Candidates for Officer Positions 2011
Candidates for President
Mike Jewell
My name is Mike Jewell. I have been a member of the CCDSS since its beginning. I was the first Buddy Walk coordinator for the CCDSS and also served as president of the non-profit group, Bellefonte Community Band, for 4.5 years. I’m an outgoing person who enjoys the company of others, I’m organized and dedicated. If there is something I’m not too sure of, I’ll do the research to understand it better. If I say I will take on a task, you can count on me to get it done. As president, I will make sure that the CCDSS continues to strive for awareness for those with DS and those who will be born with DS. I will keep the CCDSS in line with support for all of our families whether it be financial (through designated programs), emotional (by group sessions), or social (through group outings and events). It is important that our group stay in the minds of our community members and I’m committed to making that happen. The CCDSS has done some great things in its first 4 years. I, with the help of all the families, intend to keep our organization on that same path. I look forward to being the president of the CCDSS and a part of the great things that our group can accomplish.
Candidates for Vice-President
John Brownson
My name is John Brownson and I am running for the office of Vice President for the Centre County Down Syndrome Society. I have been a member of this organization since its inception and I would be honored to serve on a different level, as a board member. I would very much like to offer fresh ideas and a new perspective to the board, as well as uphold the high standards that previous board members have displayed. I have seen the benefits of the hard work that the board and members of this group have achieved over the past several years and it is inspiring. I would like to continue helping our organization raise awareness, promote acceptance, and enrich the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome.
One of my personal goals is to make a difference in advocating for people with Down Syndrome in school districts and the community. It’s extremely important that self-advocates have a voice in opportunities for their future and that parent-advocates have the tools and information to make sure that their children’s needs are being met. I promise to do whatever I can to support this, be it researching laws, talking with other group members who have conquered obstacles or listening and trying to help find a solution if a group member is struggling with a situation.
Overall, I promise to listen, to be objective and to try to do things that benefit our group as a whole. I would appreciate your support, your vote. I will not let you down if you elect me to represent you. Thank you.
Sharon Nelson
Hello, my name is Sharon Nelson. I am the mother of two and also, for the last two years, I have been the caretaker of my 21 year old brother Joey who has Down Syndrome. I have been involved with the Special Olympics for most of my life. I am extremely interested in the rights of people with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. I am also interested in expanding the opportunities and activities for teenagers and young adults with Down Syndrome. I have helped the CCDSS plan several dances for young people. I am also very interested in the dissemination of the current research on Down Syndrome. I have really enjoyed the time I have spent volunteering for the CCDSS and look forward to helping more in the future.
Candidates for Treasurer
Jaimie Miller
My name is Jaimie Miller. I have had the privilege of serving as Treasurer for the CCDSS for the past four years. Through this position, I was given the opportunity to meet so many new families, especially throughout this past year, and that has been the highlight of my last four years on the board. Through the purchasing of gifts to fulfill each individual's "wish" through the holiday season, my heart was truly filled with such happiness. I received so many kind messages from families and from many of the individuals themselves. Looking back to four years ago, I never would have imagined our group growing to the extent that it has and I am blessed to be a part of it.
I would like to be elected as Treasurer again so that I can continue to serve on the board, help to bring about new ideas to benefit the individuals with down syndrome in our group, and also look to find ways to benefit the parents as we look to ways to reach out to each other for support and friendship. The office of Treasurer is often demanding. Balancing our budget, addressing concerns for cuts when necessary, depositing money and accounting for it properly, balancing the budget for the Buddy Walk, writing up monthly financial reports, managing the enrichment program, purchasing for the group as well as reimbursing others, and ultimately answering to the IRS if necessary are the essence of my job responsibilities. My office comes with a significant learning curve that has brought me to the current year where I feel that I have mastered these responsibilities and understand truly how this office should be run responsibly and thoroughly. I would like the opportunity to continue to serve The Centre County Down Syndrome Society again for the next two years as treasurer if you feel that I have done my job well. Thank you for this opportunity.
Candidates for Secretary
Krista Wilkinson
My name is Krista Wilkinson. I have served as an appointed member of the CCDSS board for two years as a “community” representative, and am eager to offer my services in the role of Secretary for the next two if the membership is willing. During my time on the board, I have taken minutes for the regular board meetings, attended and, last year, coordinated the “carnival games” at the Buddy Walk, served as the liaison for requests for research support, and am currently serving as the coordinator for the 2011 elections. I am fairly well organized but prefer to stay “behind the scenes” while still making a contribution; for this reason, the Secretary slot seems to be a good fit for my skills.
I do not have a family member with Down syndrome, though I have known folks with Down syndrome since I was a very young child, both at a personal and on a professional level. My goals are to work together with parents and other professionals to enhance the quality of services and supports for individuals with disabilities. Organizations like the CCDSS are a fundamental part of this effort, and it is for this reason that I seek to offer whatever help I can.
