President 2009-2011 Lenora Stewart
Lenora hails from the Whittier Chapter, where she served as Corresponding Secretary, Grade Level Advisor, Parliamentarian, Membership Vice President, President-Elect and President. She later became a member of the District 4 Council as its Ways and Means Specialist and its Philanthropy Specialist. Lenora is currently NCL’s National President, having also completed positions as Parliamentarian, Ways and Means Vice President and Philanthropy Vice President. She has served on the Convention Committee and as Chairman of the Audit Committee. Lenora has a multi-faceted professional background. She has over 15 years experience in event planning, business management, fundraising and public affairs. She recently assisted a small business owner in the successful completion of a management training course, development of operational processes and publicity materials focused on expansion of customer base. She is currently the owner/designer of Francois Stewart Designs, specializing in the design and execution of original crochet and knit accessory items. In 2007, the iTunes Podcast Yarns from the Southland focused on creative work with yarn by Lenora. Publication is forthcoming in 2008 of “Post Modern Purse,” a design pattern to be featured in Crochet magazine. Lenora has shared her skills with her community, serving on the Board of Directors of Whittier Historical Society as Secretary and Exhibit Chairman, and on the Grant Advisory Board of the Whittier History Preservation Project. Under her leadership, the Boys and Girls Club of Whittier auction proceeds grew from $80,000 to $150,000 in five years. Lenora’s recent attendance at an advertising and consumer conference generated new ideas and reinforced the value of solid brand marketing by organizations.
Immediate Past-President 2009-2011 Michele Crabtree
Michele is a founding member of the Lamorinda Chapter where she served as Grade Level Advisor, Ticktocker Vice President and President. She served her District as Ticktocker Specialist and National as Expansion Resource Specialist and Trainer. At the National level, Michele held the positions of President, Ticktocker Vice President, Expansion Vice President and Treasurer. She has chaired the Budget & Finance Committee, the Expansion Committee, the Trainer Selection Committee and the Executive Committee. As a Program Director for the Center for Human Development, a non-profit primary drug prevention agency, Michele designed, coordinated and directed primary drug prevention programs involving schools, police and communities for Contra Costa County in Northern California. In this capacity she was recognized by the U.S.Department of Health and Human Services for developing an exemplary program. The Orinda Union School District utilized Michele as the coordinator for its Drug Alcohol Tobacco Education Program (D.A.T.E.) for which she developed training materials for parents and teachers on drug awareness and trained both to deliver the materials. Michele is a certified TRIBES Trainer and worked with teachers to develop interactive/cooperative learning programs. She was a partner and director of Crabtree and Salvin Associates for over 15 years where she developed and delivered training programs for corporate and school-based self-esteem building programs. In this capacity she worked with the California Division of Prisons to deliver a communication and self-esteem building program for pre-release prisoners and trained corporate executives to recognize strategies for effective group dynamics. Michele has over ten years experience as a buyer and operations manager for the Emporium Capwell Company. Michele brings enthusiasm, communication skills and an ability to connect with people to the organization.
Membership & Standards Vice President 2008-2010 Jenny Dorsey
Jenny is a member of the Cypress Creek Chapter in Region II, District 1 where she just completed her term as the District Director. She has served her Chapter and District in several offices including two years as President and one year as Membership VP, one year as Ticktocker VP and two years as District Membership Specialist. In addition, Jenny was the 2007 National Convention Speaker Coordinator. Jenny’s Interior Design education coupled with her artistic talent compliments her strong organizational and communication skills. This background has benefited the many parent/teacher, arts and special needs philanthropic organizations she has served as both a volunteer and Board member. Jenny’s diverse leadership experience in Parent Teacher Organizations includes the initiation of a highly successful literacy program, Camp Read-A-Lot, launching a program to allocate funds for technology upgrades, establishing guidelines for philanthropic donations and leading arts initiatives in the schools. Other organizations that have benefited from her leadership skills include the Natural Science Guild, Women’s Art League of Austin Texas, Girls Scouts, S.I.R.E. - Therapeutic Equestrian Center, and Arts-Kids. Jenny recently moved to Park City, Utah where her past experience with therapeutic riding programs has helped fuel her immediate contributions to her new Park City home and the therapeutic riding program at The National Ability Center. She is also working as a morning host and snow reporter for the Park City Mountain Resort. Jenny views her NCL experiences at the National, District, and Chapter levels as providing a good understanding of how the unique characteristics of each contribute to the success of NCL nationally. She sees her knowledge, experience and commitment to NCL as providing a strong footing for continuing to make a positive contribution to NCL‘s future.
