A Message from the International Executive Board
IEB Credits its Reach to Broad Array of Volunteers Your International Executive Board’s (IEB) work is accomplished by more than just its directors. They rely on a network of volunteers to work on strategic committees whose missions are aligned with the goals of the Fraternity. These committees serve as extensions of the board in important areas such as planning, alumnae engagement, financial management, housing, recruitment, extension and leadership. The women who volunteer for these committees come from a variety of backgrounds and locations. They bring a range of talent, knowledge, experience and points of view. Whatever their paths, Alpha Phi’s strategic committee volunteers bring their best to enable the Fraternity’s growth, development and success. Some of these committees and volunteers are highlighted in this article. Strategic Planning Committee The strategic planning committee (SPC) monitors the development, implementation and assessment of the Fraternity’s strategic plan. Committee Member Profile Janis CoughlinPiester (Theta Kappa-Rochester) works for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Washington, D.C., as chief of the Janis Coughlin-Piester Congressional Liaison and Administration Branch in the Office of the Secretary. Janis began to volunteer with Alpha Phi several years ago when she served on the colonization team for George Washington (Iota Iota). “The ability to be involved in conversations about what our organization stands for, where we want to be and how we can get there is incredibly rewarding,” says Janis. “Volunteering for Alpha Phi has enriched my life by introducing me to amazing women from different chapters, generations and walks of life,” she adds.“It has provided me with opportunities to continue to grow and learn. Managing teams and projects for Alpha Phi even helped secure a new job. Perhaps most rewarding has been helping collegiate and alumnae women have a positive Alpha Phi experience – just as I have!”
“I owe a lot of who I am today to Alpha Phi.” – Karen Ohnemus Lisko (Beta Epsilon–Arizona)
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Alpha Phi Quarterly
Fall 2011
Extension Committee The extension committee researches and evaluates campuses across North America for potential new collegiate chapters. When opportunities are announced by the National Panhellenic Conference, the committee develops compelling written and oral presentations to position Alpha Phi in its best light. Committee Member Profile
Karen Ohnemus Lisko (Beta EpsilonArizona), Ph.D., leads a litigation consulting business in Denver, Colo. She also coaches women Karen Lisko in persuasive speaking techniques. Karen has served Alpha Phi as an educational leadership consultant, Panhellenic advisor and district governor. “The similarities between my Alpha Phi experiences and my professional life are striking,” says Karen.“Skills used to coach attorneys to build persuasive opening statements for the courtroom are also important when I help the extension committee craft on-target extension presentations. What I learned about different kinds of people during recruitment as a collegian serves me even today when I advise legal teams on jury selection.” She continues,“During my days as an ELC, I learned so much about leadership and effective communication, and I draw on those experiences time and time again. I owe a lot of who I am today to Alpha Phi.” Karen’s advice to sisters is,“Don’t leave Alpha Phi off your list. There is something very special about the energy women bring to a project. It’s refreshing.”
Alumnae Strategy Team The alumnae strategy team (AST) is a joint committee of the Fraternity and Foundation that serves as the primary architect of strategy and programs for alumnae affairs. Committee Member Profile
Kathy Feeney Hiemstra (Delta Theta-Western Michigan), Ph.D., is a long-time educator. Most recently, she was a professor Kathy Hiemstra of organizational development and business communication at John Carroll University (Cleveland, Ohio). Kathy’s Alpha Phi volunteer experiences are numerous, including serving in local positions, as a district alumnae coordinator, alumnae membership coordinator and as an advisor to Case Western Reserve (Zeta Pi). She was a Foundation Board director for eight years, chaired the alumnae membership strategy committee and has been a member of the AST since it began three years ago. She also serves on other committees as varied as the heritage committee and Quarterly editorial advisory board. Kathy devotes several hours each week to Alpha Phi, depending on the need. She wants Alpha Phi to be in the forefront— forward looking, forward thinking, taking measured risks. “When you get the call and believe you can make a contribution, always say yes,” says Kathy.“You are helping the organization grow and become better, and you also will grow and be a better person. When you volunteer, do it with your whole heart. We all want Alpha Phi to be the best it can be. It’s important to contribute as we can and respond when called upon to serve.”