Meet Your 2025-2027 Executive Committee
Gage Schmid — Founder & President
Gage Schmid (he/him) is a political organizer and rural engagement strategist committed to building grassroots power in historically excluded communities across Tennessee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Boston University, where he conducted climate-focused policy research for Climate Action Network Australia and Lexington Township’s Select Board in Massachusetts.
He has organized for local, state, and federal races, including Gloria Johnson’s U.S. Senate campaign, the Tennessee Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign, and high-impact campaigns across the country—from Wisconsin’s 2023 Supreme Court race to congressional and mayoral races in New England. With a focus on equitable representation and strategic organizing, Gage works to amplify rural voices, build sustainable coalitions, and expand access to civic participation.
Timber Smith — Executive Vice President
Timber Smith (she/her) is a lifelong East Tennessean, born in Blount County and raised in Sevierville. She lives in Dandridge with her husband, where they enjoy tending to their garden and chickens. Timber is a passionate fiber artist and runs a YouTube channel dedicated to knitting and crocheting.
Timber is a fierce advocate for women’s rights, immigrant rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights. She joined the Smoky Mountain Young Democrats to help build a more civically engaged community in the Smokies and to show others that political involvement is for everyone—not just politicians. Timber believes that “if politics affect everyone, then everyone should have a voice in the process. You don’t need to hold office to create change—you just have to be willing to do the work and speak out for what you believe in.”
Victoria Freeland — Treasurer
Victoria Freeland (she/her) is a nonprofit leader and health educator dedicated to expanding access to sexual and reproductive health education in Tennessee and Mississippi. She holds a Master of Science in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Rutgers University. As a Certified Health Education Specialist and Certified Family Planning Health Worker, she brings extensive expertise to her work.
Victoria spearheaded statewide efforts to distribute over one million condoms and safer sex supplies. She has also presented nationally on integrating contraceptive services into primary care and contributed to research improving healthcare delivery. With a passion for reproductive justice and health equity, Victoria continues to empower communities, break down barriers, and expand access to essential health education and resources.
China Whitmire — Secretary
China Whitmire (she/her) is a Chattanooga native now living and working in Sevier County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Performance from the University of Chicago, along with a Business Certificate from Northwestern University—blending creativity and strategy in everything she does. In 2021, she embarked on a life-changing journey, completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, an experience that deepened her connection to the natural world and affirmed her love for the mountains.
In 2024, she returned home to East Tennessee to pursue her passion full-time, working as a hiking and backpacking guide in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Off the trail, she enjoys curling up with a good non-fiction book, exploring new podcasts, and unwinding with her favorite video games.
Caitlyn Rolen — Vice President of Communications
Caitlyn Rolen (she/her) is a digital marketing professional and community advocate based in Knoxville. Originally from Sevierville and a graduate of Pigeon Forge High School, she earned her B.S. in Marketing from U.T. Knoxville and now manages social media strategy for a range of event venues across East Tennessee. Caitlyn currently serves as the Marketing Director for SoKno Pride, a South Knoxville nonprofit that celebrates and uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community. In this role, she helps organize the group’s annual Pride event each June and champions year-round advocacy for inclusion and equity.
Caitlyn brings strong leadership, relationship-building experience, and a deep commitment to empowering young people and amplifying blue voices in East Tennessee. Outside of work, you’ll find her traveling, catching a concert or theatre show, or baking sourdough.
Kennedy Gray — Vice President of Programming
Kennedy Gray (she/her) is an East Tennessee native, born in Knoxville and raised in Sevierville, where she now lives with her fiancé and their dog, Maple. A lifelong book lover, Kennedy has read over 50 books in 2024 and shares her passion for reading on a dedicated TikTok page that fosters literary community and conversation.
As Vice President of Programming for the Smoky Mountain Young Democrats, Kennedy is committed to empowering others and ensuring every voice is heard. She joined SMYD to help spark political interest among young people and create more opportunities for youth engagement across East Tennessee.
Callie Akers — At-Large Rep. for Hamblen County
Callie Akers (she/her) is the At-Large Representative for Hamblen County. She is a senior at East Tennessee State University, where she studies Public Health and will soon begin a graduate program in Community Health. Callie is deeply committed to improving health outcomes in Appalachian communities through advocacy, education, and service.
On campus, she leads through her involvement in the Public Health Student Association and helped establish the Appalachian Reproductive Health Alliance at ETSU. Her work reflects a strong dedication to equity and access in public health, particularly across rural East Tennessee.
Sierra Whitesides — At-Large Rep. for Sevier County
Sierra Whitesides (she/her) is a proud Sevierville native and a 2023 graduate of Maryville College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science. Following her graduation, she began working as a personal assistant to an individual with autism, gaining meaningful experience in caregiving, advocacy, and one-on-one support.
Sierra is passionate about community care and uplifting others through service. She joined the Smoky Mountain Young Democrats to help build a stronger, more inclusive East Tennessee and ensure that families like hers have a voice in shaping the future. In her free time, Sierra enjoys spending time with her one-year-old son.