Raven Brooks is the executive director for Netroots Nation. Brooks got his start in politics by co-founding and leading BuyBlue.org, a revolutionary website that encouraged consumers to “vote with their wallets.” Brooks has a strong background in software development and design, management, business consulting, and project management. Fortune 100 companies and small start-ups have sought out his expertise. Brooks has been featured in countless media outlets as a visionary entrepreneur. Brooks is a member of the San Francisco New Leaders Council advisory board and was named one of their top 40 under 40 emerging leaders in 2008. He lives in San Francisco, CA, with his wife and two cats and is an avid cyclist, hiker and outdoor enthusiast.

Karen Thomas Kolber is the development director for Netroots Nation. With more than a decade of fundraising experience, Kolber began her career in the health and human services arena, working at one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the country before founding the consulting firm FFD. She is recognized as an expert in her field, authoring the Democratic GAIN Fundraising Manual and teaching for the Brown-Tully Institute, EMILY’s List, National Women’s Political Caucus, and the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia. Residing in Virginia Beach with her dog, Lucy, she serves on the Board of Young Audiences and volunteers for Cavalier Rescue USA.

Mary Rickles is the director of communications and media for Netroots Nation. She previously worked in marketing and branding at the award-winning San Francisco magazine. Since her first job as a reporter, she has worked with agencies, non-profits and corporate companies on projects ranging from brand development to marketing strategy to event production. She grew up in Birmingham, AL, and currently lives in San Francisco.

Nolan Treadway is the logistics director for Netroots Nation, where he works with the venue to ensure a smooth and successful convention. Treadway went from Daily Kos lurker to convention organizer in March 2005 when the call went out for people with experience in planning conventions. Having spent four years in the Bay Area working in convention sales, he had the right mix of experience and naïvety to help plan the first two conventions as a volunteer. Treadway received his bachelor’s degree in business from Michigan State University and earned a master’s in public policy from the American University School of Public Affairs in Washington, DC.