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. and graduated from Rock Valley College with an Associate of Arts degree. Joan graduated Northern Illinois University in Spring '22 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in Nonprofit & 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 has a passion for law and governance and is eager to be a part of Vella’s team to assist in prioritizing the needs of constituents in the 68th district. Jvelazquez68thdistrict@gmail.com

Head of Constituent Services

Victoria Folmar started in 2023 as an office intern, specializing in constituent services and state agency assistance. She moved to Rockford from Houston, Texas to study Political Science at Rockford University. She graduated with her Bachelors Degree and is interested in furthering her education in law school. Her hobbies include reading and riding motorcycles. Her favorite books are fantasy, and is in her first year riding motorcycles. Victoria looks forward to helping the constituents of Illinois District 68 and learning all she can while working in this office. She says that this is a great opportunity to step out into the community and help spread a positive impact. victoriaf68thdistrict@gmail.com

Constituent Services Intern

Chloe Weinrich is an incoming Junior at Illinois Westen University, with a major in Political Science and Sociology; and a Minor in Women and Gender Studies. Chloe is especially involved with her sorority on campus and has served as Vice President of Learning Development and Vice President of Recruitment and Marketing for the Omicron Chapter of Kappa Delta sorority. These positions have helped her develop skills and interest in leadership, event-planning, and mentorship. After college, Chloe plans to pursue a career in public policy, lobbying, or as a legislative aid. She is especially passionate about community engagement/advocacy and looks forward to a career that will allow her to positively impact the community. Chloe also enjoys traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, discovering new music, and searching for new artistic pursuits. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with State Representative Vella and learn more about working as a public servant. 68thdistrictintern@gmail.com

Outreach/Marketing Intern

Jacklyn Solis was born and raised in Rockford, Il. She is currently a senior at Northern Illinois University and is double majoring in Sociology/Criminology and Psychology with a minor in Counseling. Jacklyn plans to become a lawyer one day in hopes to better her community. As an intern, she is eager to learn the marketing and outreach strategies that help further connect with constituents and their needs. In her free time, Jacklyn likes to draw/paint and spend time with her family. She is excited to work with the team of State Representative Dave Vella and contribute to the important work they are doing.  68thdistrictintern@gmail.com

Operations Intern

Abhinav Volety is a graduate from Auburn High School in the class of 2025. He will be attending University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall majoring in Political Science on a pre-law track. In his free time, he enjoys doing photography and videography around the Rockford area, as well as reading and playing tennis. Abhinav career goals include becoming a lawyer, and helping others through his career and art. Over the summer, he hopes to learn more about the field of political science and how the office serves its constituents. 68thdistrictintern@gmail.com

Constituent Services Intern

Brooke Christianson is a rising junior at Edgewood College in Madison, WI. She is majoring in Political Science and Chemistry and plans to attend law school after graduation. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, gardening, and hiking. She was born and raised in Rockford, and she looks forward to this opportunity to work with her community! 68thdistrictintern@gmail.com