Our Team
We’re here to help
Derek Silver
Since 2016, Derek has worked in the Massachusetts State Legislature. He started his State House career working for State Senator Anne Gobi while serving the Worcester Hampden District, and worked for the Senator for nearly seven years, acting as her Legislative Director before joining Senator Gomez’s staff in July of 2023. Derek received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Colorado Boulder where he majored in Political Science and minored in English; he holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Massachusetts Boston, graduating in 2021 after receiving the Carol Torto Scholarship and the Richard A. Hogarty Award for Academic Achievement. He enjoys cooking, reading, and most outdoor activities.
CHIEF OF STAFF
Madeleine Holden
Holden joined Senator Gomez’s staff after two years of working in the House of Representatives as a Legislative Aide to Representative David Linsky (D-Natick). She is a 2021 graduate of Lafayette College where she received her undergraduate degree in Government & Law and conducted academic research regarding the relationship between gender and candidate recruitment for public office. Holden joins the Senate as a senior member of the Senator’s team and serves as advisor and manager for the Senator’s legislative agenda.
LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
Chris Gongora
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Chris Gongora joined Senator Gomez’s team in July of 2023 after serving as Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Western Massachusetts Regional Director in Springfield for nearly two years. Chris received his associate degree from Holyoke Community College where he majored in Communication and Media. Prior to his tenure working for Senator Warren, he served as a 911 dispatcher for the City of Springfield for a year and a half and as a social worker for the Department of Developmental Services for seven years.
Lamari Jackson
Lamari is a Springfield native with deep family roots in the Hampden District. She received her Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of San Diego, where she gained the foundation for a passion for public service. Previously she has interned with Congressman Richard Neal and Mayor Domenic Sarno, gaining a more comprehensive knowledge of the Hampden District and the constituency. She is eager to use her passion for public service to serve the Hampden District community through hands-on involvement with constituents. On her off-time, Lamari loves spending time with her family and friends, caring for her cats, and stargazing on clear nights.
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
Silvana Gómez
DIRECTOR OF CONSTITUENT SERVICES
Gómez joins Senator Gomez’s team after working at various non-profits advocating for equitable access to services and opportunities for low-income, immigrant and Latino families. Her dedication to public service began during her internship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute in the office of Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. Silvana holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Women’s Studies from Harvard. A proud first-generation American and the daughter of Colombian immigrants, Silvana brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by diverse communities and is committed to ensuring our constituents feel heard.
