Organization News, Press Release, Leadership, Volunteering
Kappa Kappa Gamma Elects International Officers During First-Ever Virtual Business Meeting
6/27/2020
COLUMBUS, Ohio (June 27, 2020) — In households across the globe, over 300 delegates of Kappa Kappa Gamma came together virtually to conduct the business of the Fraternity during its 73rd Biennial Convention.
During the meeting, Fraternity President Gail Owen, Monmouth, inspired all members when she stated, “We have each other — this sisterhood — and a solid foundation upon which to build. So, let’s take this opportunity to revisit the core of who we are and what we believe about the power of women coming together for social and higher purposes. But even more, I challenge Kappa to be better than we have ever been before. Let’s raise the bar for ourselves and for the women we call sisters. We can take bold actions when we are brave together.”
Gail is among 20 women elected to serve the Fraternity through 2022. Kappa Kappa Gamma is proud to announce the following women as its newest Fraternity Council and District Director team.
We have each other — this sisterhood — and a solid foundation upon which to build. So, let’s take this opportunity to revisit the core of who we are and what we believe about the power of women coming together for social and higher purposes. But even more, I challenge Kappa to be better than we have ever been before. Let’s raise the bar for ourselves and for the women we call sisters. We can take bold actions when we are brave together.
FRATERNITY COUNCIL
Fraternity President: Gail Owen, Monmouth
Gail is serving her second term as Fraternity President. During Gail’s presidential first term, she and her Council established the Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Committee and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, launched the Fraternity Housing Corporation, and installed four new chapters to grow and enrich our sisterhood. Prior to her presidency, Gail served the organization in a variety of roles, including Fraternity Vice President (2016–18), Director of Programs and Education (2014–16), Leadership Academy Facilitator (2004–present), and member of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Outside of Kappa, Gail has spent her career as an educator at all levels and most recently retired as a regional superintendent of schools. She currently serves on the board of trustees for Monmouth College. Gail resides in Morton, Illinois, with her husband, Timothy.
Fraternity Vice Presidents:
Maria Brown, Valparaiso
Maria credits her experience at Leadership Academy as launching her volunteer career with Kappa. She has served in a number of roles related to education and programming, including as a board member for the Greater Pittsburgh Alumnae Association. During the 2018–20 Biennium, Maria served as Programming Director, overseeing 14 Content Specialists assisting chapters and associations with member curriculum. She currently lives in Pittsburgh with her husband, William, and works in financial services as a digital product manager.
Leah DeCesare, Syracuse
Leah has served in numerous Kappa roles facilitating member education and leadership training events as well as supporting chapter and association operations. In 2016, she was appointed as Kappa’s Leadership Development Director and served in that position through 2018. As a volunteer, Leah raised the funds for the building of a full-service medical center at the Kampala Children’s Centre, a 501(c)(3) NDE-USA Inc. in Kampala, Uganda. Professionally, Leah is a published author and creative professional specializing in writing, leadership, events, and service. Leah and her husband, Nicholas, live in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, with their children: Michael, Anna, and Ali, NYU.
Nancy Foland, Tulsa
Nancy has volunteered with Kappa Kappa Gamma for over 25 years, previously serving on Fraternity Council as Treasurer (2012–16) and Vice President (2016–18). She has also served as Foundation Treasurer (2012–15), District Director (2018–20), and currently sits as a Fraternity House Corporation Trustee. She has extensive knowledge of Kappa’s operations, finances and strategic vision. Nancy resides in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, with her husband, Greg.
Mary Pat Rooney, Drake
Mary Pat is returning for a second term as Vice President. Mary Pat began volunteering with Kappa in 2008, serving as the Academic Excellence Director (2016–18) and, most recently, as a Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation Trustee. She brings nearly 10 years of experience as a development professional, including fundraising for human service, cultural, and education organizations in Denver and Chicago. Mary Pat lives in Chicago with her golden retriever, Stanley.
Fraternity Treasurer: Amy Sutton, Nebraska
Amy is serving her second term as Fraternity Treasurer. With a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration, Amy spent her career in finance and accounting roles. Amy has supported Kappa since 2001 at both the local and district levels, most recently as an Alumna Relations Specialist (2016–18). Amy has dedicated her time and talents to her community in various volunteer roles, serving on the boards of several nonprofits. Amy and her husband, Glenn, reside in Austin, Texas, and are parents to Emma, Graydon and Chase.
DISTRICT DIRECTORS
Elizabeth Bailey, Mississippi
Rebecca Cullen, Central Florida
Angela Eigner, Iowa
Jordan Conway Griffith, Georgia Southern
Megan Harre, Florida State
Mary Hendrick, Oklahoma
Tiff Hortin, Lawrence
Casie Lindsly, Emory
Bailee Myers, Illinois Wesleyan
Caity Meehan, Miami
Lauren Nogy, UC San Diego
Randa Robingson, South Carolina
S.E. Spencer, North Carolina
Liz Wong, Waterloo
Specific district assignments will be announced later this summer. Kappa Kappa Gamma congratulates all its elected leaders and thanks them for their dedication and service.
For more information about Kappa’s General Convention Virtual Business Meeting, read the The Hoot, the official publication of General Convention.