Leadership
Judy Ferro - Canyon County Chair,
Member of the State Central Committee
Judy is a graduate of Caldwell High and Stanford University. She has worked as a teacher, a grant writer, and a librarian. She’s committed to seeing that all voters will have the chance to vote for at least one legislative candidate each election.
Robert Scoville - Canyon County Vice Chair
Robert relocated to Idaho in 2007 while pursuing a career in the semiconductor industry. He fell in love with Caldwell, where he raised his three children and many pets. Robert found his passion in teaching and is currently completing his education as a high school educator. He holds a Bachelor’s in Applied Science and a Master’s in Public Administration from Boise State University. Robert enjoys volunteering at the Ada County Courthouse civil mediation court.
Rhonda Aman - Canyon County Secretary
Rhonda grew up in Idaho and attended Caldwell Schools. Her father fostered her interest in politics, and encouraged her "to jump in with both feet". She is also an animal lover and strong supporter of animal rights.
Kim Strathearn - Canyon County Treasurer
Kim moved back to Idaho 8 years ago after living and working overseas for 15 years. She has a BA in Anthropology from BSU. Kim began volunteering with the Canyon County Democrats 3 years ago. She looks forward to working together with other 2C residents for more balanced political representation in Canyon County.
Pete Erlendson - Communications Chair
Pete is a native of the Treasure Valley and moved to Caldwell in 2018 with his wife and children. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduating high school. Following four years of service Pete was awarded an honorable discharge. He then went on to earn a BA in Political Science with an emphasis in American Government from Boise State University. Pete also serves as a precinct captain.
Pat Day Hartwell - State Commiteewoman,
Member of the State Central Committee
Pat Day Hartwell, a long time Democratic activist, represents 2C Dems on the State Central Committee. While living in Idaho Falls, she was active in getting programs to protect women and children against violence in Idaho. She and her husband Jack raise sheep and process wool at the Lazy PJ Ranch in Nampa.
Kenton Lee - State Committeeman
Member of the State Central Committee
Kenton Lee is a life-long Idahoan. He and his wife Nikki live in Nampa with their two kiddos. Kenton is the founder of a local nonprofit called Because International and creator of The Shoe That Grows. He is passionate about equality, opportunity, and building relationships.
Canyon County District Leaders
District chairs are members of the State Central Committee.
Jackie Groves - District 9 Chair
Jackie Groves, a former Ada County Democrats Chair and Idaho Democratic statewide candidate for Controller with a professional background in financial services and fundraising. “Democrats look to bring about a better future, equitable and accessible to all. We can shape the future to be fair, safe, healthy, and prosperous. This work takes the wisdom and the guidance of those who have gone before us and the fresh energy and ideas of those who are now entering the scene. This work takes all of us, in all of our diverse perspectives, working together for the sake of all Idahoans,” Groves says.
Greta Dunlap - District 10 Chair
Penny Neely - District 11 Chair
Penny is proud to represent District 11 for the Idaho Democratic Party. A native of north Idaho, Penny graduated from the University of Idaho with a degree in Education. She is a Mom and a Grandmom. Penny has lived in 7 states and visited most of the rest. Travel has taken her to North and South America, Europe and Asia. When the “Trickle Down” economic theory started eroding the middle class Penny began her transition from Independent to Democrat. She now vigorously opposes the dangerous radical extremism that has taken hold of the opposing party.
Jane Zornik - District 12 Chair
Jane has lived in Idaho over 50 years residing in Elmore, Ada, and now Canyon County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social science, a master’s in education, and an education specialist degree in special education. She spent 25 years in public school systems, then her career path led to the State Department of Education where she focused on special education compliance. After retiring she spent 5 years employed by a non-profit agency concerned with early childhood education issues, and she later
thoroughly enjoyed working for the Boise Public Library. Witnessing the moral decline of America and the numerous social justice needs in our community, Jane felt a call to action to work for the return of the Common Good.
Sheila Robinson - District 12 Vice Chair
Sheila is a Canyon County Idahoan and a graduate of Middleton HS with a BSU Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting degree. She loves the discussion of ideas to resolve political issues and upon returning to Idaho, found that diverse points of view, especially in TV news media and local newspapers, are difficult to find. Constructive forums to pursue diligent work for all residents of the state are needed. Access to public lands, quality education, women’s rights, separation of church and state and affordable housing with just taxation are important to her and she believes the work begins at the local level.
Sarah Butler - District 13 Chair
Julissa Melendez - District 23 Chair
Julissa is a graduate of Wilder Middle/High School and is currently enrolled in the College of Western Idaho. She is pursuing an associates degree in political science and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She is also Hispanic and hopes for more Hispanic/Latino representation in politics. She has worked closely with the Idaho Democratic Party, Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, and the Community Council of Idaho. She uses her platform for farmworker justice, education, and reproductive healthcare.
