Official Candidates-Questions and Answers
The Election Committee of the NAD Board of Directors put forth five questions to all candidates for board officer and regional representative positions. Scroll down to view candidate answers to these five questions:
President
2010-2012
Bobbie Beth Scoggins, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
It is my desire to continue for a third term (2010-2012) as our President, working with the new board toward a viable and household name – NAD. Diversity among constituencies in the ranks of state associations and affiliates is a process that I want to continue. Guiding the new board with a new CEO will be a challenge dealing with serious issues facing the NAD in next two years, toward transparency and financial independence models.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My vision is that one day, deaf and hard of hearing people in the signing community will truly be treated equally; allowing us to be able to become human beings in a world void of discrimination. American Sign Language to become a household name allowing, in the truest sense, access to meaningful interaction with the whole world.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.Diversity has always been my thrust on various issues leading the NAD into the 21st century. Youth initiatives in the past four years of my term have become more and more prominent. Deaf Youth USA (DYUSA) is becoming a very viable organization, it is my hope that the NAD and DYUSA will work together to present an unified approach on youth initiatives by working with Youth Strategic Team’s recommendations to the 2010 Council of Representatives.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
My employer is gracious enough to allow the NAD to utilize its TV technology to put the NAD activities and efforts in behalf of the national deaf community on the national stage. I will enlarge upon my participation in social media in the form of static and interactive vlogs with more in-depth communication with the NAD community. The NAD and I have just opened the door to electronic communication...there will be more.
Vice President
2010-2012
Chris Wagner, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
As Vice President for the past two terms (2006-2008 and 2008-2010), I am proud of the accomplishments we made in the last four years. There is much work ahead to be done. We are moving forward in a positive manner. With new CEO transition to take place, I believe it is important to remain as a critical component of the President’s team for the next two years.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
Having served in different capacities within the NAD for the past six years – two years on the Fulton III Committee and the past four years as Vice President and Governance Committee Chair – I believe my leadership skills, State Association involvement, non-profit management and deep understanding of the NAD operations are the qualities the NAD Board needs.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My vision is that the NAD shall be the leading forerunner on a national level promoting equality for all deaf and hard of hearing Americans. This includes respect for ASL and deaf culture, strong presence at the federal level, and an interconnected network with State Associations and Affiliates of the NAD.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
The NAD will continue its efforts to ensure diverse representation on the Board of Directors, all committees and in all of its advocacy efforts. This includes openness to and sharing of diverse viewpoints and strategies that lead to new dialogue, ideas, and opportunities. The NAD shall also develop resources to support focus on diversity and youth within State Associations and Affiliates of the NAD.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
The NAD shall develop a media subcommittee within the standing Membership Committee to focus on building a consistent and dynamic network that ties together State Associations, Affiliates, and other national and state deaf and hard of hearing organizations. Through this effort, increased visibility of deaf and hard of hearing media will reach out to a larger network of individuals who have a vested interest in our community.
Secretary
2010-2012
Sheri Farinha, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I’m EXCITED to be a candidate for the NAD Board as your Secretary! It would be a great honor to serve with the Board - this is indeed an empowering and yet critical time in NAD's history! The NAD needs board strong leadership to help it thrive financially, support the incoming CEO, and seek opportunities to reframe how the world sees D-E-A-F. If elected as Secretary, I promise to push for an ACTION-oriented NAD!
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
The more we “walk the talk” of diversity, it validates NAD’s mission to preserve, protect and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of the Deaf in the USA.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
NAD’s visibility and survival depends on social networking. People want personal connection with the NAD before they join or become active participants. The NAD can appeal to the personal connection by empowering regional Speaker Bureau teams to promote diversity and youth! Nothing is stopping the NAD to host its own version of Facebook, NAD Video Chat rooms, NAD online text sites, etc., as an incentive to rope in new prospects to join the NAD!
Treasurer
2010-2012
Michael Michner, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I have decided to run for the Board Treasurer position because I have 20 years of accounting experience specializing mostly in non-profits which I can help NAD improve their financial position. I will provide the Board more financial reports in a more simple way.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
I have my own accounting corporation and currently control the accounting departments for several non-profit organizations, numerous other small organizations and businesses. I also have my own tax and bookkeeping services. I have been a member of the finance committee for NAD for the last four years. I attended California State University Northridge, where I received my bachelor's degree in business administration: accounting theory and practice.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
Of course, show me more money for the future! Again with my experience as a CPA and with my understanding how the economy is affecting all of the non-profit organizations currently, it would be my duty to help the Board to seek brainstorming ideas to raise funds for NAD. I would help the finance committee to understand the financials better.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
As a role model for many years, I have encouraged young people that a road to success will never be blocked or stopped. The road is never an easy one and that means for everyone including hearing people. I would always remind young people within the NAD that we want to see access to opportunities, equality in diversity and dignity for everyone.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
I would define social networking to new supporters what it really means, especially with online messaging. The internet is filled with hundreds of individuals who are looking to meet other people, to gather and share first-hand information and experiences in all kinds. Not only will you make new friends via social networking, you will always learn new things.
