Leadership Experience International Level: International Executive Board (2021-2025), International Vice President for the Northeast Region (2019-2021), International Resolutions Committee (Chair, 2013-2015), International World Understanding Committee(Chair, 2011-2013; Member, 2009-2011), International Membership Committee (2005-2007and 2003-2005), IEB Sergeantat-Arms (2021- 2025), International CONNECT Committee (Chair, 2021-2025), Liaison to the International Bylaws Committee (2021-2025), International Chapter Sergeant-at-Arms (2019-2021), International Chapter Professional Development & Communications Committee (Chair, 2019-2021),International Chapter IVP Guidelines, Handbook and Ceremonies Committees (Member, 2019-2021), Educational Symposium Presenter (2023, 2021, 2013 and 2011), Educational Symposium Tri-Chair (2007-2009), Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms at International Convention (1995 and 1991)
Leadership Experience Regional Level: International Vice President for the Northeast Region (2019-2021), Northeast Region Membership Consultant (2005-2007, 2003-2005), Northeast Region Conference Co-Chair ((2002), Northeast Region Chaplain (1999-2001), Northeast Region Sergeant-at-Arms (1989-1991)
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: St. Vincent Family Center Board Member (2013-2022), Columbus Special Olympics Board Member (2012)
Essay: As an International leader, I will focus on the mission, vision and purposes of Alpha Delta Kappa. Our organization was formed to recognize and empower women educators while honoring our guiding principles. Throughout the last 77 years, we have adapted to changes in the education profession and the world. Together, we have made difficult decisions to ensure our organization continues to grow and thrive. I am committed to listening to and valuing members, the very foundation of our organization. Together, we will build on our legacy as we continue to support an inclusive community of educators.
Leadership Experience International Level: Vice Chairman, International Executive Board (2021-2023), Four-Year Member, International Executive Board (2019 – 2023), International Vice President for the Northeast Region (2013 – 2015), International Sergeant - at- Arms (2009 – 2011), Two-Year Member of the International Executive Board (2007 – 2009), Educational, Professional and Leadership Development Committee (Chairman, 2021 – 2023), Resolution #2 Committee (member, 2021-2022), Leadership Development Committee (member, 2019-2022), Funding and Business Sponsorship Committee (Chairman, 2019 - 2021), Resolution #1 Committee (member, 2019 - 2021), Resolution #2 Committee (member, 2019-2021), International Archives Committee (Chairman, 2017-2019), International Standing Committee (member, 2009 -2011)International Executive Board Meeting Minutes Review Committee (member, 2021 – 2023), International Chapter Meeting Minutes Review Committee (member, 2021- 2023), International Altruistic Committee (liaison, 2019-21), International Bylaws / Resolutions Committee (member, 2013 – 2015), International Electronic Communications and Media Committee (Chairman, 2013 – 2015), International Membership Committee (member, 2013 – 2015), International Strategic Plan Committee (member, 2007 – 2009), International Chapter Leadership Development Committee (member, 2007 – 2009)Ad Hoc Committee for Mentoring Topics (member, 2024), Leadership Academy (board member and instructor, 2021 – 2023), International Executive Board Representative to S/P/N Conventions (Minnesota, 2022; Pennsylvania, 2022 & 2008; North Carolina, 2020, Ohio, 2020, Indiana, 2008), International Executive Board Representative to North Central Regional Conference (2022), International Executive Board Representative to South Central Regional Conference (2008), International Convention Credentials Committee (Chairman, 2005; member, 2003)
Leadership Experience Regional Level: International Vice President for the Northeast Region (2019-2021), Northeast Region Membership Consultant (2005-2007, 2003-2005), Northeast Region Conference Co-Chair ((2002), Northeast Region Chaplain (1999-2001), Northeast Region Sergeant-at-Arms (1989-1991)
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Team Participant (2022-present), The Gnome That Lives at Home Organization Founder (2022-present), Friends of the Enfield Public Libraries Member/Contributor (2016-present), A Walk in the Woods for Parkinson’s Event Booth Coordinator (2012-present), American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Team Captain (2010-2022)
Essay: Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said, “Membership of an organization is good as long as you can make yourself heard,” a sentiment that speaks to Alpha Delta Kappa. Providing avenues for members to openly express their feelings on major issues which affect our organization before decisions are made is critical, and I would work to bring that back. Organizing regional town hall Zooms and returning Communication Central to conferences and conventions would be priorities to gather the ideas and opinions of members. Crafting our future depends on everyone’s voice being a part of the action.
