Democratic Women of Craven County Leadership
Kate Blakefield
President
Kate Blakefield serves as President of the Democratic Women of Craven County and as Volunteer Coordinator for the Craven County Democratic Party. An artist, a retired Spanish teacher, and an organizer of people, Kate is known for her boundless energy and enthusiasm, both of which are evidenced by the myriad of activities happening at headquarters this year. She has also provided translations for Spanish voters and has served as Precinct Chair for Trent Woods.
Recognized as a “Star” by Democratic Women of North Carolina, she is also a recipient of the DWCC’s Kathleen Stallings Orringer Pioneers in Democracy Award and the Craven County Democratic Party’s William L. Wainwright Award.
Dr. Cheryl Dudasik-Wiggs
Vice-President
DWCC Vice President Cheryl Dudasik-Wiggs has been responsible for keeping members and the media updated about DWCC events through newsletters and social media. She was named a "Star" by DWNC for her work with gender equity and led the team that brought the 2022 Betty Ray McCain Award to DWCC. In her work as an ECU teaching associate professor In English, she served on the Council on Anti-Racism and Equity and as co-director of the university's Gender Studies Program.
Before retiring in 2024, she was named an ECU Woman of Distinction; and she received the ECU Committee on the Status of Women’s Dr. Linda Allred Profiles in Leadership Award.
Elaine Rouse
Secretary
Elaine Rouse made New Bern her home in 1991 and retired from Craven Community College in 2021 where she served as the Information Security Analyst for the Technology Services Department.
She became involved in the Democratic Party soon after retirement and is serving as the HJ MacDonald Precinct Chair, Secretary for the Craven County Democratic Party, and Secretary for Democratic Women of Craven County. She was awarded the North Carolina Democratic Women’s Star Award in 2024.
Brenda McGee
Treasurer
Brenda McGee has served as the DWCC treasurer since January 2024. She is a past DWCC secretary and has helped with social media for the group for several years.
Brenda was honored as a DWNC “Star” in 2024 at the State Convention. Brenda also serves as the secretary for her precinct in New Bern, sharing communications by email and social media for precinct Democrats and friends.
Before her retirement, Brenda worked as a school psychologist in the public schools of North Carolina for 38 years.
