Today the Democratic National Committee announces Mary Beth Cahill as interim CEO. Most recently, Cahill served as the National Political Director for the United Auto Workers and the Director of the Washington, DC office. Previously, Cahill served as the campaign manager of Senator John Kerry’s campaign for President. Before joining the Kerry campaign, Cahill was Chief of Staff to Senator Edward Kennedy and prior to that she was Director of Public Liaison for President Bill Clinton. After working in the White House, Cahill went on to serve as Executive Director of EMILY’s List, where she doubled the organization’s membership.

“I’m thrilled to announce that Mary Beth Cahill will join our team as interim CEO. From her days in the U.S. Senate and the White House to her leadership at EMILY’s List, Mary Beth is a seasoned Democratic veteran who brings decades of experience and public service to managing and electing Democrats up and down the ballot,” said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “Democrats nationwide will benefit from her talents as we build on the energy and momentum from 2017 and work to elect Democrats in 2018 and beyond.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to join Team DNC as interim CEO. I know Jess has done a fantastic job of guiding the Democratic Party through some of our greatest challenges, and there’s no question that the DNC is stronger for her leadership,” said Mary Beth Cahill. “A record number of women are running for office in 2018, and a major reason why is the work of Jess O’Connell. As we search for someone to step into Jess’s shoes more permanently, I’m honored for the opportunity to work alongside Chairman Perez to make sure the DNC continues to win from the school board to the oval office.”

“The DNC is tremendously fortunate to have Mary Beth taking the reins as interim CEO. She’s a well-respected strategist and operative who will ensure the DNC has the staffing and resources to win in 2018 and beyond,” said Jess O’Connell. “I’ve known Mary Beth for years through Democratic politics and our shared connection to EMILY’s List, where we both spent time working to get more women elected to public office. The Democratic Party couldn’t ask for a better partner in our fight to build a brighter future for all Americans.”