Region One Representative
2010-2014
Margie English, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
As a believer in member-centered advocacy, I am moved by the passion and dreams for the ideal society by my fellow Deaf citizens. I’ve lived and worked in several states within Region I. As a long time contributor at local and state-level advocacy organizations, I’m familiar with the politics within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, and a willing advocate. As a young leader, I bring ideas that are currently used by our generation.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
As someone who has spent my career working on Deaf-related issues, I am familiar with politics impacting NAD. I am a project manager with a proven track record. I serve as a Board Member for the DC Association of the Deaf. I volunteered as the NAD Membership Chair for the last two years. During this time, I developed a marketing communications plan with headquarters. I also work with other NAD volunteers during presentations and exhibits.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
When the 75th NAD conference take place (I’ll be really old), we will see ordinary Deaf people lead lives in a functional manner equal to any other citizen. With a strong focus on being a “member-run” organization, we quickly mobilize supporters ready to pave new routes with new trends impacting our community. NAD will become a household name, familiar to those who are also familiar with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
With support from the board, local volunteers and state associations, I hope to organize networking fundraisers in each state within Region I. Those socials will have clearly defined objectives, one of which will be for youth programs for the minority groups within our community. If we are successful with this collaborative effort, then we can set a model for adoption by other regions. This has the potential of becoming an important channel for NAD.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
Social networking is a great way to find inspiration through others. As listed in my website (http://maenglish14.blogspot.com), one of my goals is to establish an interactive communications channel with NAD members within Region I regarding news from Deaf people and state associations within Region I as well as advocacy headlines from NAD on our initiatives. When we tie this with the networking fundraisers, we could attract new supporters by noting achievements by members of NAD.
Region I Representative
2010-2014
Alexander Zernovoj, Candidate (also for the Secretary position)
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
As the Vice President of DC Association of the Deaf (DCAD), I have considerable experience with state-level advocacy, activism, and fundraising. I have a vision and ideas that I want to implement for the State Associations and the NAD. These ideas primarily focus on NAD’s community outreach and empowerment, and collaboration and communication between the State Associations and the NAD. (Please see my website for a list of goals – www.AlexanderZernovoj.com)
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
NAD needs someone who is dedicated, resourceful and gets the job done. I fit that image. I have extensive experience in advocacy, fundraising and membership recruitment. I serve as the Vice President of DCAD and as chairperson or member of several subcommittees. I also served on the USA Deaf Sports Federation's Ad Hoc New Year's Eve Fundraising Gala Committee. Additionally, I am co-chairperson of the D.C. Deaf Film Festival and parliamentarian for the Kendall PTA.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
After NAD’s 130 years of triumphant and unyielding advocacy, the new challenges of the times and deaf community changes need to be addressed. The NAD needs to adapt to keep up with and stay ahead of these changes. The NAD needs to shore up the State Association-level movement, reinforce and maintain NAD board governance, create strategy plan for future trends and changes, and broaden community outreach and empowerment through new mass media ventures and technologies.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
As a young deaf American of mixed heritage, I bring definite diversity to the NAD board. In order to promote diversity and youth within the NAD, I will foster open dialogue between the NAD and certain organizations such as Jr. NAD, DYUSA, NBDA and DWU. Additionally, I offer a solid network of numerous individuals who are representatives of minority and youth organizations from which I can recruit to help support the NAD cause.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
I will use my media experience to maximize the potential of social media technologies. News must be distributed through various channels in addition to the NAD website such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, blog websites and listservs. It is not enough to post press releases on the NAD website and send it out to email subscribers. Going through additional channels to bring news directly to people will solidify NAD’s community relations and help recruit new supporters.
Region II Representative
2010-2014
Richard D. McCowin, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I was one of four Gallaudet University student delegates that represented the District of Columbia Association of the Deaf at the Centennial NAD Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio in the summer of 1980. I have since been involved in various deaf organizations on the local, state, regional, and national levels. I am will celebrate my 30-year involvement with NAD in Philadelphia, PA - this is an excellent time for me to run for Region II.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My vision is to unite all state associations to be more strong and more united, so they can help each other. One of the possible goals is to gather the presidents of the state associations at one place and then they can discuss and learn the effectiveness and shortcomings of their respective organizations – so they can be prepared to assist other state associations whenever needed - for example, on state school closures and budget cuts.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
I know that I am a member of deaf minority; I have ideas on ways to promote diversity. 1) Teach deaf minority children what NAD has done and can do for them. 2) Promote all deaf schools to recognize minority students’ exceptional intelligence and potential talents which can be beneficial to NAD and Deaf America. 3) Provide workshops about sensitive issues on the state association’s conferences to improve relationships with people regardless of human differences.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
I would love to work with Mike Berger of Illinois to have our Region II website that includes v/blog messages, frequently asked questions, state association updates and events, and information regarding what the NAD does to encourage sharing and open communication within the region. I also want to see that Mike and I are available on VP chat at scheduled times so that folks can contact us.
