

Terrie is especially committed to the importance of grassroots involvement inclusion and diversity, and participation by all, and she is inspired by her favorite political quote: “One person can make a difference and everyone should try.” – John F. Kennedy.

 

As a Navy brat, and later as an adult, Terrie has had the privilege of living in many areas of the United States and abroad. Terrie has over 40 years of experience in the fields of health & fitness education and communications. She is a specialist in adult exercise and ergonomics. Since moving to Florida, she continues to instruct multiple fitness classes weekly and provides coaching & personal training for private clients, specializing in “fitness over 50”. She says she has the best jobs in the world, helping people be fit and healthy and helping elect Democrats!

 

In addition to being a political junkie, Terrie enjoys traveling, dining, sports (especially football), and the theater, and she is a voracious reader. She and her husband, Mike, an Information Technology executive and consultant, have been married for over 45 years and have one son, Matthew, daughter-in law, Kate, and two grandchildren, Annika and Bo, who live in San Francisco — Democrats (and future Democrats) all!

 

 

 

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