Meet the Team

Illinois District 68 State Representative

Welcome! I’m State Representative Dave Vella. I grew up in Rockford and have lived in the Rockford area my entire life. I started school at RPS 205 and graduated from Boylan High School. I live in Rockford with my wife Michelle, and our daughter Grace. Our son Ryan also lives in Rockford. I’ve spent the last 20 years working as an attorney at my law firm, Vella & Lund. I started my career as a Public Defender in Winnebago County. I worked there for three years, representing people who couldn’t afford an attorney. Being an attorney has allowed me to work with people from many different backgrounds. My work in our community has focused on helping the most vulnerable, and our children. I want everyone in our community to be able to provide for themselves and their families. My family and my community are important to me, and I learned a lot about both from my grandpa, Zeke Giorgi. When I was young, he told me something that really stuck with me. He said "Everyone’s the same. We all want our families and our neighbors to have a good life." This is the community first mindset that I will continue to highlight in my district work. I am here for you. Staterepdavevella@gmail.com

Chief of Staff

Ricardo Montoya Picazo was born in Mexico and was brought to the United States at the age of 7. He grew up in Central Illinois (Beardstown, IL) where he graduated from Beardstown High School. Soon after graduation, he went on to study at the University of Illinois at Springfield where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (2010) and Masters Degree in Practical Politics (2012). Ricardo began his professional career working for a statewide non-for-profit organization on social, economic, and political issues. He then moved to Rockford, IL in 2015 where he was hired to be the Field Representative for Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, IL-17th District and was in-charge to oversee five northwestern counties from the Congresswoman's Rockford District Office. He stayed in that role for over five years, until taking the position as Chief of Staff for State Representative Dave Vella, IL-68th District at the start of 2021. Ricardo brings to his role high professional experience in government, legislative, and public affairs relations. He looks forward to serving the people of the 68th District and to solving any issues the residents in the district might have with the State of Illinois. Ricardo@staterepdavevella.com

Head of Outreach & Marketing

Joan Velazquez was born and raised in Rockford, IL. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Rock Valley College and graduated from Northern Illinois University in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Nonprofit and NGO Studies. Joan is dedicated to understanding the impact of government and the influence of strong communities. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and baking. Joan is passionate about making government more accessible and ensuring that laws are communicated in a clear and understandable way for all constituents. Jvelazquez68thdistrict@gmail.com

District Intern

Kayla Giardono was born in Rockford, IL. She earned her Bachelors in Business Economics at Loyola University Chicago, and is continuing her studies as a second year law student at the University of Dayton School of Law. In her free time she likes to bake, watch sports, and make poor legal jokes.  Kayla is dedicated to becoming an individual who is capable of representing a wide range of individuals, and aims to bridge gaps between members of the community and the state.

District Intern

Alondra Ortiz-Najera was born and raised in Rockford, IL. Currently she is a sophomore at Rockford University pursuing a double major in political science and criminal justice. She is also a mentor for a first generation student support program at Rockford University as well as the Co-President of the club RU Hearts in Action. Previously she interned at Alignment Rockford where she assisted with community engagement events regarding public schools, and helped connect families to local resources. Alondra enjoys being involved within her community and is passionate about individuals feeling heard and have a strong sense of belonging. 

District Intern

Priya Thakar was born in Hoffman Estates, IL, and she grew up around the Hampshire and Huntley areas. She graduated from Huntley High School and achieved an Illinois Global Scholar Certification in 2024. Priya is currently a Junior at Rockford University, studying Political Science with a minor in Sociology. She aspires to attend law school somewhere in the Chicago area following her early graduation in 2027. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to pop music, crocheting, and watching true crime documentaries. Priya is dedicated to serving the public and helping the community.

District Intern

Nathan Anderson was born in Chicago Illinois and grew up in Dyer Indiana. He attended Saint Michaels Catholic School in Schererville Indiana. He attended High School in Rockford Illinois at Boylan Catholic Highschool. Currently he is attending Saint Ambrose University, and studying History, Art History, Political Science. Nathan is wanting to learn and experience the impact and systems of government, and is excited to learn about them through working with Representative Dave Vella. Nathan is seeking to help make government more accessible to everyone. He likes playing video games, and spending time with friends.