The elected officers of AlxYD are collectively the Executive Committee and together are entrusted with the governance and maintenance of our organization’s operations and development. Meet our officers below!
President Alex Perez-Reyes
Alex Perez-Reyes grew up in Charlottesville, VA and came to the DC area in 2013 for undergraduate and subsequent graduate studies at Georgetown University. His previous experience in Democratic politics includes work as a campaign intern, interning in Senator Kaine’s DC office, and serving as the political director for AlxYD. He currently lives in the Del Ray neighborhood and has enjoyed connecting with the Alexandria community through the Alexandria Citizens Band and Alexandria Soccer Association. In his free time, Alex enjoys choral singing, biking, and hanging out with his friends in Old Town’s numerous coffee shops.
Vice President Ilana Rocke
Ilana Rocke grew up in Silver Spring, MD and attended Penn State University for her bachelors and Stony Brook University for her masters. She has been passionate about politics from a young age and is excited to get more involved in local politics. She currently lives in Old Town Alexandria and enjoys watching sports, traveling and hiking.
Secretary Adam Sickle
Adam Sickle grew up in St Mary’s County MD as a part of the 5th generation to have been raised on the same plot of what was once his family’s farmland. Growing up in an area where the economy is dominated by a military base and its related contractors, while also being in the church and feeling the call towards peace and doing good in the world, Adam’s passion for politics started at a young age. Adam has been in the DC metro area for over a decade and moved to Alexandria at the start of 2020. He now works in environmental advocacy and enjoys board games, DJing, and leading one of the largest ultimate frisbee communities in the DC area.
Treasurer John Connor
John Connor grew up in Spokane, Washington, before attending the University of Virginia, where he graduated with degrees in history and foreign affairs. He also holds a master’s degree from King’s College, London and currently works at a Washington, DC-based strategic advisory firm. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, reading history and fiction, and watching classic films.
Membership Director Ryan Waterman Aldana
Ryan Waterman Aldana grew up in Milwaukee, WI, and attended James Madison University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in theatre directing and design. He moved to Alexandria in 2024 and currently serves as Digital Director to Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), Ranking Member of the House Rules Committee and one of the most progressive members of Congress. Before working on the Hill, Ryan was an advocate for local government at a boutique lobbying firm, where he specialized in justice, public safety, and immigration advocacy. He spent the first three years of his career as a political journalist – first at CNBC as a producer on the network’s flagship morning program, Squawk Box, and, most recently, as Jim Acosta’s lead writer at CNN. In his free time, Ryan enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and relaxing by the pool or on the beach.
Appointed Officers
The appointed officers of AlxYD support the work of Executive Committee to further our mission. Meet our appointed officers below!
President Emeritus Daniel Ernst
Daniel Ernst grew up in Lowell, MA before attending Georgetown University, where he graduated with degrees in Classics and in Government. He has previously served in the Young Democrats of Massachusetts as Executive Vice President and as Chair of the Greater Boston Young Democrats. He lives in Alexandria with his wife, Madison near the Eisenhower Metro Station. Daniel loves playing board games, reading about history, and expanding civic education.
Political Director Megan Andersen
Megan Andersen hails from Sunnyvale, CA and attended the University of Southern California, studying electrical engineering and digital forensics. She moved to the DMV almost three years ago to try out the East Coast and live somewhere more politically engaged. At USC, she served on the executive committee for the progressive political action club, Trojan Advocates for Political Progress. In her free time she enjoys rock climbing, being crafty, and rooting for Bay Area sports teams.