Dessa is a data management expert with experience using data in order to advance client micro targeting, direct voter contact and new media efforts. She currently serves as the chief administrator for the Voter Activation Network (VAN) in Illinois.

Skilled in data procurement and integration, Dessa works with municipal, county and statewide election commissions, as well as outside vendors, in order to acquire supplemental data for the network.

She also provides in-house, on-site and online training sessions and technical support for elected officials and campaign staffers, instructing them in how to maximize campaign opportunities with available data. This includes taking advantage of new technologies, such as the recently released iPhone application.

In the 2011 municipal election cycle in Chicago, Dessa oversaw micro targeting, polling and direct voter contact efforts for aldermanic campaigns in 34 wards, including more than 250,000 phone calls and 43 pieces of direct mail, reaching more than 380,000 voters.

Dessa is a graduate of Roanoke College where she received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and history.