Officers

Milan runs Tiger Hill Partners (THP), an Alexandria-based consulting firm focused on government relations and public affairs, where he helps clients navigate complex legislative, regulatory, and political issues.

Prior to founding THP, Milan served in Congress in for eight years, most recently as Senior Economic Advisor to Senator Mark Warner, advising on financial reform, tax, and trade issues, and helping to develop the Senator’s initiatives for workforce development and addressing the “future of work.”  During his time in the Senate, Milan served as one of the Senator’s principal liaisons to the Commonwealth’s business community, frequently traveling throughout Virginia to meet with small businesses, trade associations, unions, and government officials.  It was during this time that Milan first became familiar with DemBiz and its mission, and was greatly honored to be elected to the Board upon his departure from the Senate at the end of 2017.

During his tenure on the Board, Milan has taken particular interest in programming and helping to find speakers who can grow our membership and create more interest in DemBiz’s mission.  This year, he hosted Sen. Warner and Rep. Wexton for virtual events, and engaged with several Democratic presidential candidates to try to secure appearances.  With the gubernatorial and House of Delegates elections approaching next year, Milan hopes to augment our terrific events with more frequent engagement with Democratic candidates for state office.  Furthermore, coming off of a presidential election with heightened youth interest, he would like to focus on expanding DemBiz’s membership with a younger demographic.

Beyond DemBiz, Milan is also active in the community as a volunteer, including providing pro bono legal services to the indigent; has served as Vice President of the South Asian Bar Association; and serves as a Truman National Security Fellow and a Member of the Atlantic Council.  Milan also enjoys teaching and has guest lectured at New York University, Boston University School of Law, American University, and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Alisa Valudes Whyte is the CEO and Senior Partner of Merritt Group. She joined Merritt Group in 1997 and helped to shape and grow the agency since its founding. She builds marketing, creative, PR and demand generation campaigns on a national scale for clients in technology, healthcare and government – from venture-funded startups to established market leaders. Her clients have included Microsoft, Samsung, Booz Allen Hamilton, Monster, LexisNexis, Deloitte, Check Point Software Technologies, Corvis, Workfront, Avizia, Yodlee, Heritage Provider Network, GoHealth Urgent Care, Abiomed, MedGenome, HealthTap, U.S. Pharmacopeia, and others.

Alisa is a champion of Merritt Group’s culture, recognized as a “Great Place to Work” by both Washingtonian Magazine and Washington Business Journal. In 2019, she was honored with a Silver Award for Female Executive of the Year in the annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. In 2015, she was named a finalist for DC Inno’s “50 on Fire” and, in 2016, a finalist in Women In Technology’s (WIT) Annual Leadership Awards. Prior to joining Merritt Group, Alisa worked at Ruder Finn in Washington, D.C., where she conducted media relations and public affairs for a wide range of clients including Citibank Mid-Atlantic and the law firm of Shaw Pittman. She also worked at the international architectural firm of Leo A. Daly as part of the marketing team.

Alisa serves on the Board of Directors of Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), Neighborhood Health, and Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia. She graduated with a BA from Dickinson College and spent a semester studying Economic Policy at American University.

Anthony Gitalado is a dynamic individual with a diverse background spanning military service, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. As a former veteran turned entrepreneur, A self-described “vet-repreneur.”He founded both a successful technology firm in New York City and a real estate venture in Virginia.

Prior to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Anthony served his country in various capacities, including roles at the IRS, DIA, U.S. Navy, and the Pentagon, where he gained invaluable experience as both a consultant and a civil servant. His military journey took him to the front lines in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he fulfilled roles ranging from infantryman to intelligence operative.

After his military service, Anthony continued to serve in the Virginia Army National Guard while also dedicating himself to community causes. He has a deep commitment to supporting veterans and foster children, regularly volunteering his time to these important causes.

Recognized for his leadership and dedication, Anthony has been appointed by former Governors Terry McAuliffe and Ralph Northam to serve on influential boards, including the Virginia Advisory Board and the Virginia Veteran Services Foundation. Additionally, he is appointed by Governor Youngkin to the IT Advisory Council. He has also lent his expertise to numerous political campaigns, focusing on issues affecting veterans and the AAPI community.

Anthony is a distinguished scholar, holding a B.S. in Computer Engineering from Virginia State University, where he was honored with the inaugural Alumnus Achievement STEM award. He furthered his education at prestigious institutions such as Columbia Business School, UCLA Anderson School of Management, Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship, and the Harvard Kennedy School.

Outside of his professional and community endeavors, Anthony cherishes time spent with his family, including his wife, two children, and two dogs. An avid lover of the outdoors and sports, he finds balance and joy in these pursuits.

Harrison Roday is currently running for the Mayor of Richmond, was raised in Central Virginia, and got his start in public service working alongside then-former Governor Tim Kaine during his first campaign for the United States Senate. Since then, his experience in business gave him the tools and resources to build and work with organizations that help build an economy that works for everybody. 

Harrison founded Bridging Virginia, a nonprofit community development fund that provides access to capital for Black, women, minority-owned small businesses. He is a leading voice in the community lending ecosystem, encouraging public officials and other business leaders to align their resources in promoting more equal access to opportunity. As Board Chair, Harrison is guiding Bridging Virginia’s strategic plans to potentially expand into Northern Virginia. 

Harrison has worked to elect a Democratic majority in the Virginia General Assembly, including financial support of candidates across NOVA and particularly in Loudoun and Prince William Counties. He serves on the Board of Directors of Roe Your Vote Virginia, a political action committee supporting pro-choice candidates, and We the People for Education, a nonprofit fighting recent waves of right-wing divisiveness and extremism on local school boards.

RJ Narang is the President and CEO of Renegade Technology Systems, Inc., headquartered in McLean, VA. The company provides information technology services, such as cybersecurity and enterprise architecture, to agencies within the federal government.

RJ also serves as a board member for the Health Systems Agency of Northern Virginia, as well as the Virginia Community College System State Board. In addition, he is a member and supporter of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee and the local Dranesville District Democratic Committee. In the past he has volunteered for Jim Moran and the Democratic National Committee. On the philanthropic side, he volunteers his time and financial support for RIF, or Reading Is Fundamental, a non-for-profit organization dedicated to Children’s literacy.

RJ is a graduate of American University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts/Criminal Justice in 2002 and Master of Public Administration in 2018.