09/29/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oswego City Democratic Committee Elects New Executive Board
OSWEGO, N.Y. — The Oswego City Democratic Committee last week filled open positions on its executive board, ushering in fresh leadership while honoring the legacy of the outgoing chair who guided the organization for six years.
Jonathan C. Ashline was elected Chair of the Committee. Ashline currently serves as Common Councilor for the Second Ward of the City of Oswego, where he sits on the Human Services, Physical Services, and Administrative Services committees. He is also a co-founder of Organize Oswego, a local mutual aid and community organizing group, and is a self-published author of seven novels and memoirs.
Chance A. Kennedy was elected Vice Chair. Kennedy works in healthcare administration at SUNY Upstate Medical University, where his work includes supporting the care of refugees and asylum seekers. He serves as First Ward Councilor for the City of Oswego and is a SUNY Oswego MBA graduate currently pursuing his Doctor of Business Administration. Kennedy is passionate about community service, responsive local government, and helping build a welcoming community for everyone who calls Oswego home. Outside of work and public service, he is also the proud cat dad of Cole and Merlin.
Jeff Stepien continues his service as Treasurer. Stepien is a music educator in the Syracuse City School District and performs professionally around Oswego and Syracuse. He currently serves as President of the Fitzhugh Park Elementary School Home & School Association and is proud to continue his tenure as Treasurer of the Oswego City Democratic Committee.
Julie Kelly Dean was elected Secretary. Dean retired over the summer after 42 years of service at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), most recently serving as Associate Director of Talent Acquisition. Born in Oswego, she relocated here in 2023 with her husband, Jeff, while continuing to work remotely for MIT. She has served as Board Secretary and Treasurer of the Sandown, New Hampshire Public Library and as a Director on the board of the Broomstones Curling Club in Wayland, Massachusetts. She is a member of the Oswego Dragon Boat Club and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and is proud to serve as Secretary of the Oswego City Democratic Committee.
The new board takes the helm following the conclusion of Dr. Lisa Glidden's tenure as Committee Chair. Over six years of dedicated leadership, Dr. Glidden built and sustained the Committee through significant electoral cycles and community challenges. The incoming board expresses its deep gratitude for her service and commitment to Democratic values in Oswego.
The Oswego City Democratic Committee is committed to growing a stronger, more inclusive Democratic Party in Oswego through active recruitment, coalition building, and community engagement. Any registered Democrat in the City of Oswego is welcome to join the Committee and help shape the future of local government. The new executive board invites residents to get involved, lend their voices, and be part of a growing movement for progressive change in our city. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with the Committee on Facebook at facebook.com/OswegoCityDems.
