Meet the Board
The board serves as the club's leadership. They set meeting agendas, track our finances and membership dues, and represent the club at DPCCC and any Assembly District Committee meetings.
President
Laura Nakamura​
Long time Concord resident, community volunteer, and healthcare worker, Laura Nakamura was elected to the Concord City Council in November, 2022. Laura was propelled into public service by her belief that traveling by bicycle should be safe and appealing to people of all ages and abilities. Her advocacy roots may have started in a bike lane, but informed by her Catholic faith, Laura is committed to caring for our most vulnerable neighbors and caring for our common home - planet earth.
A proud National Union of Healthcare Workers (NUHW) union steward, Laura has enjoyed a long career performing cardiac ultrasound exams in both the adult and pediatric specialties.
Laura’s first year on the council was marked by strong leadership - she stepped up to chair the City's Homeless Strategic Plan Working Group, applying leadership and dedication to addressing homelessness in the Concord community. She was appointed to serve on the boards of Marin Clean Energy (MCE) and the John Muir Health Community Health Fund.
Also in 2023, Laura’s commitment to her neighbors was demonstrated through her support of developing stronger tenant protections which culminated in the passage of a rent stabilization and just cause for eviction ordinance. Laura prioritizes the building of affordable housing by a skilled and trained workforce. She works tirelessly to improve Concord by lifting up community based organizations and individuals who make Concord a welcoming and compassionate place to call HOME.
You can reach Laura at Laura@LauraNakamura.net or 925-338-1259.
Vice President
Laura Patch
Laura Patch is an environmental activist, an accessibility expert, and a proud union member. She has spent her entire career in nonprofits. Between getting her a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA and her Master’s in Communication, Culture & Technology from Georgetown University, Laura served as an AmeriCorps member in Walnut Creek, Oakland, and Antioch. She’s worked with organizations that offer job training for low-income or formerly incarcerated individuals, address gender-equity, and fight against climate change; she is currently a national staff member with the Sierra Club.
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In addition to her work with DV Dems, she is External Vice President of Contra Costa Young Dems and an inaugural board member for the University of San Francisco’s Women in Leadership program. She volunteers with several community organizations in the area, including Sustainable Walnut Creek and Walnut Creek Community Clean-up Crew.
Treasurer
Robyn Kuslits
Robyn Kuslits is a community leader and activist, serving in many different roles within the community and the Democratic Party. Robyn served 8 years in the United States Navy, and has a B.S. in Business and a Juris Doctorate. Robyn previously served as President of Lambda Democratic Club, President of Rainbow Community Center Board of Directors, and as Club Development Chair and Parliamentarian for the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County. Robyn served as a CDP delegate in 2018-2019, and was awarded the Outstanding Democrat award in 2023.
Robyn spends her free time as a news junkie, reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, and watching movies and sports with friends.
Secretary
Leslie Baxter
Leslie is a retired attorney, who practiced civil law in the East Bay for 30 years. She resides in Concord with her partner, Chris. Leslie is a member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County for the 4th District (2025-29). In addition to her experience as a legal advocate and mediator, Leslie has served as president of the Eastern Alameda County Bar Association and the Mount Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church. In her spare time Leslie enjoys hiking, biking, weight lifting, gardening, cooking, and learning new things.
