Meet the Team

Illinois District 68 State Representative

Welcome! I’m State Representative Dave Vella. I grew up in Rockford and have lived in the Rockford area my entire life. I started school at RPS 205 and graduated from Boylan High School. I live in Rockford with my wife Michelle, and our daughter Grace. Our son Ryan also lives in Rockford. I’ve spent the last 20 years working as an attorney at my law firm, Vella & Lund. I started my career as a Public Defender in Winnebago County. I worked there for three years, representing people who couldn’t afford an attorney. Being an attorney has allowed me to work with people from many different backgrounds. My work in our community has focused on helping the most vulnerable, and our children. I want everyone in our community to be able to provide for themselves and their families. My family and my community are important to me, and I learned a lot about both from my grandpa, Zeke Giorgi. When I was young, he told me something that really stuck with me. He said "Everyone’s the same. We all want our families and our neighbors to have a good life." This is the community first mindset that I will continue to highlight in my district work. I am here for you. Staterepdavevella@gmail.com

Chief of Staff

Ricardo Montoya Picazo was born in Mexico and was brought to the United States at the age of 7. He grew up in Central Illinois (Beardstown, IL) where he graduated from Beardstown High School. Soon after graduation, he went on to study at the University of Illinois at Springfield where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science (2010) and Masters Degree in Practical Politics (2012). Ricardo began his professional career working for a statewide non-for-profit organization on social, economic, and political issues. He then moved to Rockford, IL in 2015 where he was hired to be the Field Representative for Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, IL-17th District and was in-charge to oversee five northwestern counties from the Congresswoman's Rockford District Office. He stayed in that role for over five years, until taking the position as Chief of Staff for State Representative Dave Vella, IL-68th District at the start of 2021. Ricardo brings to his role high professional experience in government, legislative, and public affairs relations. He looks forward to serving the people of the 68th District and to solving any issues the residents in the district might have with the State of Illinois. Ricardo@staterepdavevella.com

Head of Outreach & Marketing

Joan Velazquez was born and raised in Rockford, IL. She earned her Associate of Arts degree from Rock Valley College and graduated from Northern Illinois University in Spring 2022 with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a minor in Nonprofit and NGO Studies. Joan is dedicated to understanding the impact of government and the influence of strong communities. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and baking. Joan is passionate about making government more accessible and ensuring that laws are communicated in a clear and understandable way for all constituents. Jvelazquez68thdistrict@gmail.com

District Office Intern

Abriella was born and raised here in Rockford, IL and graduated from Rockford Christian High School in 2022. Currently, she is a student at Rockford University, and will be graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Financial Economics and a minor in Business Administration. After graduating, she plans on attending law school. Abriella loves to travel and has been to 20 countries so far! She also enjoys golfing, pickleball, cooking, shopping, as well as hanging out with friends, family, and her dog, O’hara. Abriella is looking forward to gaining insight into public service and the legal field during her internship with Rep Vella.