Here’s our dedicated team of volunteer leaders.
Chair Sara Salley, Liberty – Sara is a retired health policy analyst and Muskie School graduate who attended the Emerge Maine candidate training program before she was first elected WCDC chair in 2019. Sara also serves as chair of the Maine Democratic Party’s Caucus of County Chairs.
Vice Chair Paul Robie, Northport – Paul retired from a career as a merchant marine officer on oil tankers, after graduating from the University of Maine and Maine Maritime Academy. He has volunteered extensively on several local legislative campaigns and advocated to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of climate change.
Secretary Reeves Gilmore, Northport – Reeves is chair of the Northport Planning Board, having retired as Assistant Director of Planning and Operations for Harris County, Texas. He has been a member of the WCDC since 2012 and is a Waldo County representative to the Maine Democratic State Committee.
Treasurer Gail Chase, Unity – Chase is an auditor who served two terms as Maine State Auditor and two terms in the Maine House of Representatives, as well as on the boards of several local organizations. She is a graduate of Colby College.
At Large Executive Committee Member Philo Hutcheson, Islesboro – Philo lived all over the country (his father was in the Army); Islesboro, Maine, has been his sole consistent home since 1959. He was a college administrator and then a professor of education. He retired to Islesboro in 2019 and jumped at the opportunity to become involved with local and county Democrats.
DEIB-designated Executive Committee Member Laura Baker, Belfast – Laura is a retired educator whose focus was social justice and equity issues. She lives in Belfast where she is active in civic affairs and serves as a Trustee of the Belfast Free Library. She is a representative to the State Democratic Committee and a member its Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee. In addition, she chairs the WCDC DEIB Committee.
At large Executive Committee Member Valerie Tate, Belfast – Valerie was an RN at an inner city hospital and became an organizer and labor leader of nurses. She retired as the Coordinator of the Nurse Alliance of SEIU Healthcare. Valerie is on the Board of the Belfast Community Co-op. She chairs the WCDC Campaign Committee, working to recruit and support Democratic candidates for local office.