In 1997, Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair Steve Grossman took a major risk in selecting me to serve as the youngest political director in party history. On the heels of the 1996 presidential election, the DNC was millions of dollars in debt, and in 1998, the president faced charges of impeachment.

With our "right voters, right places" strategy and an untested and unorthodox team of organizers and new technologies, we made history despite the challenges. For the first time since James Monroe was president in 1822, the president’s party picked up seats in the House in a second-term, mid-term election and won key governorships as well. As a result, Speaker Newt Gingrich was forced to leave office.

While many questioned our approaches and investments, Steve empowered and encouraged me to pursue this plan. Moreover, members of that political team went on to play major roles in national and state campaigns -- on Capitol Hill, as Senate Chiefs of Staff, and in elected office -- all a testament to Steve's mentorship and tireless commitment to helping others become leaders and agents for positive change in their communities.

Jill Alper