Get to Know Us
Welcome to our community! While our primary focus is on elections, we also passionately engage in community service, fostering the support of like-minded progressives committed to making a difference. Join us as we continue to grow and create positive change together!
Executive Leadership
President
Amanda Knapp, Ph.D.
Originally from New York, Amanda moved to Miami Beach for her master’s after volunteering in South Africa and South America. Raised in a politically active family, she values community involvement. She holds a PhD in Public Affairs focused on Human Trafficking Policy, a Bachelor's in Political Science, a Master's in International Intercultural Education, and Graduate Certificates in Latin American and Caribbean Studies and Nonprofit and Community Development.
As Chair of the Miami Beach Human Rights Committee, Amanda is dedicated to civic engagement and social justice. She believes in data-driven planning to drive policy change and empower communities.
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Vice President of Administration
Linda Kolko
Originally from New York City, Linda Kolko retired in 2011 after 40 years of federal service, including 33 years managing international development programs. She spent 20 years at the Inter-American Foundation, twice serving as interim President, and held leadership roles at the Peace Corps.
A Florida resident since 2020, she purchased an Art Deco building in Miami Beach in 1989. Linda holds a B.S. in Mathematics Education from the University of Vermont. A dedicated Democratic activist, she has led campaign efforts, received the Montgomery County Democratic Volunteer of the Year Award, and serves on Miami Beach’s Transportation Committee.
Secretary
Vacant
More to come....
Treasurer
Kevin Harris
Kevin, a South Florida native from a blue-collar Democratic family, has been passionate about politics since casting his first vote in 2004. A proud graduate of Miami-Dade Public Schools, he earned a Business Administration degree from FIU in 2008.
After losing his sister in 2011, Kevin dedicated his life to public service, working as a Miami-Dade Police dispatcher since 2012. Having cared for ailing relatives, he is a strong advocate for universal healthcare. A former congressional candidate (2022), he is committed to electing strong Democrats at all levels of government and making a lasting impact.
Parliamentarian
Severine Cukierman
Severine, a first-generation American and Miami Beach native, was born to a Dominican mother and French father. She embraces progressive Democratic values and believes in thinking globally while acting locally. This passion led her to the Miami Beach Democratic Club to drive change in her community.
She holds an MBA from Mount Saint Mary’s University and a B.S. in Business Administration from Boston University. As Chair of the Data Committee and Parliamentarian, she applies her business and analytical skills to support progressive leaders who represent the majority’s interests. Severine is committed to making a positive impact through dedicated activism.
Board of Director 1
Vacant
More to come...
Board of Director 2
Cristina Waters
Cristina has been a dedicated member of the Miami Beach Democrats for years, becoming more actively involved during the last election cycle. She started in the Outreach Committee and soon became Chair, leading messaging efforts, training volunteers, and organizing “Day of Action” events. She also contributed to the Communications and Data Committees.
Originally from upstate New York, Cristina lived in the D.C. area for 15 years before moving to Miami Beach in 2015. A Behavior Consultant with 25 years of experience, she is committed to increasing club membership, voter registration, and community engagement to help elect strong Democratic candidates.
Board of Director 3
Vacant
More to come...
Board of Director 4
Tim Johnson
Tim, a lifelong Democrat, is committed to strengthening Democratic victories in Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County. He believes a strong local performance is crucial for statewide success and works to engage voters in driving meaningful change.
A Miami Beach resident for over 20 years, Tim has a background in marketing and advertising, specializing in hospitality. Originally from Buffalo, NY, he holds an MBA from Baruch College. An active member of the Miami Beach Democratic Club, he is dedicated to making the community a better place to live and work.