FOUNDER & CEO

Eliza Pell David Massaro is the founder of 818 Political and a political strategist who lives and breathes campaigns. After a 27-year career in sales and management, where she built expertise in leadership, strategy, and communication, the 2016 election sparked a shift. By 2018, she had jumped headfirst into politics and hasn’t looked back since.

She joined the Avon, Connecticut Democratic Town Committee that year and now serves as Chair, leading local organizing efforts, mentoring candidates, and helping campaigns win at every level.

Eliza is also the co-founder and treasurer of 95 in 35 PAC, where she works to recruit, train, and support women running for office and build a stronger pipeline of future leaders. She’s a graduate of the Campaign School at Yale and now serves on its board, helping guide and mentor the next generation of candidates.

She founded 818 Political in 2021 with a clear mission: elect more Democrats, especially women, and make sure every candidate has the tools, strategy, and confidence to win.

At the end of the day, Eliza is driven by one thing, helping people step up, run, and win. Whether it’s your first campaign or your next big race, she’s all in on turning your vision into victory

LEAD CONSULTANT

Mary comes to 818 with a varied background working with political campaigns and nonprofits. A native Midwesterner and erstwhile Southerner, Mary has worked with Democrats running in red states and districts in fundraising roles, as campaign manager and even as a candidate’s wife. She does not recommend the latter.  A founding board member of AWAKETN, originally a PAC based in Nashville, she has supported women in finding their political voices, learning to bring about change within the political system and advocate for themselves and the legislation that serves them. After moving to the Northeast nearly a decade ago, Mary aimed to put politics on the back burner, but soon found herself involved in her adopted hometown of Weston as a member of the Conservation Commission and of the Weston DTC. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

A recovering trial lawyer, Mary holds a J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law, a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa and is a proud graduate of the Campaign School at Yale.

RESEARCH, TEXTING, DESIGN

Alanna is a data researcher at 818 Political, where they specialize in collecting and analyzing data to support client strategy and decision-making. In addition to their research work, they contribute behind the scenes through messaging development and content editing. They hold a bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy, reflecting their strong interest in both creativity and human connection. Outside of their professional work, Alanna can often be found at a local cat café, combining their love for animals with their commitment to community engagement. They are passionate about using their skills to make a meaningful difference through data, art, and service.

CONSULTANT & DIGITAL SPECIALIST

Ben brings over a decade of experience in digital strategy, video production, and public communications, supporting political campaigns, nonprofits, and business leaders.

An accomplished filmmaker and photographer, Ben has directed and edited hundreds of commercials, generating more than 50 million video views - and counting. From concept to placement, he builds digital campaigns that don’t just look good, they move people to action.

With a track record of helping flip red seats blue, he knows how to identify the audience, craft the message, and deliver efficient and effective media campaigns. Known for cutting through the digital clutter, Ben delivers clear, compelling content that drives results.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time with his family, watching films, and cheering on UGA. Go Dawgs!

STRATEGY, CLIENT SERVICES, SALES

Gregory Shimer has spent over 30 years mastering the art of influence, operating at the high-stakes intersection of digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and public policy. With a digital career dating back to 1998 and a political foundation built in the early 1990s, Greg offers a "first-mover" perspective on how technology reshapes community and political engagement.

As a former advertising agency owner, Greg navigated the evolution of the web from its infancy to the complex, data-driven ecosystems of today. This entrepreneurial background allows him to bridge the gap between high-level brand strategy and the tactical pragmatism required to scale businesses in a shifting digital landscape.

Greg’s political and civic impact is equally deep and diverse. Since graduating from Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy, he has been a relentless advocate and strategist. His political experience spans the full spectrum of American governance, having worked with candidates for municipal, statewide, and Congressional campaigns for the last several decades. Greg is on record as one of the youngest Rotary International Club Presidents during his tenure in Connecticut’s "Quiet Corner." He is a also a member of the ACLU. This early commitment to service evolved into a long-standing career in public life, including roles as an Economic Development Director, a member of the Northeast Economic Alliance and Compassionate Choices, and a frequent legislative advocate testifying before the Connecticut General Assembly on many a subject.

Today, Greg combines his veteran marketing instincts with his deep-rooted political acumen to advise organizations on strategic communications, governance, and community advocacy. Whether he is navigating a campaign trail or a corporate boardroom, his focus remains the same: driving transparency, execution, and measurable impact.