Region III Representative
2010-2014
Christopher Patterson, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I am a NAD Board Region III candidate because I want to serve the Deaf population on the national level. NAD has many areas that can be improved in order to meet the deaf population’s needs (accessibility, advocacy, and awareness) and I want to be involved in the improvement process. I strongly believe that my involvement can make it possible for NAD to ensure that the deaf community’s interests are represented at the federal level.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
I am currently serving my third term as Georgia Association of the Deaf President. I have served on multiple committees during the presidency such as fundraising, and conference planning and professional development. I advocated for Georgia’s successful Deaf Child Bill of Rights and American Sign Language bill (for ASL to be accepted as a foreign language in the state K-12 system).
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My vision for the NAD and its future is be a facilitator between NAD and the southeastern states.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
I would promote the importance of National Association of the Deaf to the diverse groups such as Peachtree Deaf Rainbow Society, Alabama Black Deaf Association, state Junior NAD organizations, and Deaf Seniors of Texas. I would push for one night’s event to honor diversity at NAD Conference.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
Facebook and Twitter are the most popular social networks to share news among the Deaf community members. Video blogs are very popular and are strongly supported by the members. I would recommend a southeast states website where we can share news through vlogs and blogs. This is one way I would facilitate the information with the southeastern states.
Region IV Representative
2010-2014
Julie Rems-Smario, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
I have a wealth of public relations, fundraising and nonprofit management experience to bring NAD full circle as a grassroots advocacy movement as envisioned by George Veditz. I also honor the mission of NAD to preserve, protect and promote the civil, human and linguistic rights of deaf and hard of hearing individuals in the USA. I will ensure the mission of NAD becomes clear to every Deaf American so they join with shared passion.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
I will carry the "hands" of Region IV constituents so their views, concerns and ideas can be brought to the table of NAD Board of Directors. Each Deaf person counts. There are changes impacting the Deaf communities everywhere in our nation, especially with the Deaf education and media. I will ensure that the new CEO will have a smooth transition and navigate NAD towards a new future for our signed language rights, Deaf culture preservation, political influence, and social justice.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
I celebrate our younger generations; they keep us on the cutting edge. They teach us more than we teach them. Children are now born into the digital age, plugged in the world of information, which is a great opportunity for NAD. With DYUSA, both organizations can create joint advocacy projects together. Having grown up with a Spanish-speaking mother, I will create an intersection of Deaf people from diverse backgrounds to enrich NAD with untapped leadership.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
I participated in Craigslist Bootcamp learn about social media. I then led DeafHope during the Chase campaign competing with 500,000 other nonprofits via Facebook and Twitter. DeafHope won $25,000 as one of 100 finalists. As PR Chair for Californians for ASL Celebration 2008 in and Oppose AB2072 Campaign this year , I have witnessed empowering social changes to preserve our signed language. With my social networking, I will make NAD become a household name.
Region IV Representative
2010-2014
David Reynolds, Candidate
1. Tell us why you are a candidate for the NAD Board position that you have chosen.
It has been my sincere passion and interest to help NAD make a difference in changing political systems. I believe that I can help other leaders to become better, stronger, and confident with our beliefs so we all can work together as a TEAM and empower our community. We can make things happen, being “agents of change”, also as “catalysts” of the Team. Developing leadership skills especially among young ones is also my strength.
2. Outline your background and the qualifications you bring to this position and the NAD Board as a whole.
As an Educator, Activist, Pioneer, Actor and Leader, I love to work with and be around people. It is critical as a leader to inspire and empower others to become leaders themselves. Bilingualism, ASL, Language as a Human Right, Deaf Schools, and the Deaf Education System must be re-focused as the “heart”, the core issues. Using the power of media, being visible and actively involved is what I can bring to NAD as a whole.
3. Describe your vision for the NAD and its future.
My vision for NAD is to bring YOUNG LEADERS and NEW BLOOD to NAD, focusing on the Language Rights of the Deaf, official recognition of ASL as the language of the Deaf, working with Deaf Education organizations to clearly identify the core issues and push for Bilingualism. Supporting Deaf Schools across the nation as the heart of Deaf Education and mandating that they have a clear ASL/English bilingual philosophy with high expectations.
4. Explain the specific ways you would promote diversity and youth within the NAD.
I would strongly endorse this by being involved with different organizations of different races and being involved with all Youth Organizations, especially DYUSA which I believe will bring a whole list of enthusiastic leaders everywhere. YLC and many Youth Leadership Camps or activities are critical. I believe that my skills, being passionate and inspiring young people will help them to want to be involved with NAD and local state and school youth organizations.
5. Social networking is a popular way of sharing news. Explain how you will draw new supporters to the NAD through social media and related technologies.
Social networking is one of my strengths. As a motivational speaker, actor, passionate and caring leader, and activist, I will use my skills and the power of media to empower and inspire people to want to be active in our causes and beliefs. These tools are important to get our community and others to see the real issues we must address today. Audism still exists and I believe that we can push for changes.
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