2019-2021 AOII Foundation Board Candidates

2019-2021 FOUNDATION BOARD CANDIDATES

ALPHA OMICRON PI FRATERNITY
2019-2021 FOUNDATION BOARD BALLOT

Dear Council Delegate:

During the biennial Convention, electing members to serve on our Foundation Board is one of the
most important duties you have as a council delegate. We are confident you will give your upmost
consideration in selecting the most outstanding amongst us to serve as our Foundation leadership.
The Foundation Nominating Committee would like to announce the ballot of candidates for Founda-
tion Board positions.

President: Director:
Andrea Dill, Chi Psi Kassandra Bernskoetter, Sigma
Treasurer:
Rissa Reddan, Omega Barbara Bruning, Theta Psi
Secretary:
Meagan Davies, Alpha Chi Kathleen Conver, Nu Iota

Nancy Hohmann, Phi

To assist you with identifying these candidates during Convention, there will be a time to meet the
candidates prior to the Opening Business Session on Thursday, June 27, 2019. Additionally, each can-
didate will wear a button, designating her as a Foundation Board candidate. As you see these mem-
bers at Convention, we highly encourage you to approach them and ask them any question you may
have about their experience or positions.
The Foundation Board election will be held in the order of President, Treasurer, Secretary, Director.
The proposed Rules Governing Convention, which are included in the Call to Convention, state that
the ballot will be finalized prior to Convention, and there will be no changes to the ballot or nomina-
tions from the floor at Convention. We appreciate your engagement in this election process by sub-
mitting feedback and questions as well as reading each candidate’s application information, which is
located in Fulfilling the Promise.

Fraternally,

The 2018-2019 Foundation Nominating Committee

Linda Grandolfo (Nu Iota), Nominating Committee Chair & Emeritus AOII Foundation Board Director;
AOII Fraternity Executive Board Vice President, 2005-2011

Hoori Barkh (Beta Kappa), Nominating Committee Member & Young Alumnae Council Member
Judy Gambrel Flessner (Iota), Nominating Committee Member & AOII Foundation President
Dionn Tron (Omega), Nominating Committee Member & 2015-2017 AOII Foundation Board Director
Mary McCammon Williams (Phi), Nominating Committee Member & Past International President

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CANDIDATES FOR:
FOUNDATION BOARD PRESIDENT

ANDREA DILL 4

FOUNDATION BOARD TREASURER

RISSA REDDAN 6

FOUNDATION BOARD SECRETARY

MEAGAN DAVIES 8

FOUNDATION BOARD DIRECTOR

KASSANDRA (KANDY) BERNSKOETTER 10
BARBARA HISS BRUNING 12
M. KATHLEEN (KATH) CONVER 14
NANCY M. HOHMANN 16

Click on the candidate’s name to jump to her page.

ANDREA DILL

CANDIDATE FOR FOUNDATION BOARD PRESIDENT
Aspen, Colorado

CHAPTER AFFILIATIONS:

Chi Psi, California Polytechnic State University
Denver Alumnae Chapter

4

Candidate Summary Statement:

