OUR LEADERSHIP

Working to expand and promote OHHSD, the Ohio High School Democrats Executive Board is made up of an elected State Chair and Vice Chair, along with other appointed leaders from across the state of Ohio.

STATE CHAIR

George Baldree (gwbaldree@gmail.com) is a junior at Kettering Fairmont High School and serves as Chair of the Ohio High School Democrats. Now based in the Dayton area, George previously lived in Antalya, Turkey, and is fluent in English and Turkish, and is currently learning German. A passionate advocate for student engagement, he stays informed on current events both in the U.S. and internationally. Beyond politics, George participates in Choir, Orchestra, A cappella, Mock Trial, and Swimming. He is committed to revitalizing OHHSD and excited to lead the organization into our next chapter.

STATE VICE CHAIR

Josh Carter (joshcarter07@gmail.com), a senior at Hudson High School, serves as Vice-Chair of the Ohio High School Democrats. He is the founder and chair of the Hudson High School Young Democrats, his local HSDA chapter. Passionate about civic engagement, Josh volunteers on campaigns and participates in community service initiatives. Outside of politics, he is a musician, playing the drums, piano, and singing, as well as serving as Vice-President of the Drama Club and an avid Cleveland sports fan. Josh is excited to bring energy and leadership to OHHSD during his term as Vice-Chair.

Future Plans: Coming Soon...

CHIEF OF STAFF

Diya Gupta (diyagupta2103@gmail.com), a sophomore at Padua Franciscan High School, serves as Chief of Staff of the Ohio High School Democrats. She is involved in Mock Trial and Model UN, and is a published writer and advocate who believes in the power of words and the importance of representation. Her experiences as a brown girl in leadership have shaped her mission to speak up, create belonging, and inspire others through passion and commitment.

POLICY DIRECTOR

Paxton Merz (paxtonmerz@gmail.com), a senior at Loveland High School, serves as Policy Director of the Ohio High School Democrats. At Loveland, he is President of the HSDA chapter, National Honor Society President, varsity swim captain, and Show Choir President/Dance Captain. Paxton also co-founded and serves as Press Secretary for the Clermont County Young Democrats. Active in politics since 2020, he has used his voice and volunteer work to amplify progressive causes through canvassing and community engagement.

Future Plans: Paxton plans to pursue a degree in Political Science and later obtain his law degree.

DEPUTY POLICY DIRECTOR

Jessica Fike (jl.fike@icloud.com), a junior at Logan Elm High School in Pickaway County, serves as Deputy Policy Director of the Ohio High School Democrats. Inspired by her father, a longtime government and economics teacher, Jessica is passionate about social advocacy and committed to integrity in civic life. She is active in student government, Key Club, Educators Rising, mentorship programs, DoSomething, Ohio State’s NextGen Glenn program, and the HSDA Association of Rural High School Democrats. Outside of advocacy, Jessica plays varsity golf and enjoys reading, writing, protesting, and cheering on Ohio sports teams.

POLITICAL DIRECTOR

Dallas Harris (dallasjonathan26harris@outlook.com) a senior at Sandusky High School, serves as Political Director of the Ohio High School Democrats. Born and raised in Sandusky and Westlake, Dallas is a multi-sport athlete passionate about public service and civic engagement. He thrives on bringing people together, organizing initiatives, and ensuring every voice is heard, values he carries into all aspects of his leadership. Beyond athletics and academics, Dallas actively participates in voter registration drives, community service, and protests. Dedicated to serving his community and inspiring others to do the same, he is committed to cultivating the next generation of engaged citizens and public servants.

Future Plans: Dallas plans to attend the University of Cincinnati next fall to study Politics & Public Law, laying the groundwork for a future career in public service and Constitutional Law.

DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR

Reece Lesondra (presidentreece@gmail.com), a senior at Padua Franciscan High School, serves as Deputy Political Director for the Ohio High School Democrats. At school, he is active in student government as one of two class presidents and participates in Model UN, National Honor Society, Bowling, and several other organizations. Reece is an avid reader with a strong passion for history, and he spends much of his time engaged in community service. Work he views as the foundation for his future as a public servant.

Future Plans: Reece plans to study Political Science, earn his law degree, and build a career in state and national politics.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Nethra Denduluri (nethraganesh25@gmail.com), a junior in the IB Diploma Program at Dublin Jerome High School, serves as Local Chapter Director of the Ohio High School Democrats. She has been active in HSDA as a speaker for the AANHPI caucus, campaign volunteer, and founder of HSDA Central Ohio. At school, Nethra is Secretary of the Speech and Debate team, placing 13th in the state and top 24 nationally in Original Oratory. Beyond academics, she has led youth initiatives with PURE and co-founded Justice Beyond Borders, an immigration nonprofit. Through these experiences, Nethra has developed strong leadership, organizational, and public speaking skills, with a commitment to building inclusive communities.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Harun Siddiqui (harun186282@gmail.com), a junior at New Albany High School, serves as Local Chapter Director of the Ohio High School Democrats. A Columbus native, Harun has been involved with HSDA for about a year, working on political campaigns, including serving as a Democracy Summer Fellow for Rep. Joyce Beatty. He is passionate about civic engagement and plans to study linguistics while learning Russian and ASL. At school, Harun is active in Model UN and Quiz Bowl, and in his free time enjoys baking and spending time with friends and family.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Sophia Jahn (Sophia.jahn29@gmail.com), a junior at Kettering Fairmont High School, serves as Communications Director for the Ohio High School Democrats. Based in Kettering, Sophia is active in her school’s swim team and Symphony Orchestra, and also works at Dorothy Lane Market. She is excited to contribute to OHHSD’s mission and looks forward to helping the organization grow and engage students all across Ohio.

"A LEADER IS ONE WHO KNOWS THE WAY, GOES THE WAY, AND SHOWS THE WAY"

-JOHN C. MAXWELL

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse