#United States #Washington, D.C. #NGP VAN #Maya Benson #Sara Vernon

NGP VAN Expands Grassroots Support with New Leadership

In a significant move to enhance grassroots organizing for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, NGP VAN has announced the addition of two seasoned organizers, Maya Benson and Sara Vernon, as Regional Training & Success Leads. As part of their overarching strategy, dubbed "Organize Everywhere," the company is committed to empowering campaigns, non-profits, and advocacy groups across the country with comprehensive support.

A Commitment to Grassroots Organizing

NGP VAN's objective with the "Organize Everywhere" initiative is clear: provide year-round access to essential training, tools, and resources to bolster campaign efforts. By embedding experienced leaders within communities, the platform aims to offer hands-on assistance where it is most needed—on the ground, in local offices, and in the trenches of electoral battles.

Chelsea Peterson Thompson, the General Manager of NGP VAN, emphasized the importance of field support in her statement: "Organizing Everywhere means putting real support where it matters most—in the field, alongside the organizers and teams doing the hard work every day." This philosophy highlights the company’s commitment to not just digital engagement but to physical presence and collaboration with local teams.

Introducing Maya Benson and Sara Vernon

Maya Benson

Maya Benson brings a wealth of experience having worked intimately on Democratic campaigns, including Elizabeth Warren's Senate reelection and presidential campaigns. Her deep understanding of campaign technology positions her as an asset in ensuring that local teams can effectively utilize advanced organizing tools. Maya’s passion for making technology accessible will play a crucial role in enhancing election strategies and grassroots movements.

Sara Vernon

Meanwhile, Sara Vernon arrives with a solid decade of experience at the crossroads of organizing and data management. Previously with the National Education Association as a Data Literacy Specialist, Sara's expertise in training staff on data-driven organizing will help organizations develop sustainable practices. Her background with Planned Parenthood also gives her unique insights into advocacy work, strengthening the connection between data and grassroots mobilization.

What They Will Do

Together, Benson and Vernon will play vital roles in providing:

• - In-person Training: They will conduct on-the-ground training sessions tailored for campaign teams, focusing on strategies that enhance voter engagement.
• - Custom Support: Acting as local partners, they will assist in adapting tools and methodologies that align with specific campaign goals and contexts.
• - Feedback Integration: Their field presence will allow them to gather real-time feedback, which will inform NGP VAN’s product development and training strategies, ensuring the platform remains responsive to the needs of its users.

Continued Investment in Technological Innovation

NGP VAN’s commitment to innovation is exemplified by its recent initiatives, including the establishment of a dedicated API and a team specifically focused on data products. These enhancements demonstrate the company’s drive to modernize its platform and reinforce its support for progressive movements.

Conclusion

As we approach the critical midterm elections of 2026, the appointment of Maya Benson and Sara Vernon signifies NGP VAN’s dedication to fortifying democracy through grassroots organizing. With their expertise, the company is better equipped to help campaigns and movements succeed, embodying the spirit of collective effort and transformative change.