My vision for the AOII Foundation is to be a strong vibrant organization, a leader in Panhellenic Founda-
tions, with the resources to provide the best possible support for the fraternity as a whole and provide
the best possible support for our sisters individually. I believe there are several focus areas that will move
the AOII Foundation in that direction. My vision of the AOII Foundation is parallel to the 2018 - 2023 Stra-
tegic Plan.
During the current biennium, the Foundation Board has worked to align our direction with the direction
of the Fraternity and the Executive Board. Part of my vision for the future of the AOII Foundation would
include continuing to move further in that direction. Through increasing the AOII Foundation’s alignment
with the Fraternity, the AOII Foundation will be better prepared to support the needs of the Fraternity. It is
my belief that the more the two entities work together the more our entire sisterhood can improve.
The second part of my vision is to help the AOII Foundation grow. The first area of focus needs to be
continuing to work to increase both the awareness and the understanding of the AOII Foundation and
its mission by all of our members. One of the most important pieces of this understanding will begin at
the collegiate level. Connecting with our collegiate members in the early years of their membership will
hopefully continue through their alumna years. The collegiate giving program, is beginning to make that
connection. The main goal being to fulfill our mission statement of creating a lifetime of giving to and
understanding of the AOII Foundation.
As a goal for both the Foundation Board and as president and the third part of my vision, the AOII Foun-
dation team needs to work toward raising more unrestricted funds. Additional unrestricted funds would
allow the AOII Foundation to increase support for leadership and educational programs for the Fraternity.
Supporting Fraternity programs such as the Educational Leadership Consultant program financially, helps
continue to educate our members about the AOII Foundation. One of the steps to increasing unrestricted
gifts is to make giving easy, part of that goal is using the best technology and communication available.
Continuing to find ways to meet the technology needs of younger donors, while not alienating donors
who prefer not using technology. Working to connect with donors on their terms with compelling stories
of how their funds will be used.
Through my professional experience with both interior design and nonprofit roles and my time on the
Foundation Board, I have worked to personally grow leadership qualities that I believe will serve me as
president of the AOII Foundation Board. I have had the opportunity to work to create teams to complete
projects, I hope to use this skill in a Foundation Board leadership position. My goal is to use this experi-
ence to build a AOII Foundation team of both board members and staff who can work together to move
the AOII Foundation forward as a leader among Panhellenic Foundations and in supporting the Fraternity.

Tell Me More:

Click on each question below to hear Andrea’s response.

Continuous attention to stewarding donors and raising funds for the AOII Foundation is the responsibility
of each member of the Board of Directors. Explain how you plan to participate in these efforts.

What is your vision for the AOII Foundation this coming biennium and what are the keys to translating
your vision for the Foundation’s future into action?

To learn more about this candidate, including her resume and candidate application form, visit Fulfilling the Promise
(Officer Resource Library > International Convention > Foundation Board Candidate Information).

RISSA REDDAN

CANDIDATE FOR FOUNDATION BOARD TREASURER
Chicago, Illinois

CHAPTER AFFILIATIONS:

Omega, Miami University
Chicago City Alumnae Chapter

Denver Alumnae Chapter

6

Candidate Summary Statement:

In presentations I’ve made during my first two years as a Foundation Board Director, I’ve started with my
why. I’ve noticed that when I survey collegians about what they’d like to hear about, I receive a lot of write-
in comments like “I want to understand what AOII is like after college” or “I want to understand why she
volunteers after college” or “What is a typical day in the life of a Foundation Board Director?”. So, I start with
my why which is a picture of my AOII daughter, Whitney. If I could attach the picture here, I would.
When I look at Whitney and think about all my hopes and wishes for her future, so many of them can be
accomplished with AOII. Lifetime friendships. Check. A support system that encourages her to be the best
version of herself. Check. Laughter and love. Check. An opportunity to let her light so shine. Check and
check.
For AOII to continue to thrive we need more dollars. To raise more dollars we need to tell compelling sto-
ries about how AOII is making this world a better place. We have the stories. We just need to amplify them.
I
am thrilled to throw my hat in the ring for treasurer of the Foundation Board of Directors. I believe we need
bold support to inspire ambition with our members.


I am delighted to have played a role in rewriting the mission statement of the AOII Foundation which is now:
The AOII Foundation invests in our sisters and inspires a lifetime of giving to innovative leadership,
educational and philanthropic causes. Key to achieving our mission is fundraising, managing to a budget,
and investing wisely.


As a strategic senior marketer, I’m very focused on simplifying our message and unifying our organization.
I believe we must optimize our customer relationship management (CRM) system--for example tagging key
audiences like past ELCs and collegiate chapter presidents so that we can communicate more effectively
with audiences that have demonstrated significant dedication to our sisterhood. Additionally, we must seg-
ment our audience and delivering relevant messages to relevant audiences, attract new donors we are not
yet communicating with, and continuing to share success stories with our existing donors.

When I review the strategic plans and fundraising efforts of other women’s fraternities, I know we have an
opportunity to do more--to play bigger and bolder than we are currently doing. Key to doing so is to expand
our donor base beyond the donors in our CRM system.


Impact during my first term includes: development of a new strategic plan, fundraising for a named schol-
arship, fundraising for Omega’s centennial, board liaison for Ruby Fund Committee, Board Governance
Committee, and Network 3. 4 Foundation presentations for collegiate chapters including Quincy University,
Illinois State University, University of Illinois, and Miami University.