Leadership Experience International Level: Four-year member, International Executive Board (2021-2025), Two-year member International Executive Board (2017-2019), AΔK Foundation Board (Vice-chairman, 2021-present), Excellence in Education Committee (Chairman, 2003-2005), Ad Hoc Committee on Voting Chairman (2023-2024), IEB Liaison to World Understanding, Resolutions, and International Members Committees; Strategic Plan Chairman (2023-2025), 2023-25 Theme and Logo Committee Chair, Leadership Development Committee Co-chairman, Strategic Plan Chairman (2021-2023), Leadership and Professional Development Committee, Rotating Chaplain, Minutes Review Committee (2019), AΔK Foundation Evening of Entertainment (Cochairman 2023), AΔK Foundation Tour of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (2019), Project TEACH Delegation (Dedication of classrooms in Haiti, 2018), Page for International Executive Board Chairman (2015), Educational Symposium (Presenter, 2011)
Leadership Experience Regional Level: North Central Regional Excellence in Education Award (2010), North Central Regional Secretary (1999-2001)
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Conference on English Leadership Executive Committee Member/Executive Secretary (2009-present), Friendship Force of Lincoln, Nebraska Secretary (2020-present), Journalism Education Association Lifetime Achievement Award (2013), Lincoln Southeast High School Brent Toalson Leadership Award (2013), National Council of Teachers of English Secondary Section Steering Committee (2014-2018)
Essay: I will search for ways to promote and publicize Alpha Delta Kappa as a premiere professional organization offering value to our members and to our communities. By encouraging membership growth in our chapters and collegiate clubs and continuing our connections with The Longest Day and St. Jude initiatives, we can build dynamic partnerships. Providing resources like scholarships, grants, and the Educational Symposium will enable our current educators to strive for excellence for themselves and for their students as they enhance their own leadership skills. Maintaining Alpha Delta Kappa as a viable and vibrant organization is the ultimate goal.
Four-Year Member of the International Executive Board
Chapter President: West Virginia Alpha Tau 2006-2008
State President: West Virginia 2016-2018
Leadership Experience International Level: International Vice- President of the Southeast Region 2021-2023, International Membership Committee member 2021-2023; International Handbook Committee Chairman 2021-2023, Alpha Delta Kappa CONNECT committee member 2023-2025; Future Educators Scholarship committee member 2023-2025; International VicePresident of the Southeast Region 2021-2023; International Convention Educational Symposium presenter 2019, 2017
Leadership Experience Regional Level: International Vice-President of the Southeast Region 2021-2023; Southeast Region Sergeant-At-Arms 2019-2021; Southeast Region Conference Educational Symposium presenter 2016; Southeast Region Conference Courtesy Committee Chairman 2014
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: First Christian Church Vice-Chairman Church Board (2018-2022), First Christian Church Secretary of the Elders (2014-present), First Christian Church Discipline Women Member (2023-present), Hancock County Retired School Employees Member (2019-present)
Essay: Having served from the chapter to the International chapter, my experiences have shown me that we must be flexible and open-minded when making decisions. We have found that what works for one group might not be a viable option for another. Therefore, we embrace change, encouraging thinking “outside of the box” to create leadership structures that provide workable solutions based on the needs of the group. Shared leadership provides options that not only keep our chapters, states and regions strong but also afford more members the chance to develop their own leadership skills.
