Officers

President (1 position)

Howard Sanders - Currently President of the Lex Club, formerly VP, Chair-Judiciary Committee, and Co-Chair, Election Committee. Let’s continue to use our energy, our enthusiasm and our abundance of talented members to assure Democratic victories for the best candidates. I am also a trial attorney, former prosecutor and VISTA volunteer. 

Executive Vice President (1 position)

Yael Heller - I’d be honored to serve another term as Executive VP. I organize club canvassing, petitioning, and events to advance endorsed candidates. I volunteer for Democratic candidates and issues across our region. I’m a Judicial Delegate and serve on County Committee. I am grateful for our community’s activism and advocacy.

Vice President (4 positions)

Stephanie Knepper Basman - Stephanie Knepper Basman is a lifelong Upper East Sider and community leader. She has been a Lex Club member for 11 years and Vice President for 6 years. Stephanie is President of SKA Marin, an affordable housing development firm responsible for thousands of affordable homes across New York City.

Lynn Berger - An active member of LDC and a ExComm, I am ready to take a more responsibility; I ask your vote to be a Vice President. I am a long-time UES-er; with my late husband, raised, educated our sons here. I relish the opportunity to help our community thrive.

Lynn (Gwendolyn) Blackstone - For six years, I’ve been an active member of LDC and ExComm. I’m ready to take on more responsibility; I ask your vote to be a Vice President. I’m a long-time UES-er; with my late husband raised, educated our sons here. I relish the opportunity to help our community thrive.

Maggie Joyce - Maggie Joyce is now working full-time for the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) after 20+ years as a teacher in NYC public schools. As Vice President of the Lex Club and long time resident of the UES, she remains deeply committed to community engagement and advancing democratic values.

Kimberly Miller - I am running for Vice President. A practicing attorney for 23 years, I have served as Recording Secretary of the Lexington Democratic Club, co-chaired the Dinner Gala and St. Patrick’s Day Party, helped organize a recent Oliver Libby book talk, and regularly participate in canvassing efforts.

Scott J. Shapiro - Longtime Lex Club Executive Committee member on Events and Merchandise Committees, co-chairing St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. Lifelong Manhattanite and Democrat; Upper East Side forensic psychology trial consultant. I’ve served for many years as both an alternate judicial delegate and a judicial delegate, volunteered on judicial campaigns, and prioritize membership growth.

Treasurer (1 position)

Mark McKew - Ten years of experience as Club Treasurer responsible for Club’s account and campaign finance filings. Previously served two years as Recording Secretary and two years on Exec. Committee. I support the Club’s annual dinner, its candidates, and Democratic causes and plan to continue doing so as Club’s Treasurer in 2027.

Recording Secretary (1 position)

Judy Randall - Active in Manhattan Democratic politics since 2018; membership in the Lex Club since 2022; its executive committee since 2024; petitioning; street campaigning for club-endorsed candidates; voter outreach at street fairs; fundraiser support; consistent attendance at club meetings and events; postcarding; Election Day poll site support.

Corresponding Secretary (1 position)

Nathan Sigal - I’m a H.S senior, born and raised on the UES looking to increase youth involvement. I have experience on Speaker Menin’s and Micah Lasher’s campaigns. Additionally, I worked for Brad Hoylyman-Sigal (no relation), in the Manhattan Borough President’s office and State Senate. In these roles, I’ve done digital communications.

Member-at-Large (20 positions)

Mark Badolato - Field Director and campaign organizer for federal and state races, including experience in our district. Political science, administrative, and filmmaking background. Current District Office Manager with Assemblymember Bores’ office, upcoming District Director. Dedicated to community involvement, civic engagement, and democratic preservation.

Anna Barot - Anna Barot serves as Director of Communications for New York City Council Member Virginia Maloney. She previously worked on Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign and held roles at KPMG and in commercial real estate finance. A Vanderbilt University graduate, Anna brings experience spanning government, political campaigns, finance, and strategic communications.

Daniel Berger - Daniel Berger has lived on the UES for 30+ years. He has served on the Lexington Democratic Club Executive Committee for the past two years and wants to continue helping to shape the future of the club. He is a municipal bond market strategist/analyst with 40+ years of experience. 

Tristan Betts - Since joining the Lexington Democratic Club in February 2026, I’ve supported club candidates, attended meetings, volunteered at street fairs, participated in get-out-the-vote efforts, and petitioned over 100 hours. While working full-time and pursuing my LL.M. at St. John’s Law, I bring dedication, reliability, and teamwork to the Executive Committee.

Benjamin Blum - I’m a native New Yorker and am running for re-election to the Lex Club e-board. I practice commercial litigation and often appear before Manhattan judiciary. Through my time at Lex Club, I’ve petitioned and participated in other club activities. It would be to continue supporting Lex club.

Jason Dragseth - If re-elected to the Executive Committee, I’ll continue to perform core responsibilities of attending monthly meetings, petitioning, supporting endorsed candidates and serving on the Advocacy Committee. In addition, I’ll oppose efforts by members to endorse non-Democrats and take action to eliminate bigotry in the club’s work.

