Convention Delegates Celebrate League’s Accomplishments, Debate Issues
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Deidra Reese
May 7, 2009 (614) 469-1505
www.lwvohio.org leg@lwvohio.org
Dublin, Ohio – The League of Women Voters of Ohio held its biennial state convention last week in Dublin, Ohio The gathering gave League members from around the state the opportunity to celebrate the organization’s accomplishments and to discuss important public policy issues that are impacting communities across Ohio.
Attending the convention from the national Board of the League of Women Voters was Dianne Wheatley Giliotti, LWVUS Board Member. “We value our volunteer leaders for their commitment and contribution to our communities. They bring forward the important voice of the people to our elected officials and work tirelessly to reform our systems through education and action from a nonpartisan perspective. I’m very proud to be with them”, said Wheatley.
At the conclusion of the gathering, Meg Flack, Ph.D., of Columbus was unanimously elected to a two-year term by the delegates gathered from across the state. Dr. Flack has served on the LWVO state board as both secretary and chair of advocacy and legislation. She also is a member of the LWVO Lobby Corps where she lobbies on capital punishment issues.
In 2006, she co-authored a white paper on judicial reform for the League’s statewide imPACT Town Hall Meeting project. In 2007, she was appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel.
Flack has a long history of community volunteerism and has held leadership positions with Court Appointed Special Advocates of Franklin County (CASA), VOICES for Children and Families, and the Junior League of Columbus.
She has a master’s degree in public policy and management and a doctorate degree in sociology from The Ohio State University, where she was an instructor in the Department of Sociology and managed a research project in the Criminal Justice Research Center.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Flack thanked members for entrusting her with the state leadership of this almost 90-year old organization. She applauded the delegates and outgoing board members for their service and encouraged them to continue to work to educate citizens and safeguard democracy. “I am excited and delighted to lead the League of Women Voters of Ohio” Flack said. “In the past biennium, we have had great successes in the areas of Voter Protection, Election Reform, and Civic Engagement, and our grassroots leadership will continue to ensure that our communities are fair, vibrant and strong in these especially challenging times,” vowed Flack “We are the organization where hands-on work to safeguard democracy leads to civic improvement.”
Attending the 2009 convention were nearly 100 delegates representing the 33 Leagues from across the state as well as representatives of the League of Women Voters of the United States, Abbott Nutrition, and the Ohio State Bar Association who were co-sponsors of convention events. The Convention features dynamic speakers such as Dr. Paul Beck, Professor of Social and Behavioral Science at the Ohio State University and Keynote Speaker Dr. Joan McLean, Associate Dean of First Year Students and Professor of Politics and Government at Ohio Wesleyan University.
The Convention Delegates adopted the program plan outlining priority policy issues for the biennium and elected the board of Directors including the Board officers; Ardith Keck of Akron, Jean Koznarek of Shaker Heights, Debbie Schmieding of Athens, Gail Pytel of Kent. Others Members of the Board elected were; Melissa Currence, Gwendolyn Fish, Ann Henkener, Sally Mier, Kurt Miller, Teana Nichol, Terrie Nielsen and Mary Kirtz Van Nortwick. The new board unanimously selected Nancy Brown to round out the board for the 2009-2011 biennium.
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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. Founded in 1920, it is one of America’s most trusted grassroots organizations. Join us today at www.lwv.org.
