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. and graduated from Rock Valley College with an Associate of Arts degree. Joan graduated Northern Illinois University in Spring '22 with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and a minor in Nonprofit & 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 has a passion for law and governance and is eager to be a part of Vella’s team to assist in prioritizing the needs of constituents in the 68th district. Jvelazquez68thdistrict@gmail.com

Head of Constituent Services

Victoria Folmar started in 2023 as an office intern, specializing in constituent services and state agency assistance. She moved to Rockford from Houston, Texas to study Political Science at Rockford University. She graduated with her Bachelors Degree and is interested in furthering her education in law school. Her hobbies include reading and riding motorcycles. Her favorite books are fantasy, and is in her first year riding motorcycles. Victoria looks forward to helping the constituents of Illinois District 68 and learning all she can while working in this office. She says that this is a great opportunity to step out into the community and help spread a positive impact. victoriaf68thdistrict@gmail.com

Head of Small Business Development

Juan Nogueda was raised in Rockford and graduated from Jefferson High School in 2021. He will be graduating from Rock Valley College with an Associates of Applied Science in Fire Science in May of 2024. He is pursuing a career in the fire service in the state of Illinois. Juan began his community service work as a youth coordinator at Saint Edward's Catholic Church for three years. He is the current Student Trustee of Rock Valley College where he has also previously served as Vice President of the Campus Activity Board and President of ALAS (Association of Latin American Students). Juan enjoys playing soccer and lifting weights. At the core of his life, he places his family and passion to serve the community. Jnogueda68thdistrict@gmail.com

Constituent Services Intern

Chazz Anderson is a lifelong Rockford resident who attended Boylan Catholic Highschool and graduated from Rock Valley College in 2023 with an Associate of Arts. He is starting his first semester at the University of Illinois Springfield in the spring and is excited to pursue a career in law from there. In his free time, Chazz can often be found reading, listening to Jimmy Buffett, or enjoying a cookout with his closest friends. He is very passionate about politics, law, and community service and has spent 10 years in various child education and other volunteer roles. Chazz is excited to bring his experiences and perspectives to the office and is looking forward to serving the 68th District and bringing about positive change in his community. 68thdistrictintern@gmail.com

Outreach/Marketing Intern

Emma Hopkins is currently a senior at Northern Illinois University pursuing a degree in Corporate Communications. As a lifelong resident of Rockford, Emma has enjoyed seeing how the city has evolved and grown. Emma has previously been involved in several community improvement projects within the 68th District. In her free time, Emma is usually at the gym, writing, or traveling around the world. She speaks Spanish, English, and French, and enjoys brushing up on her language skills! She is passionate about law, helping others, and serving the community of Rockford and the 68th District. Emma is excited to learn from the amazing district team and serve the community within the 68th District. 68thdistrictintern@gmail.com