Director From Region I 2009-2011 Robin Doherty
Robin hails from the Roswell-Alpharetta Chapter where she has served as Mother-Daughter Tea Chairman, Membership Vice President, President-Elect and President. She was instrumental in the development of District 14 from its infancy and served the District as Assistant District Director and District Director. Robin is currently a member of the National Board as Director From Region I. In 2003, the Roswell-Alpharetta Chapter honored Robin with the “Susan Furick Award,” voted on by the Patronesses, recognizing her as the member who most exemplifies NCL. Professionally, Robin was employed as an international flight attendant for Canadian Pacific Airlines and managed a savings and loan for four years. Robin has been heavily involved with the Girl Scouts for many years, and was responsible for the fundraising efforts of a local private school, generating over $60,000 annually. She later served as Treasurer, President-Elect and President of the Parent Association of the school. Robin made an equal community impact through her Junior League, which culminated in raising $65,000 for philanthropies as auction co-chair. She currently remains involved with her local P.E.O. Chapter. Robin brings unparalleled enthusiasm and deep commitment to the mission and vision of NCL in all of her efforts
Region II Vice President 2008-2010 Kim Depping
Kim is a member of the Livable Forest Chapter in Region II, District 10 where she has served as Membership VP and President. In addition to completing her second year as District Director, Kim is enjoying her role as ECA for Heart of Dallas Prospective Chapter. Kim has also served as the Senior Presentation Advisor to National and was the 2006-2007 Region II elected representative on the National Nominating Committee. Kim may have one of the longest NCL records for active Chapter participation when her youngest daughter becomes a Ticktocker in four years. In addition to her NCL leadership experiences, Kim has extensive additional service in the nonprofit world serving on both local and national boards including the local chapter of a National Women’s Organization, WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Church of America), Parent Teacher Association (more than 10 years), and four years as a Girl Scout Leader. In all of these endeavors Kim has worn many hats from CEO to CFO to Leadership trainer. She recognizes the need to develop leadership within NCL particularly at the Chapter and District levels and is thus committed to maintaining a close relationship with the Districts and Chapters of her Region. In Kim’s words she has “committed a majority of my life to community service and will work to promote this culture within our organization to the best of my ability.”
Director From Region III 2009-2011 Julie Stackhouse
Julie currently serves as President of the St. Louis Gateway Chapter (District 11, Region III). She joined NCL, Inc. in 2006, serving her first year with the Chapter as a Grade Level Advisor for the class of 2012, and later as Vice President of Communications. Professionally, Julie is Senior Vice President and Managing Officer of Banking Supervision and Discount Window lending for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Prior to joining the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank in September 2002, Julie was Vice President and Managing Officer of the Risk Management Department of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. She also served as the Community Affairs Officer there. In addition, she was formerly an officer with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City prior to relocating to Minnesota in 1995. Julie has served in many capacities in the Kansas City Banking Supervision and Risk Management areas, starting as an examiner in 1980. In addition to her service to the Fed and to NCL, Julie currently serves as a trustee on the St. Louis Area Board of the Missouri Council on Economic Education and as a member of the Parish Council of St. Clement Catholic Church. While living in Minnesota, she served in numerous volunteer and appointed roles, including acting as a member of the City of Eagan, Minnesota, Advisory Planning Commission and Economic Development Commission, Chair of the Eagan Foundation, Board Member of the Eagan Arts and Humanities Council, member of the school district Curriculum Advisory Committee, and in several leadership roles with the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts.
