VERMONT DEMOCRATS
VDP Staff
May Hanlon
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
May joins the VDP as Executive Director after a career dedicated to building winning campaigns at the local, state, and national levels. A native of Island Pond, Vermont, May began her political work with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG), where she built grassroots support for critical public interest issues and deepened community engagement across the state.
Most recently, May served as Deputy Director of Direct Marketing at the Democratic National Committee (DNC), overseeing key strategies and operations for the Harris Victory Fund. Prior to that, she worked with the Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee (PAHDCC), where her data-driven electoral strategies helped flip a net of twelve seats in 2022, securing the first Democratic majority in over a decade. She went on to lead the campaign plan for the 2023 special elections, ensuring Democrats defended their state House majority.
May’s experience in both organizing and campaign strategy has reinforced her belief that elections are about more than candidates—they are about long-term movement building and empowering communities. She is eager to strengthen the VDP’s infrastructure, invest in grassroots organizing, and elect Democrats up and down the ballot. A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, May is excited to return home to Vermont and get to work for the people of the Green Mountain State.
Shelden Goodwin
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Shelden returned to the Vermont Democratic Party in July 2022. She comes with a strong background in fundraising, campaign finance and political organizing and has built a statewide network in her years working in Vermont. Most recently, she was the Political Outreach Director for Vermont Conservation Voters (VCV) and had worked for VCV since 2019. Previously, Shelden worked for the Vermont Democratic Party as the highly effective Field Organizer for Chittenden/Grand Isle/Franklin Counties for the 2018 campaign. She graduated with a masters degree in Public Policy with a focus on municipal policy from Simmons University in Boston, MA. She lives in Burlington and when not working can be found trying out local coffee shops around town. Shelden is passionate about building a financially secure and professional Vermont Democratic Party.
Liam O'Sullivan
HOUSE DIRECTOR
Liam joined the VDP in March of 2022 as the House Caucus Director. He comes with years of experience in fundraising, advocacy, and organizing at the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG). As an advocate, Liam cultivated long-lasting relationships with legislators and organizations around Vermont and helped pass millions of dollars in climate-related infrastructure investments. Liam was also the Operations Director for the VPIRG Canvass for three years – activating thousands of Vermonters and raising millions of dollars on behalf of strong, environmentally conscious legislation. In addition, Liam directed the ground-game for VPIRG Votes during the 2020 and 2022 election cycles. He recruited, trained, and managed a team of canvassers on behalf of endorsed candidates across Vermont. He graduated from UVM with a dual degree in political science and environmental studies, and currently resides in Burlington. Liam is looking forward to using his experience to support and help elect House Democrats during the 2023 – 2024 election cycle.
Erin Stoetzner
SENATE DIRECTOR
Erin joined the VDP in spring of 2024 as our Senate Director, joining our team following a stint as an advocate and time in government service, and she returns for the 2025 cycle with excitement and vision.
Erin spent the 2024 legislative session working as an advocate, primarily focusing on Vermont land use policy and advocating for affordable and accessible health care. Prior to her work in Montpelier, Erin served on the staff of Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger, focusing on constituent communications, municipal event planning, policy research, project management, and social media management. Erin attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst for both grad and undergrad; she has a M.P.P. in Public Policy and a B.A. in Legal Studies.