National Convening Program Books 2014 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 48

YOUNG ELECTED OFFICIALS

48

Alex Garza
City Councilman
Taylor, Michigan
Alex Garza serves on the Taylor, Michigan City Council. He has previously
worked as a legislative aide for Detroit City Council President Charles
Pugh and for State Representative Rashida Tlaib. Councilman Garza serves
on Taylor’s downtown development authority and he works as a research
and policy analyst. He most recently worked as a field director for Organizing
for America. Garza is seeking a bachelor’s degree in public administration from the University of
Michigan-Dearborn. @alex4taylor

Darrell Gaston
Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner
Washington, DC
Darrell Gaston, now in his second term as advisory neighborhood
commissioner for the single district 8B03 in Washington, DC, was elected
to serve as chair of the commission. Under his leadership as chair, he has
worked various projects, including: passing budgets that support community
organizations; curbing wasteful spending; and championing strong ethics and
fiscal reforms. Gaston was named to the “30 under 30” and “rising political star in DC” lists.
He is currently working on his debut book, Young, Fly, & Politically Savvy, which is due out this
summer. @Darrellgastondc

Donesia L. Gause
City Clerk
Carson, California
Donesia L. Gause was appointed city clerk of the city of Carson in February
of 2012. She is a member of the City Clerks Association of California,
International Institute of Municipal Clerks, and California Association of
Clerks and Election Officials. Gause is currently pursuing her elections
and registration administrator certification. She has 12 years of public service
experience directly related to the day-to-day operations of the city clerk’s office. Prior to being
appointed clerk, she worked for the City of Long Beach as the city clerk analyst, and served as
the City of Compton’s Deputy City Clerk. She is a proud mother of one daughter, Kalyn Gause.

2014 Young Elected Officials Network National Convening