On June 29, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) announced the appointment of Seema Nanda, an Indian American executive, as its incoming CEO. Nanda will take over the position from Mary Beth Cahill, the DNC’s interim CEO, later this month.

The search for the DNC’s new CEO started after former chief executive Jess O’Connell left the organization in January. After a lengthy search, the DNC tapped on the talents of Seema Nanda, who will be departing her current role as the executive vice president and COO at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

Interim CEO, Mary Beth Cahill said that Nanda undoubtedly fit the bill as the next Chief executive of the DNC. “With Seema joining our senior leadership team, I know that the DNC will be in good hands,” she said.

A graduate of Boston College Law School and Brown University, Nanda is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. She has previously worked with the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, and the Department of Labor. At the Department of Labor, Nanda served as DNC chair Tom Perez’ chief of staff.

In a press statement, Perez said that he was confident that Nanda’s leadership will capitalize on the grassroots energy and enthusiasm of party contests in the coming elections. “I’m beyond excited that Seema is bringing her talent and brilliance to the DNC,” said DNC Chair Tom Perez. “I’ve seen first-hand Seema’s exceptional ability to lead. She is a seasoned manager who has a proven track record of success and well-documented history of fighting for our Democratic values, whether it’s on immigration, civil rights or leveling the playing field for our workers.”

Nanda stated that she was humbled and honored by the appointment. “People are hurting all across our country. And I believe that Democrats are offering the positive solutions so desperately-needed right now – solutions forged by the strength of our diversity, the rigor of our ideas, and the decency of our values. I am grateful to Chairman Perez and Mary Beth for selecting me, and I look forward to joining my new DNC colleagues in the fight for our nation’s values and future.” Nanda said in a press release.

Nanda’s appointment as the DNC’s chief executive is a reiteration of the fact that Indian – Americans are becoming more politically active. A record number of Indian – Americans are running for public offices in 2018.

USINPAC is current reaching out to Seema Nanda’s team to try and schedule an interview. We believe that Nanda’s new position as CEO of the DNC is further proof that Indian-Americans are rising within politics, and USINPAC is committed to keeping up to date with the latest Indian-American political news.