June Piscitelli named chair of Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee

By AI, Created 5:11 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – June Piscitelli, PhD, has been named chair of the Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee, where she will help recruit, train and support pro-choice Democratic women running for office across Florida. Her appointment highlights the organization’s push to expand women’s political leadership at the state, local and municipal levels.

Why it matters: - Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee is Florida’s only political organization focused on advancing pro-choice Democratic women for state, local and municipal office. - Piscitelli’s role puts a veteran advocate, educator and mentor in a position to help shape the pipeline of women candidates in Florida. - The committee’s work affects donor support, candidate recruitment, training and mentoring for women seeking public office.

What happened: - June Piscitelli, PhD, was named chair of the Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee. - The appointment gives Piscitelli board-level responsibility for the organization’s political, fundraising and engagement work. - The announcement was made in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on May 13, 2026. - Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee is also known as a c4 organization.

The details: - Piscitelli will lead donor relations and work with state and national political leaders. - Her responsibilities include supporting strategic initiatives to recruit, train and mentor women pursuing public office. - She is also involved in organizational planning, fundraising and major events. - The group’s annual gala remains one of its biggest fundraising and networking events. - Piscitelli’s political engagement started in the 1980s, when she worked on the staff of a U.S. senator. - She later earned a PhD in English Literature from the University of Miami. - University President Donna Shalala recognized Piscitelli as Outstanding Graduate Student during her robing ceremony. - Piscitelli taught at Florida Atlantic University for nearly a decade after earning her doctorate. - She later moved into educational technology leadership, where she supervised a large professional team. - In 2012, Piscitelli returned to active political work by joining campaigns, the Florida Democratic Party Board of Trustees, the National Finance Committee and the EMILY’s List Majority Council. - Piscitelli has completed 19 full marathons, including the Boston Marathon. - She says marathon running reflects the endurance and discipline that have shaped her career. - More information is available through her Influential Women profile and her Ruth’s List Florida Action profile.

Between the lines: - Piscitelli’s background blends academia, management and political organizing, which may help her bridge donor outreach, volunteer engagement and candidate development. - Her personal story centers on returning to school later in life, a message she uses to encourage women who think it is too late to pursue leadership roles. - Piscitelli sees the biggest challenge as engaging younger women in their 20s through mid-30s, especially those who feel disconnected from politics or discouraged by barriers. - Her focus on mentorship suggests Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee is looking beyond fundraising and toward long-term leadership development.

What’s next: - Piscitelli is expected to continue strengthening fundraising, donor relations and strategic partnerships for Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee. - The organization will keep focusing on recruiting, training and mentoring women candidates across Florida. - Piscitelli also plans to encourage more young women to consider civic participation, campaign work and elected office.

The bottom line: - Piscitelli’s appointment brings an experienced advocate into a key role as Ruth’s List Florida Action Committee works to expand the number of women in Florida politics.