Region IV Vice President 2008-2010 Donna Welsh
Donna is from the Portland Chapter, Region IV where she served on the board as President, VP Ticktocker and VP Ways & Means. She is completing her second year as District 13’s first District Director. She has been an active member of both her Chapter and District Nominating committees. She has enjoyed attending convention every year and the opportunity convention presents to meet women from all over the country. She looks forward to culminating her ECA role when the Blue Heron Chapter receives its charter during Convention 2008 in Los Angeles. Donna has developed her board skills through service in local nonprofit work and brings an extensive skill set from her career in the commercial loan and management arena including expertise in asset management and loan processing. Donna is proud of her ability to communicate the NCL vision with the Chapters in District 13 and to see their members embrace this vision. She considers her strong understanding of Region IV and the commitment and enthusiasm of its members, assuring Region IV’s continued positive growth.
Director From Region V 2009-2011 Karen Zarachoff
Karen is a member of the San Fernando Valley Chapter, where she has served as President, Parliamentarian, Standards Chairman and 3rd VP-Philanthropy. She is an active member in SFV’s Sustaining Groups, Advisory Council and SWANS, serving as SWANS Chairman for two years. She has remained an active member of her District, serving two years as District Parliamentarian followed by two years as District 3 Director. She has also served at the National level on the ISAC II Committee as the Region V Representative during the 2007-2008 year, which she considered to be a very informative and fulfilling experience. The success of this committee was the result of improved communications between the National Board of Directors and the Membership. Over the years, she has been involved at her church and school beginning when her children were very young and chairing several groups for mothers of preschool children and continuing on with the school in various PTO positions including President. For 10 years, she also co-chaired a year round tennis group for 150-180 women, with the proceeds directly benefitting the school. Professionally, she worked as a K-8 Physical Education Teacher/Athletic Director for 13 years and she is currently working hard at growing her gift and accessory company. She remains active in her community by dedicating many hours of hands-on volunteering at the West Valley Food Pantry. With each of these experiences she has gained knowledge and understanding which she brings to each new endeavor. She looks forward to serving on the National Board of Directors as the Region V Director.
Director At Large 2009-2011 Ann Gibbins
Ann’s home chapter is Lake Houston, where she held the positions of Ticktocker Vice President, President-Elect and President. She has served her District as Education Specialist (changed to Communications Specialist) and Assistant District Director. In addition, Ann has been an Expansion Chapter Advisor twice for both the Kings Trails and Lubbock Chapters. She is currently the on the National Board, and has previously served as Corresponding Secretary, Convention Vice President, Region II Vice President and Leadership Development Vice President. She has also been a member of the Executive and Convention Committees. Ann is a certified professional counselor who is currently working as a facilitator/trainer focusing on training teachers and counselors to conduct support groups for students, and overseeing crisis management for the Crisis Response Team. Ann was the Founding President of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Kingwood Area Alumnae Association and currently serves as its fundraising chair. She has served the Humble Area Panhellenic Association as President and Area Rush/Recruitment Coordinator. She currently serves as Vice President. Ann has chaired the Staff Pastor/Parish Relations Committee for her church and served on its Board of Directors. Her community involvement includes chairing the community research efforts of the Junior League of North Harris & South Montgomery Counties, and launching its first major gala; raising over $40,000. Ann’s abilities to build and maintain relationships have enabled her to bring others to consensus.