Leadership Experience International Level: Gulf Regional President (2023-2024), Gulf Regional President-Elect (2022-2023), International Membership Committee (2022-2023), Regional Council (2023-2024), Presented at Educational Symposium at all attended International Conventions except 2021, Presented Learning sessions at all Gulf Regional conferences attended with the exception of 1998 and 2024 (my own conference)
Leadership Experience Regional Level: Served as Gulf Conference Chair for the 2022 Gulf Regional Convention. Developed and designed the conference program and all scripts for the 2024 Gulf Conference
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Marine Corps League Adjutant Paymaster, Associate member, Toys for Tots Chairman (2010-2024), American Legion Auxiliary President (2016-2020), Leon Wakulla Retired Educators Association Secretary (2020-present), Wakulla County Coalition for Youth Community Member, Liaison to the retired educators (2024-present)
Essay: As a member of state and regional executive boards, I have experienced the many diverse facets of Alpha Delta Kappa. Living in many different states and visiting many provinces and nations has also given me firsthand, diverse experiences and knowledge. Being adaptable, personable, willing to listen and willing to question are my strong points. As our leadership structure changes, I will learn, adapt, and nurture others to do the same because that is what the leaders before me have done for me!
Leadership Experience International Level: International Chapter (2019-2021), IVP SCR (2019-2021), International Professional Development Scholarship Committee (2023-2025), Leadership Academy Cohort (Mentor 2022-2024), International World Understanding Committee (Chairman 2019-2021; Member 2017-2019), IMC (2019 -2021), International Pres Elect Logo Committee 2023, Distinguished Service Award Sub Committee 2021, Presenter Educational Symposium (beginning to 2023), Attended ITE weekend, Newsletter Committee at Convention when Judy Ganzert was chair of committee.
Leadership Experience Regional Level: SCR Joyful News editor (2024-2026), SCR IVP (2020-2022), SCR Conference Technology/ Educational Symposium Chair replacement (2024), SCR Page to International President (2024), SCR Conference Chair (2022), Developed SCR logo for Cheryl Sigel RP (2024), SCR RMC (2013-2015, 2015-2017), SCR Secretary (2008-2010)
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Arkansas Library Association President, Francis P Neal Award 2023 and 2024, Conference Committee Chair of School Librarian Division (2022), Arkansas Association of Instructional Media Pat McDonald Award, Parliamentarian, Honorary Life Membership, Conference Presenter (2021), Garland County Retired Teachers Web Page Developer (2023), Lakeside Alumni Association Executive Board (2014-2015), First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Elder, Christian Women’s Fellowship President, Worship Committee Chair, Pastoral Search Committee Chair (2023-2024)
Essay: I have always loved to volunteer for Alpha Delta Kappa because I believe in giving back to those who helped us be more successful on our life’s journey. I have been really involved since that first nudge from Bobbie Thompson of Grand Chapter who said that I should step up in service to our sisterhood. I feel my participation in all three levels of service has prepared me to help Alpha Delta Kappa cross the bridge to the future. My experiences are varied and will guide my decision making for the good of the organization.
Two-Year Member of the International Executive Board
Richardson
S/P/N and Chapter: Kentucky Kappa
Year Initiated: 2001
International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2019, 2017
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: State of Kentucky Colonel Award (2024), Western Kentucky Blood Center Fifteen Gallon Donor (2018), Owensboro Board of Education Teacher of the Year (2004), Owensboro Parks Department Corporate Challenges (2001), City of Owensboro Volunteer of the Year (1974)
Essay: As a leader, I have been taught the importance of the art of listening. I must listen to other’s perspectives by validating them and being transparent. When I was state president, the final decisions rested on me, but it took the guidance of others for success. Together, we made our state meetings to be informative, affordable and fun. I know we must create an environment that communicates a welcoming and meaningful experience like a community-a family. I love serving because it comes from my heart. I believe I could be a vital part by serving in this capacity.
