FDP Beefs Up Staff in Push to Win Big in 2018

The Florida Democratic Party is beefing up its staff in hopes to turn the Sunshine State blue once more.

On Monday, FDP chairman Stephen Bittel announced promotions and a new hire to help the party expand its grassroots reach across the state and bring victory home for Democrats next year.

The hires come as the FDP attempts to regain momentum after a catastrophic loss during last year’s election when the party failed to make significant headway and pick up many seats.

2018 will prove critical for the FDP, which is still reeling from widespread losses statewide. In order to emerge victorious next year, the FDP has largely focused on what it calls a “grassroots effort” to reach Democrats and turn out the vote. 

Former Deputy Political Director Roosevelt Holmes, who joined the party in 2015, will be promoted to Political Director. Holmes has dipped his hands into many different campaigns at all levels for the Dems -- in 2008, he worked on President Barack Obama’s campaign and in 2012 he worked for Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer’s reelection campaign.

Johanna Cervone will take over as Communications Director. Cervone previously served as FDP Deputy Communications Director and will take over for Max Steele, who left the FDP to work in Pennsylvania. 

Cervone began her career working for Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. Most recently, she served as South Florida  Regional Press Secretary for the Hillary for Florida campaign. 

Cervone will also serve as the party’s Hispanic Press Secretary. 

Amir Ahmadiavin will join the FDP communications team as Communications Specialist. Ahmadiavin served as Joe Garcia’s Deputy Campaign Manager last year. 
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Rounding out the list of new hires is newcomer Erika Ann Grohoski Peralta, who will work as a field specialist for the FDP.

Bittel said the new hires are just another chapter in a new era for the FDP, which has seen a total overhaul from top to bottom in terms of staffing. 

“Over the past few months we have seen a resurgent Florida Democratic Party,” said FDP Chair Stephen Bittel. “In large part, this has been thanks to the tireless efforts of our staff. That is why I am very proud to announce two major promotions and several new hires. I’m confident that the new Florida Democratic Party will build the strongest, most effective grassroots infrastructure in the entire country as we turn Florida back to blue in 2018.”

Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.