Meet the 2026 Board Candidates
Thank you to those who expressed interest in running for a Westchester-Playa Democratic Club 2026 board position!
A list of the nominations received by our Nominating Committee by the deadline is below. The Nominating Committee is no longer accepting nominations.
Meeting information and registration >
Here are the nominations received by the Nominating Committee:
EXECUTIVE BOARD CANDIDATES
President: LIZ KANE
Elizabeth “Liz” Kane is a lifelong California Democrat and resident of Westchester since 2009 and was pleased to serve in this role for 2023. Liz has also taken on role as a CADEM Delegate for AD 61 this year and is enjoying being involved in CA Democratic Politics. During her day job, she supports LAUSD Virtual Academy and Educational Option Schools supporting students from all across LA. Her role as an educator and administrator provides her with a unique set of skills to communicate effectively and coordinate multiple projects at the same time. Liz’s passion for activism led her to found Westside Activists with other local activists and she continues to fight for Democratic issues in local, statewide, and national elections.
VP OF POLITICAL AFFAIRS: AHMANISE SANATI
Ahmanise is a mother of two young children, a social worker in LAUSD and Airport Marina Counseling Service, a lecturer in the social welfare department at UCLA, and a passionate activist in her community. She is also a CADEM Delegate for AD 61 for her third term and has been actively engaged in efforts to fight back against this current administration. Whether holding up signs at a demonstration encouraging people to vote or campaigning for a cause in which she believes, Ahmanise actively seeks opportunities to engage her community in democracy, and is eager to join the Westchester/Playa Board for a third term.
VP OF FINANCE: CORD THOMAS
I have been an active member of the Westchester-Playa Democratic Club for over 2 years. Prior to joining the club, I was on the board of the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa for 4 years where I served as the Finance Director or Treasurer for 2 years. I completed and maintained my board ethics and finance ethics training requirements and understand the general practices of a finance director for a not-for-profit organization. In the role as the NC treasurer, I worked with the Budget & Finance Committee to establish an annual budget, create monthly reports on expenses and partnered with local not-for-profit organizations to apply for and receive neighborhood purpose grants. I completed all these responsibilities on time, accurately and usually with a smile. I would welcome the opportunity to be the VP of Finance for the Westchester-Playa Democratic Club.
VP OF OPERATIONS: MARY COOK GONZALEZ
Mary has been a resident of Westchester for 34 years, since moving to California in 1988. She is a retired executive, working for over 30 years in the consumer products industry. Prior to retirement, Mary was most recently the Vice President of Customer Care and Technical Service for the Citizen Watch Group. Mary currently volunteers for Grassroots Neighbors and has previously served the community as a volunteer with the Girl Scouts, Paseo Del Rey School Site Council, La Tijera United Methodist Center for Children Steering Committee, and Westchester United Methodist Youth Group. Mary is actively seeking opportunities to assist others working to improve our community and is thrilled to have discovered WPDC and is eager to contribute to the mission of the team.
VP OF COMMUNICATIONS: SHERRY LAMBIE
I'm a lifelong Democrat, passionate activist, and experienced graphic designer and social media marketer with over 30 years working in L.A. I've proudly served as a Board Member at Large and am now stepping up to help strengthen our club’s voice during these critical times. We are facing a chaotic political landscape, and it’s more essential than ever that our message is clear, compelling, and reaches our community. I believe my professional background and deep-rooted commitment to our shared values make me uniquely suited to help shape and strengthen that message. Beyond activism, I truly value the camaraderie and energy that comes from organizing and socializing with fellow Democrats. This club is a powerful space for connection and action, and I’m eager to continue contributing to its momentum and success.
VP OF PROGRAMS: Susan Robinson
I am a life-long Democrat, a resident of Westchester-Playa for 30+ years, and an active member of the Westchester-Playa Democratic Club for nearly ten years. I bring decades of Board experience, serving non-profits at many Executive Board levels, and I have been a been proud member of the WPDC Board for five years. I am especially passionate about helping to create a sense of community. I want to help bring together like-minded Democrats in comfortable spaces to address the many challenges we are all facing while building friendships and even finding opportunities to laugh!
MEMBER-AT-LARGE CANDIDATES
Jim Ouellet
Jim Ouellet has lived in Playa del Rey since 1985, raising both his sons here. He has been a member of Westchester-Playa DemocraticClubfor about 10 years, mostly doing for grunt work on political campaigns. Before that, he worked on the board of the Alliance for Regional Solutions for Airport Congestion (ARSAC), helping fight attempts to move the nearest LAX runway even closer to homes and schools in Westchester and Playa del Rey. Before retiring, he spent 40 years doing research on motorcycle accident causes and countermeasures.
Ahmanise Sanati
Ahmanise is a mother of two young children, a social worker in the mental health unit at the LA County Jail, and a passionate activist in her community. She is also a CADEM Delegate for our AD 62, Regional Director of National Association of Social Workers, a member of the Westchester Park Advisory board, shop steward with her union AFSCME 3511, and a dedicated volunteer with Westside Pacific Villages, Grass Roots Neighbors and The Westchester Family Y. Ahmanise actively seeks opportunities to engage her community in democracy, and is eager to join the Westchester/Playa Board for a second term.
Beverly Sanford
I am Bev Sanford, a long-time resident of Westchester and a lifelong Democrat. I have been a WPDC member and strongly believe in democratic values. Previously I served on the nominating committee and social activities committees. Having been present when theclubwas being formed, I am pleased to know that the torch is being passed to a new group of activists. A big thank you to all who have helped to energize ourclub. I hope to see you at the meetings!
If you have any questions, please contact the Nominating Committee Chair:
Susan Robinson: susanrobinson88@gmail.com
Thank you,
2026 Nominating Committee
Susan Robinson, Chair