Russell Wheeler
Chairman
My name is Russell Wheeler and I am a graduate of Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor Of Science in Business Administration. I was employed in various management roles and retired as a Quality Manager in 2009.
I play the mountain dulcimer in a string band and enjoy exercise and am an avid fan of Buckeye Football.
My life as a Democrat began in earnest during the 2012 presidential campaign. Although, having been a lifelong Democrat, I felt compelled to work to get President Obama re-elected. I served as Neighborhood Team Leader and worked phone banks and canvassed all over Troy. It was such a rewarding experience being able to meet President Obama, Joe Biden and first lady Michelle Obama.
My goals for the Miami County Democratic Party as Chairman of the party are(1) to build the Party’s Central Committee to be more representative of Miami County Democrats,(2)energize the Party to take action on those issues that liberal thinking Democrats support,(3) recruiting candidates to run in either nonpartisan races or on the Democratic ticket and(4) to support Democratic candidates for local state and national offices.
My wife Kay and I have two grown sons and six grandchildren and live and in Troy with our two rat terriers and our Siberian Husky.
Pru Schaefer
Vice Chair
I was born and raised in Troy, Ohio. My parents and grandparents were strong Democrats in Miami County. At the age of 18, I was actively involved in the Miami County Young Democrats with monthly meetings being held at the Tipp City Library and I remained active with the organization for three years. Our two main projects were picking up trash along State Route 202 near Troy and sponsoring the Tipp City Mum Festival’s Queen Pageant receptions.
I have served as a poll worker since 2007 and served as the Deputy VLM for the 2017 General Election and the 2018 May Primary Election. I have worked periodically at the Miami County Board Of Elections as a seasonal part time doing clerical work. Assisting early voting at various nursing homes for residents was a task I enjoyed while at the Board Of Elections.
The Miami County Democratic Women has been a large part of my life as I have served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President over the last several years. I also chaired the hospitality committee.
I have been a regular participant as a Central and Executive Committee member of the Miami County Democratic Party and continue to enjoy participating in projects and events that are sponsored by the party. As the Vice Chair of the Party, I will promote and encourage more active participation and involvement in special events and outreach projects to make Democrats more visible in Miami County.
Treasurer
Lorie Simpson
As a Workforce Development Professional, my work life consists of educating people with communication and life skills. Educating people is my mission. Whether I’m teaching people to develop a goal and action plan or how to become a better listener to their employees or kids it’s all about helping people.
Democrats believe in social, economic and education equality for all people. I will do all I can to assist the party on with all of these beliefs as it perfectly aligns with my mission. I will continue to help build the party of Miami County as the Treasurer (raise funds), recruit and develop precinct captains for all of Miami County.
I live in Piqua with my husband John. We have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
Patricia Williams
Secretary
Other Executive Committee Members
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Audrey Gillespie
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Dave W. Fisher
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Steven Pedler
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Jim Larkins