Our Team
We’re here to help
Derek Silver
CHIEF OF STAFF
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 Gómez’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.
Madeleine Holden
LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR
Holden joined Senator Gómez’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.
Lamari Jackson
Karla Kahale
DISTRICT DIRECTOR
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.
DIRECTOR OF CONSTITUENT SERVICES
Karla began her career in public service interning with Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02), where she first gained a passion for government affairs. She started her work in the Massachusetts Legislature in 2021 serving the First Worcester District, working for Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler as her Director of Constituent Services. After Senator Chandler’s retirement, she served the Second Plymouth & Norfolk District while working for Senator Michael Brady as his District Director. Karla received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Clark University in 2020, and holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Salem State University. She is eager to work with and for the constituents of the Hampden District as she begins this next chapter with Senator Gómez. On her off-time, Karla enjoys going to concerts and seeing live music, visiting the beaches on the South Shore, and watching movies.