by Daniel Duric, for the Newport Dispatch

The Vermont Democratic Party has appointed Island Pond native May Hanlon as its new executive director.

Hanlon, who grew up in the Northeast Kingdom community, returns to Vermont after working on campaigns in Pennsylvania and at the Democratic National Committee. She succeeds Jim Dandeneau, who recently stepped down after more than two years in the role.

“Growing up in the Northeast Kingdom, I saw firsthand how policy decisions ripple through a community,” Hanlon said. “This shaped my idea that elections aren’t just about candidates, but about deep listening, meeting people where they are, and proving that Democratic policies can work for all of us.”

Hanlon most recently served as deputy director of direct marketing at the DNC, where she managed strategies for the Harris Victory Fund.

Previously, she helped the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee flip 12 seats in 2022, resulting in the first Democratic majority there in over a decade.

Her career began with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, building grassroots support across the state before she graduated from Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania.

“May is a fierce competitor with a tremendous drive to win,” said Jim Ramsey, interim VDP chair.