Party Staff

An Atlantic City, NJ native and graduate of Morgan State University, Karen Darkes previously served as Major Gifts Director at Emerge. Karen started her career in political fundraising on the Brown-Ulman 2014 Maryland gubernatorial campaign. After that race, Karen worked as a national political fundraiser at a well-respected Democratic consulting firm in Washington, DC.  During her time there, Karen raised over 40 million dollars for her clients that included Congressman Elijah Cummings, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Congresswoman Lucy McBath, from donors across over 20 states. Karen has also raised over 1 million dollars as a non-profit fundraising consultant.

A resident of Baltimore City, Joe got his start as a Baltimore City Public School teacher. He is a seasoned political operative, serving as Director of Government Affairs for the Comptroller of Maryland. Prior to, Joe was the Campaign Manager for the successful Brooke Lierman for Maryland campaign, helping elect the first woman to win an independently elected statewide constitutional office.

Joe also served as Executive Director of Strong Schools Maryland, leading the campaign to pass the most significant investment in Maryland public schools in generations.

Meredith Bowman started her career with Maryland Democratic Party (MDP) in 2000 working in compliance and operations. Throughout her career, she’s collaborated with over 1,000 employees, has been honored to serve thirteen State Party Chairs and currently has the pleasure of working with her sixteenth Executive Directors.

Meredith also spent 20 years on the Howard County Central Committee from 1994 to 2014. Her long-term involvement shows her deep commitment to local politics and community engagement.

When she’s not working, Meredith loves visiting her son and family in Maryland and traveling to North Carolina to visit her Mother and siblings.

A Montgomery County native and University of Maryland graduate, Aaron has over a decade of fundraising experience in Maryland and beyond having served most recently as Finance Director and Senior Political Advisor for Rep. Raskin (MD-8). He previously served as Finance Director on a number of key races across the country, including DCCC designated Red to Blue race in Florida, and worked at a top fundraising firm on Capitol Hill. As an independent fundraising consultant, he has worked with candidates, nonprofits, advocacy groups and clubs, as well as other organizations raising millions of dollars for Democratic causes.

Brock Cravy, a native Texan, currently serves as the Digital Director for the Maryland Democratic Party, where he is dedicated to sharing Democratic values and fostering community in digital spaces. Brock holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Communications and Technology from the University of Texas at Austin. He boasts an illustrious career in film and television, having contributed to Emmy-winning productions such as American Idol, The Amazing Race, Prison Break, and Friday Night Lights.

In 2020, Brock was honored as the LGBTQ+ Filmmaker of the Year by the Austin Revolution Film Festival, recognizing his achievements as an award-winning screenwriter and content creator. Inspired by President Obama’s call to “grab a clipboard,” Brock has extended his talents to serve nonprofits and political parties during election cycles. Notably, he served as a content producer for the Texas Democratic Party.

Brock is enthusiastic about his role in Maryland, where he continues to advance the mission of the Democratic Party.

Justin is our Party Affairs Coordinator. He started with the Party during the 2018 Coordinated Campaign and has served in various roles at MDP since then, including Field Organizer & Regional Organizing Director for CD-01, Deputy Organizing Director, and, most recently, as Organizing Director. A proud Easton native, you can find Justin enjoying the charming small towns of the Eastern Shore when he isn’t traveling across Maryland supporting our County Parties and Democratic Clubs.

Mikayla currently serves as the Voter File Manager, handling day-to-day voter file and technology needs of the State party. She previously worked as a Field Organizer for MDP during the 2022 election cycle. 

Mikayla is a Southern Maryland native who has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. She also currently serves as the Secretary-Treasurer for Young Democrats of Maryland. Outside of work, Mikayla loves exercising, spending time with family and friends, and reading.

Ryan currently works as a Staff Associate, supporting operations and administration across the party. He was previously an intern during the 2022 election cycle. Ryan lives on the Eastern Shore, where he was born and raised. He’s also the President of the Queen Anne’s County Young Democrats. Outside of work, Ryan enjoys hiking, reading, and watching soccer.