Staff

Cecely Castillo, Chief of Staff

Cecely (she/her) is a lawyer and recently appointed Dane County Board Supervisor with a wealth of public policy experience. A former Cook County (Chicago) Assistant State’s Attorney, she served as Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton’s Policy Director, an Assembly staffer for now-Minority Leader Gordon Hintz (D-54), and then-Democratic Caucus Chair Kelda Roys, and she was most recently policy director for the Wisconsin Alliance for Women’s Health. Cecely is also a licensed estate professional with OpenHomes and former board chair for DAIS. Cecely lives in Madison with her husband and their strong-willed young daughters.

*Cecely’s favorite cheese is Dunbarton Blue by Roelli Cheese (best purchased at Fromagination and paired with delicious Potter’s Crackers).

George Gillis, Senior Political Advisor

George (he/his) is a veteran of numerous Wisconsin political campaigns and legislative offices. George served as Chief of Staff for Majority Leader Thomas Nelson, Research Director for the Wisconsin Assembly Democrats, and Executive Director for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. George is also an active community leader, having served on the executive board for Citizens for Dane County's Future and on the Dane County Board (Dist. 14).

*George's favorite cheese is the Pipit from Landmark Creamery and Hooks 20 year cheddar – obviously!

Jalen Knuteson, Communications Director

Jalen (he/him) is an avid baseball fan and reader. Previously, Jalen worked for newspapers in Ellsworth and Fort Atkinson before transitioning into politics as a field organizer in 2020 and Campaign Manager in a 2022 State Senate campaign. Jalen lives on the East side with his partner Elena and rescue-pup August. 

*Jalen’s favorite cheese is the Port Salut-Style Belaire from Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery.