Chairman
Greg Mahdesian
Gregory Mahdesian is a Los Angeles based activist, musician, and the Internal Communication Manager for Servicon Systems, Inc. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where he received his degree in Classical Studies. A devoted and lifelong progressive, Gregory was raised in the world of Democratic politics- his parents met while working at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee- but he did not formally involve himself until after the wake-up call that was the 2016 election.
In the lead up to the 2018 mid-terms, Gregory formed Blue Neighbors with his friends in Georgia politics. After leading a successful fundraising campaign for Blue Neighbors’ first cycle, he has dedicated himself to building on that momentum for the 2020 campaigns. When not working or recording, Gregory enjoys spending time with his wife Diana and their 10 year old pit bull, Wesley- a very good boy who thinks politics isn’t nearly as exciting as playing fetch.
Strategic Director
Liliana Bakhtiari
Liliana Bakhtiari is a proud queer, Iranian Azeri woman from a family of Muslim immigrants. The daughter of a refugee, Liliana's political experiences started at the age of eight, when she began attending political marches with her family, working in refugee resettlement with her father, and volunteering in women & children's shelters. She attended Georgia State University, where she invested her time in student led coalitions and causes such as affordable education and affordable housing.
She spent time in Washington D.C. working in crisis reporting, and has spent time working and volunteering all over the Southeast region of the US, and in 26 countries around the world.In 2017, she ran in Atlanta as the first out queer Muslim person in the country. Liliana currently resides in Atlanta with her 2 dogs, 3 cats, and partner of 7 years, and still spends her days advocating for Georgia’s most vulnerable populations.
Political CoordinatorBen Heppner
Ben Heppner is a lifelong Democrat who has spent the last seven years working to increase democratic power in the south. He got his start in 2012 as an intern on the Obama Campaign, since then he has been involved in races at every level in Georgia, from races for School Board to Governor and Senator. He has also worked on important races in other southern states, including working as deputy data director for Senator Doug Jones in Alabama. Ben is excited to continue that work with Blue Neighbors.