Gena
S/P/N and Chapter: Louisiana Alpha Sigma
LeslieKoenck
Year Initiated: 1992
International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2017
Leadership Experience International Level: 2021-2023 Committee Member of Future Educator Scholarship, 2023 Presenter at the Ed. Symposium; 2021 Presenter at the Ed. Symposium
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Louisiana Curriculum Supervisor Association Sergeant-at-Arms 2014-2016 (2002-2019), Lutheran Women in Mission National Informational Technology Committee 2020-2022, Louisiana-Mississippi District President 2024-present, Zone Treasurer 2023-present and 2015-2019 (1990-present), Court Appointed Special Advocate CASA Spotlight Advocate 2024 and 2022 (2019-present), Trinity Lutheran Church Music Coordinator, Sunday School Teacher, Church Council Officer, VBS Teacher and Superintendent (1987-present)
Essay: My experiences at multiple levels within the education system and leadership roles in various organizations nurtured my ability to listen, connect with others, and collaborate. My top five CliftonStrengths of achiever, learner, discipline, positivity, and communication will assist our organization’s leadership team in successfully achieving our member-focus goals. With passionate leadership qualities of curiosity and desire to serve others by placing membership needs first and communicating our values of Alpha Delta Kappa, I will help the leadership team continue to build a strong organization. By working together, we can share our love and commitment to Alpha Delta Kappa.
S/P/N and Chapter: Kansas Rho
Year Initiated: 2008
International Conventions Attended: 2023, 2021, 2013
Leadership Experience International Level: International Council of Presidents (member 2020-2026), International Convention Assistant SAA (2013), Presenting at Educational Symposium (2023 “Deconstruct to Reconstruct,” 2013 “Students to Careers”)
Leadership Experience Regional Level: South Central Conference Planning Committee (member 2022-2024), South Central Local Host Committee (member 2018-2022), Presenting at South Central Educational Symposium (2024 “2.0 Deconstruct to Reconstruct”, 2022 “Deconstruct to Reconstruct”), South Central Conference Co-Secretary (2024), South Central Conference Speaker (2022), South Central Conference Newsletter Editor/Publisher (2024), South Central Excellence in Education Award Recipient (2012)
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: Kansas Scholastic Press Association Kansas Administrator of the Year (2018), Kansas Association for Careers and Technical Education President, 1st President-Elect, 2nd President-Elect, Membership Chair, Budget Taskforce (2014-2017), Daughter’s of American Revolution RL Chapter Recording Secretary (2023-2024), DECA and BPA International Wichita Kansas District Advisor 2015-2023, Kansas Executive Board 2015-2020, Member 2000-2023 (2015-2023), Navy Recruiting Command 2021 Certificate of Achievement for charing the 1st in Nation E-Sports Event, 2017 Certificate of Achievement for Advancement of Student Career Exploration throughout the state of Kansas (2021 and 2017)
Essay: If you are looking for someone who has experience in managing change, look no further! I believe that my collective experiences as a business/finance entrepreneur [18 years], Career and Technical Education teacher/leader [25 years], along with sorority leadership [since 2008], have come together at a time in which our organization asks for help. I want to assist as we navigate Alpha Delta Kappa through an everchanging world then make adaptations which will make our organization healthier and stronger to thrive. Long Live AΔK!
Chapter President: Virginia Gamma Epsilon 2004-2006 and 2012-2014
State President: Virginia 2018-2020
Leadership Experience International Level: 2023-2025 International Vice President for Membership, 2021-2023 International Membership Committee, 2011-2013 International World Understanding Committee, 2011 International Balloting Committee, 2021-2023 International Membership Committee, 2021-2023 Alpha Delta Kappa Collegiate Club Board, Presented at Educational Symposium 2023 and 2021
Leadership Experience Regional Level: Presented learning sessions at SER Conference in 2024, 2022, 2020, and 2012, Southeast Region Membership Consultant 2021-2023, Southeast Region World Understanding Chairman 2011-2013
Non-AΔK organizations, offices, and/or honors: P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter President (2002-present), American Cancer Society Relay for Life Team Captain (2005-present), American Cancer Society Road to Recovery (2023-present), Northern Virginia Athletic Directors, Administrators, and Coaches Association (2024-present), Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics 2014 High School Educator of the Year (2014)
Essay: This past year, the International Membership Committee and I have learned that building relationships with prospective and current members is critical to chapter growth and sustainability. Through relationship building conversations, we find out what current and prospective members are looking for in membership. Once we know what members value, we can get them engaged and connected. To keep new members, chapters will utilize onboarding and mentoring techniques. I will continue to work with the International Membership Committee to educate sisters about this way of working with members and will encourage chapters to put what they learn about membership into action.
