Jun 28, 2010

Ohio Democratic Party Names Camilo Villa As Latino Caucus Director

COLUMBUS – The Ohio Democratic Party announced Camilo Villa has joined its team as Latino Caucus Director. In this role, Villa will facilitate outreach to Hispanic/Latino communities as part of the Ohio Democratic Party’s continued efforts to reach diverse constituencies throughout the Buckeye State.

Raised in Trumbull and Ashtabula Counties, Villa has been politically engaged for most of his life. He served as an officer in the College Democrats chapters at Lakeland Community College and Baldwin Wallace College. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in political science, he worked with the non-profit HOLA (Hispanas Organizadas de Lake y Ashtabula, or Organized Hispanic Women of Lake and Ashtabula), an immigrant and Latino rights organization, which has led the way in the campaign to reform America’s immigration system.

“I am thrilled about this opportunity to work with the Ohio Democratic Party and lead its outreach to Latino Ohioans around the state,” said Villa. “I’m very excited about what my position means both for the Party and for Latino communities. Latinos are greatly affected by so many issues that Democrats are addressing today; it is crucial that they be engaged in the political process. Together, we can work together to elect progressive leaders that will represent Latino interests in Ohio.”

“Camilo brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this position and we are proud to have him join our team,” said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern. “Between 2004 and 2008, Latino voting grew by 30% nationally, with more than two million voters added to the American electorate. Support of the Latino community will be crucial in this year’s election, and through the Ohio Democratic Party’s Latino Caucus, we will have the outreach and resources necessary to spread our message to Latino voters across Ohio.”