Director At Large 2009-2011 Laura Lopez Hobbs
Laura has been a member of NCL, Inc. for six years, and was the founding President of the Las Vegas Chapter (District 8, Region III). She also served the Chapter as Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, Grade Level Advisor and Nominating Committee Chair. Laura brings with her much experience and leadership developed through years of serving her local community. In the Junior League of Las Vegas, she held the positions of "Done in a Day" Project Chairman and Community Vice President; she sits on the Board of the United Way of Southern Nevada and is an active member of their Women's Leadership Council; and she was appointed by the Governor to the Board of Regents of the University and Community College System of Nevada. When not giving of herself as a volunteer, Laura holds the title of Vice President, Human Resources of Southwest Gas Corporation. She is fluent in Spanish.
Director At Large 2009-2011 Leslie Vaughn
Leslie is a founding member of the Austin Chapter. She was also its President prior to wearing the many other hats required for forming a new chapter. On the District level, Leslie has served as Philanthropy Specialist and Resource Specialist. In addition, she is an Expansion Chapter Advisor (ECA) for the Waco Chapter and is a member of the Expansion Committee. Leslie currently serves as a Director at Large on the National Board and was previously the national Philanthropy Vice President. She can also be found daily working with 44 second graders, who she describes as needing to “stand up and let the wiggles out” at times. She continues to love her volunteer time with the Austin Nature Center, where she was involved in the development of the Dinopit Project, and later helped to build an overlook to one of Austin’s natural preserves. She has coordinated the efforts of over 500 members at the Nature Center for several years. In addition to hands-on volunteer hours, Leslie has helped to raise monies for two local schools in the area of financial aid. She embodies the spirit and commitment of hands-on volunteerism to the organization.
Communications Vice President 2008-2010 Jody Ellison
Jody hails from the South Coast Chapter in Region V, District 5 where she has extensive experience both at the Chapter and District level including six years on her Chapter Board and five years on the District Council. Jody has extended her service to the thriving and successful Palos Verdes Chapter and Orange-Villa Park Provisional Chapter where they refer to Jody as their ECA “mother.” Jody has guided each of these Chapters through to chartering. In addition to Jody’s significant NCL leadership experience, she has found time to also volunteer on the Board of the Parent Teacher Organization contributing her fundraising, financial and administrative acumen to each. While Jody has been in her words, “Treasurer of every organization she has ever joined from sorority days to the present”, and is a Certified Life Underwriter , she has also developed significant other corporate skills as a Team Leader for State Farm Insurance including, training, development, and strategic planning. Jody is proud of her ability to” get information, broadcast information and get information back to people.” Jody describes her style as collaborative and open minded. Her NCL leadership experiences, her professional skills and positive attitude will contribute much to the success of NCL in realizing its vision.
Expansion Chapter Development Vice President 2008-2010 Carole Comeau
Carole and her oldest daughter were members of the Fullerton Chapter for five years before a transfer took the family to the San Diego area. That move prompted Carole to start a new chapter, the San Dieguito Chapter, for which she served as Founding President. Carole was her District’s first Resource Specialist and was an Expansion Chapter Advisor (ECA) for both the Surf Cities and Del Sol Chapters. She is currently filling a vacancy on the National Board - Expansion Chapter Development Vice President - and thus chairing the Expansion Committee. Professionally, Carole has over 25 years experience as an executive recruiter in the information technology business. Her professional career is enhanced by former employment in the field of human resources. She began her volunteer activities as a counselor in the County Jail System on the East Coast and later helped launch the program in the New Jersey State Penitentiary. In 1990, Carole was a founding board member of a business group in Orange County for which she subsequently served as President. She was instrumental in securing the later incorporation of this group as a California non-profit. Carole remains involved with this group and once again serves at its helm as President. She annually chairs a technical conference for 350 participants with a vendor expo and training classes, and remains involved with the local Boys and Girls Club’s annual Christmas Tree Lane, a full weekend of events to raise money for the organization. Carole is a good negotiator and interviewer; she knows how to connect with people. She inspires all those she encounters.
