Our Party Officials

Eric was born and raised in California. In 1991, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Notre Dame while on a Naval ROTC scholarship. At the Marine Corps War College, he earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree in 2013. After 30 years of commissioned service in the Marines, including 26 years on active duty, he retired as a Colonel in 2021. He's lived in Brunswick County since 2010. He has dedicated his entire adult life to public service, including being heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity, the American Legion, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Shelley was born in Key West, FL and grew up a Navy brat. She taught public elementary school after graduating from Texas A&M University. She earned her Ph.D. in reading education from Ohio State University, then worked as a research associate and project coordinator at Vanderbilt University. After moving to Richmond, VA, Shelley served as a consultant for two literacy non-profits before returning to teaching as a tutor. Her volunteer experiences include serving as PTSA membership VP and policy steering committee parent rep at a regional governor’s school. She and her husband retired to Holden Beach in 2020.

Kristine was born and raised in New York, but has called North Carolina home for over thirty years. She graduated from Fordham University with a major in philosophy and a minor in math. Before retiring, Kristine was an administrator and program director in non-profit health.

Mike Rush was born and raised in Montclair NJ., where he graduated from Montclair High School in 1967. After graduation from high school , he served as a Second Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy from 1967 until 1971 and used his GI Bill Benefits he accumulated from his years of military service to attend Babson College in Wellesley, MA where he graduated with a BS in Business Management in 1975.

Prior to retiring, Mike’s professional background included solution/consultative sales, management, and corporate marketing positions for several Fortune 500 companies in the computer, telecom, and network equipment industries.

Victor moved to Brunswick County in early 2020.  He retired as an actuary, specializing in asset-liability management, investor and regulatory relations, and product development in the pensions and investments area

I grew up outside of Pittsburgh and moved to the Erie area for work in 2004.  I attended Indiana University of PA and received an MA from Duquesne University.  I was a high school teacher before working for the teachers' union, PSEA, for 10 years.  My husband and I moved to NC 3 years ago, and I am starting my third year as secretary of BCDP.  I have 4 children and 6 grandchildren.  I was involved the Democratic Party in Crawford County, PA, before moving to NC.

Simone relocated with her husband to Leland from MD fourteen years ago. She retired after 36 years from the US Postal Service Human Resources Department and managed the Safety and Health Services Program in the Northern Virginia District. Simone is a patron of the Leland Cultural Arts Center, was recently appointed President of the Cape Fear Jazz Society, and is Secretary of the NC Gullah Geechee Greenway Blueway Heritage Trail non-profit. She is also founder of the Fly Girls, a group of 130+ African American women in Brunswick County. Simone’s goal with BCDP is to increase voter turnout among the diverse 18+ population.

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