FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 18, 2024
Contact: Mark Farrar, 931-359-1574, mfarrar@twhbea.com

The TWHBEA Election Committee met yesterday and certified the results of this year’s election. The ballots were counted by Winnett Associates PLLC. 10 States/Regions elected directors to full three-year
terms, with Michigan, Virginia, and Region 6 also electing directors for partial terms. In Michigan, Carol Branam was elected to fill the unexpired one-year term of Dr. Gerald Pease. In Virginia, Mary Susan Ellis was elected to fill the unexpired two-year term of Bethany Lackey. In Region 6, Susana Osorno Belmont was elected to fill the unexpired two-year term of James Dolan.
In the election for Tennessee directors there was a tie between Beth Thomas and Jayden Jackson. Beth Thomas has withdrawn her name stating “I am very aware of the expense and time a run-off election
would cost the board. I do not want to create that extra on TWHBEA. Given the issues our industry and organizations are facing, I would rather the money and time be dedicated to helping where needed.”
Out of 2563 ballots mailed to eligible voters, 431 were returned and counted for a return rate of 17%. 210 ballots were emailed to international members and those who have opted-in for electronic voting. 105 of the 210 email ballots were completed and counted for a response rate of 50%. Overall, 19% of those eligible voted in the election.

Directors elected for a three-year term include:

Alabama – William (Bill) Strickland

California – Ethlyn (Lyn) Montgomery

Illinois – Lance Meisenheimer

Kentucky – Kim Bennett, Joe Fraley, Dale Steinmetz

Missouri – Jason Bachert

South Carolina – Thomas Kakassy

Tennessee – Carrie Benedict, Thom Meek, William (Ty) Irby, Brian Wright, Linda Garrard, Jayden Jackson

Virginia – Beth Showalter

Region 1 (Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom) – Gerrit Band

Region 2 (Iowa, Wisconsin) – Kim Leonard
Directors elected for partial terms include:

Michigan – Carol Branam (1-year)

Virginia – Mary Susan Ellis (2-years)

Region 6 (Dominican Republic, Mexico) – Susana Osorno Belmont (2-years)

Board members will be sworn in on Saturday, December 7 during the International Board of Directors Meeting. There will be a New Board Member Orientation held prior to the meeting.
Thank you from the Election Committee for your participation:

David Williams, chair (TN)
Kathy Gilliam-Cole (WA)
Chris Hazelwood (TN)
Sharon Rice (VA)
David Sisk (TN)