Leadership Development Vice President 2009-2010 Teri Pollitt
Teri is a member of the Marin Chapter in Northern California, where she has served as Parliamentarian, Grade Level Advisor, Philanthropy Liaison and Senior Presentation Committee member. She is a transfer member from the San Marino Area Chapter, where she served as Treasurer, Grade Level Advisor and Assistant Director of MSA (Chapter owned thrift shop). Teri has served on the NCL, Inc. Board as Treasurer, Communications Vice President and Administrative Vice President. She is currently filling a vacancy on the National Board – Leadership Development Vice President - and thus also serving on the National Ticktocker Committee. She has chaired both the Budget & Finance and Convention Committees. Professionally, Teri is a Chartered Financial Analyst with over 15 years experience as a research analyst. Teri’s 13-year involvement with the San Marino Schools Foundation culminated with six years as an active Trustee, including a term as President and Vice President of Annual Campaign, raising over $1 million. She is currently a member of the Junior League of San Francisco, having held positions in community, administrative and fundraising with both the Junior Leagues of Los Angeles and Pasadena. Teri is currently involved with the support group for the Marin General Hospital serving as Treasurer, and she belongs to the Century Club of California. She brings strategic oversight and investment analysis to financial management, resource development and event planning.
Secretary 2009-2011 Susan Leonis-Jensen
Susan is a member of the Foothill Chapter, where she has served as Ticktocker Vice President, Presentation Chairman, Parliamentarian, President-Elect and President. She introduced and developed a sponsorship/mentoring program as President-Elect to better prepare Provisional members for the obligations and opportunities associated with NCL membership. As President, Susan streamlined Board obligations by coordinating the use of effective committees on all levels, and developed a process to document and retain all approved policies, procedures and guidelines to better help future Boards obtain official documents for reference and consistency throughout the organization. Susan continued her involvement with NCL on the District level as Philanthropy Specialist and Parliamentary Specialist; and on the National level as the Region V Vice President from 2007 to 2009. From 1993 to 1995, Susan was a member of the Los Angeles Founding Chapter Juniors Group, working on various fundraising projects including support of their thrift shop; chairing two of the major events. Susan has acted as an advisor for over five years to The Leonis Family Foundation, researching viable recipients for scholarships and endowments with annual giving. As Parents Club President and Fundraising Chair, she has coordinated fundraising events generating an average of $100,000 annually, and managed volunteer efforts to facilitate extracurricular activities and fundraising efforts. Susan continues her community involvement as a Meals-on-Wheels driver and volunteer with the American Cancer Society Daffodil Days, Children’s Fund, Foothill Family Shelter, Hillview Acres Children’s Home, Inland Christian Retirement Home, Ontario-Pomona Association of Retarded Citizens and The Salvation Army. Susan’s caring spirit and love of giving back to the community is demonstrated in all she does. She truly “walks the walk and talks the talk.”
Treasurer 2008-2010 Ellen Saliba
The Stanford Hills Chapter is proud to claim Ellen as a member, and she has served as its Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. She is currently a member of the National Board of Directors as Treasurer - filling the vacancy created when the former Treasurer assumed the position of National President. In this position, Ellen chairs the Budget & Finance Committee, and also serves on the Executive Committee. She has been a District Finance Specialist and Expansion Finance Specialist. Ellen is involved in her community as a member of the Citizen’s Financial Advisory Committee, reviewing the City’s annual audit and investment policy. She was instrumental in developing an economic feasibility study for an After School Enrichment program. She assumed financial responsibilities for the 2007 high school graduation night and raised over $15,000 for high school athletic teams through her local athletic booster club. Ellen has served her alma mater, Babson College, as a Trustee. Professionally, Ellen has been an independent consultant for over 12 years in the areas of finance, operations management and financial system implementation. Her projects have included budgeting and planning, payroll implementation, policy and procedure development and product cost analysis. Ellen’s abilities to provide strategic financial analysis and manage revenue enable her to forecast financial activities for the organization.