National Convening Program Books 2016 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 57

YEO NATIONAL CONVENING 2016 JON HOADLEY State Representative Kalamazoo, Michigan State Representative Jon Hoadley (MI-HD-60) is in his first term representing Kalamazoo and portions of Portage and Kalamazoo Township. Hoadley serves on the Election Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, where he also serves on the Judiciary (Minority Vice Chair), Agriculture (Minority Vice Chair), and Higher Education Subcommittees. He serves on the NCSL Standing Committee for Redistricting and Elections, and won 2015 Michigan Young Democrat of the Year. Hoadley is president of Badlands Strategies, a progressive public affairs firm, and consults nationally. He serves as the vice president of CARES, an HIV/AIDS service organization in Southwest Michigan, and the Executive Committee of his political party’s state chapter. Hoadley received the Norman Lear Alumni Award from People For the American Way Foundation and regularly trains with the Front Line Leaders Academy. A Michigan State University graduate, Hoadley lives in Kalamazoo with his partner, Kris, and the world’s friendliest beagle, Benjamin. @jonhoadley TED JAMES State Representative Baton Rouge, Louisiana After graduating from the historic McKinley Sr. High School, Ted James obtained a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Southern University. He is a cum laude graduate of the Southern University Law Center, having served as president of the Student Bar Association. He was twice elected as the vice chair of the House Caucus for his party and serves on the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Ways and Means, Criminal Justice, and Labor committees and the Joint Committee on Capital Outlay. James serves as a member of the YMCA Capital Area Board of Directors, is a committee member of BREC, and spends countless hours mentoring students in Baton Rouge schools. He is married to Veronica Michelle James and they are members of Beacon Light Church of Baton Rouge.  CHRISTOPHER A. JOHNSON Councilmember Yonkers, New York Christopher A. Johnson obtained his bachelor’s degree in political science from Long Island University-C.W. Post Campus in 2006, and immediately joined Andrea Stewart-Cousins’ successful campaign for state senate. Johnson first served as her community liaison and eventually as her deputy chief of staff. In May 2011, Johnson completed his master’s degree in education at Fordham University. After receiving support from his political party, in September 2011 Johnson won a primary and a general election to become the councilmember representing the 1st District on the Yonkers City Council. After taking office, Johnson’s focus on the city council has been fighting for affordable housing and local jobs for people in the community. Johnson was born and raised in the Bronx and is the eldest of three siblings. Today Johnson lives in Yonkers, where several generations of his family lived before him, with his wife, Tai. @HonChrisJohnson YEO BIOS 55