DPG Hires Experienced Georgia Operatives For Senior Staff Roles

ATLANTA – Today, the Democratic Party of Georgia announced new additions to our growing team: Finance Director Indras Whittaker, Operations Director Candice Washington, Voter Protection Deputy Director Saira Draper, and Legislative Victory Fund Director Craig Walters. 

Democratic Party of Georgia Executive Director Scott Hogan released the following statement: 

“With two Senate seats, the state legislature, and the Presidency on the ballot in 2020, the road to victory runs through Georgia. Our task is big, but our path is clear – Georgia Democrats will build an operation that will talk to every voter, protect every vote, and elect strong Democrats up and down the ticket. Indras, Candice, Saira, and Craig together bring the experience and expertise that will help us turn Georgia blue for good. I am thrilled to have them as we work together to build a team that truly represents our state, and fight for the progress Georgians deserve.” 

Indras Whittaker, Finance Director  

Indras Whittaker has deep Atlanta roots, and comes to the DPG after years of experience in political fundraising and hospitality marketing. Throughout her career, she has raised millions of dollars for multiple Atlanta mayoral elections and congressional races along with charitable organizations including S.O.S. Villages and the Maynard Jackson Youth Foundation. Indras is a proud alumna of Morris Brown College and the University of Georgia. 

Candice Washington, Operations Director 

Candice Washington is returning to the DPG as Operations Director, having previously ran operations for the 2016 general election. A native Georgian, Candice has volunteered with the Party’s voter protection program since 2014, where she helped organize poll watchers across the state. Candice is an alumna of Woodward Academy, the College of Wooster, and Tulane Law School. She lives in Collier Heights. 

Saira Draper, Voter Protection Deputy Director 

Saira Draper comes to the Party from the Southern Poverty Law Center, where she practiced public interest impact litigation and challenged federal policies separating detained immigrant children from their families. She also has substantial complex commercial litigation and investigation experience from her work in the private sector. A Georgia native, Saira cares deeply about voter protection, and volunteered with the DPG’s voter protection committee before transitioning to her full-time role. Saira is a proud graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, and lives with her family in Candler Park. 

Craig Walters, Legislative Victory Fund Director  

Craig Walters is a veteran of Georgia Democratic politics, and has worked with over 50 campaigns and organizations across the state to elect strong Democrats and progressives. Walters served as the Field and Targeting Director of the House Democratic Caucus from 2013-2017, and led field efforts for Stacey Abrams’ historic 2018 gubernatorial campaign. A lifelong Georgian, Walters is a native of McDonough, Georgia and a graduate of Berry College. 

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