Haina Just-Michael - I believe in not just living in a neighborhood but being an active participant in community. I have served as on local Library board, homeless shelter, and fought for Intereligious freedoms in my hometown. I live inUES and have campaigned for several Dem candidates over the years. I am a

Roberta Kravette - A dedicated member of the Lexington Democratic Club since 2017, Roberta is a seasoned Executive Committee member and an active petitioner in every cycle. The co-founder of Destination: Wildlife, Roberta, is a committed environmentalist and believes in the power of local communities to make a difference and lasting change. 

Hill Krishnan - I’m an immigrant who arrived in NYC with just $35. Today, I’m a politics professor and have called the Upper East Side home for 21 years. I’ve read over 4,000 nonfiction books and recently became a finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking, an incredible personal milestone.

Tom Leonard - FDNY lieutenant, born and raised on the Upper East Side, who has served communities in Harlem and the Bronx. I hold a master’s degree from John Jay College and bring a moderate and balanced approach that I think best reflects the priorities of our neighborhood. 

Oliver Libby - Oliver is co-founder and Managing Partner of impact-oriented VC firm H/L Ventures. He is co-founder and Chair of The Resolution Project, the world's leading social entrepreneurship organization for young leaders. He is author of Strong Floor, No Ceiling and a political advisor whose career started in national security.

Daniel McManus - I am a life long resident of the Upper East Side and am an Eagle Scout, I studied Public Affairs at Indiana University. I’d like to nominate myself to continue to serve on the executive committee, where I have petitioned for our endorsed candidates.

Peter McManus - Peter J McManus, Upper East Side resident and veteran publishing executive brings deep leadership experience and a lifelong commitment to Democratic values. Embracing a multi-generational family legacy of local, state, and national civic engagement, he serves on boards for multiple charities. He is a dedicated husband, father, and community advocate.

David Menegon - Retired business executive and Army officer with over 30 years of Upper East Side community service, focused on quality-of-life issues. Dedicated supporter of club candidates through petitioning, fundraising, and campaigning, with particular emphasis on gathering petition signatures. Public Member of Community Board 8, serving on the Veterans Committee.

Brice Peyre - Longtime Upper East Sider. Member, Carnegie Hill Neighbors, Friends of U.E.S., CIVITAS. Community Affairs Director & Community Board 8 Liaison for Council Member Virginia Maloney. Formerly an aide to Assemblyman Dick Gottfried, Press Secretary to Representatives Carolyn Maloney & Jerry Nadler, Assistant Commissioner NYCDOT. Past President, Stonewall Democratic Club. 

Beth Rasin - I have appreciated the opportunity to petition, canvass and march with the Lex Club since joining in 2025. A lawyer and grassroots nonprofit leader, I am passionate about preserving our democracy and helping elect individuals who are committed to affordability, accessibility and opportunity for all citizens. 

Barbara Rudder - I have been an involved member of the Executive board for several years, actively petitioning, canvassing for our candidates, volunteering to sit at street fair tables, a dedicated judicial delegate, and a long term member of Community Board 8. I hope to be reelected as a member-at-large.

Elana Schwartz - Currently working for NYS OTDA, previously worked for Elected officials, including 11 years with Congressman Joe Crowley. Have years of experience petitioning, working with campaigns, democratic clubs, been a judicial / alternate delegate to the Manhattan Convention, and on the LexClub Dinner committee. Currently I serve on the Executive Committee.

Steven Shapiro - Steve Shapiro, a practicing attorney and a long-time Lex Club member, has extensive experience as member of judicial screening panels, judicial campaigns and with campaign finance and election matters.

Rami Sigal - As the former youngest member of CB8, I co-chaired the Youth and Education Committee. I'm a recent Tulane graduate and work in communications currently at NYC Council and formerly with the DNC. I helped elect Lex Club endorsed candidates Rebecca Seawright and Carolyn Maloney and many down ballot Democrats.

David Smith - This is a critical time for our party. I want to be part of the conversation. I am a former New York Times journalist who covered urban issues, national politics and international affairs. As an executive committee member, I have enthusiastically volunteered at the polls, street fairs and campaign events.

Justin Smith - I am a local Upper East Side resident and second-term Lex Club board member seeking re-election. I'm looking forward to continuing to support the club through petitioning, policy advocacy, and engagement with the community whether through street fairs or poll site candidate support.

Gligor Tashkovich - Executive Committee At-Large Member of Lexington Democratic Club (2024-6); Alternate Judicial Delegate (2025-6); New York County Democratic Committee (2025-6); Former Minister of Government of a European country (served with State Department permission); Assembly District Monitor for NYC Board of Elections (2018-2026); Cornell University BA/MBA. 3rd Term Cornell University Council.

Nicole Veno - Upper East Sider and life-long Democrat! Founded LexClub Advocacy Committee in 2024. 2026 LexClub Recording Secretary. NY Junior League member. Advocating to close New York’s voluntary intoxication loophole since 2023. Expert canvasser. Antitrust attorney representing plaintiffs in class action litigation. Political Science B.A. from SMU, J.D. from Quinnipiac.