I welcome the opportunity to build on my first two years of service on the Foundation Board by serving as
treasurer.

Tell Me More:

Click on each question below to hear Rissa’s response.

Continuous attention to stewarding donors and raising funds for the AOII Foundation is the responsibility
of each member of the Board of Directors. Explain how you plan to participate in these efforts.

What is your vision for the AOII Foundation this coming biennium and what are the keys to translating
your vision for the Foundation’s future into action?

To learn more about this candidate, including her resume and candidate application form, visit Fulfilling the Promise
(Officer Resource Library > International Convention > Foundation Board Candidate Information).

MEAGAN DAVIES

CANDIDATE FOR FOUNDATION BOARD SECRETARY
Atlanta, Georgia

CHAPTER AFFILIATIONS:

Alpha Chi, Western Kentucky University
Atlanta Area Alumnae Chapter

8

Candidate Summary Statement:

The AOII Foundation’s Mission is to invest in our sisters and inspire a lifetime of giving to leadership, edu-
cational and philanthropic causes. When the board worked on this revised statement it was because we
wanted to change the lens through which we viewed our work. Most importantly we wanted to align our
strategic vision with the Fraternity. This is critically important as we look at ways to grow the Foundation
and ensure that we are relevant to our sisters for decades to come. While, I have had the distinct pleasure
to work with the board on the new mission, I believe that our vision should include:

1. A seamless experience for all of our members from initiation through their alumnae engagement. I re-en-
gaged many years after college graduation and believe this provides me with a unique perspective that
is different from those who have stayed engaged after graduating from college. For the Foundation and
Fraternity to thrive we need to re-engage members who have moved away from us and understand how to
make re-engagement a worthwhile and meaningful experience.

2. Provide an opportunity for our members to serve in a way that is personally meaningful to them. Whether
that is in an alum chapter or a one-off opportunity, we need to meet them where they are. I understand the
life cycle of volunteer engagement and led a national process at the Arthritis Foundation to create mean-
ingful opportunities for seasoned and new volunteers to engage with the organization. We can do that for
the Foundation by increasing the volunteer opportunities for our members. This can be a volunteer led
initiative that will also help ensure our pipeline for committee and board leadership is robust. As the Board
Secretary, volunteer pipeline development is an important part of the role and done right, can create sus-
tainability and growth for the Foundation.

3. Ensure financial growth for the Foundation so that we can expand our investment in the Fraternity and
our philanthropic endeavors. People choose to give to charitable organizations for a variety of reasons. As
a fundraiser and/or solicitor it is important to listen to your donors and create substantial individual con-
nections. What was the most meaningful experience the potential donor had as an AOII? Was it when they
were in a collegiate chapter or as an alumna? What touched them emotionally about their experience with
the fraternity? Never underestimate the importance of asking questions to best ascertain a donor’s moti-
vations. Get to know them and what kind of impact they would like their gift to make and be specific. The
Foundation is moving in the right direction in this arena by looking at donor segmentation and researching
prospective donors.
As a member of the Executive Committee I will lead from the front of the room in personal giving. I believe
it is also our responsibility to have individual conversations with each board member to discuss their per-
sonal gift as well as be part of the stewardship process with new and existing donors.


Finally, based on my work with the grant committee, I have already demonstrated the ability to draft mean-
ingful agendas, capture the minutes, develop a plan of work and execute it, engage new volunteers, think
strategically, and work hand in hand with the Fraternity. These are the core competencies necessary to
excel in the role of Secretary.

Tell Me More:

Click on each question below to hear Meagan’s response.

Continuous attention to stewarding donors and raising funds for the AOII Foundation is the responsibility
of each member of the Board of Directors. Explain how you plan to participate in these efforts.

What is your vision for the AOII Foundation this coming biennium and what are the keys to translating
your vision for the Foundation’s future into action?

To learn more about this candidate, including her resume and candidate application form, visit Fulfilling the Promise
(Officer Resource Library > International Convention > Foundation Board Candidate Information).

KASSANDRA (KANDY) BERNSKOETTER
CANDIDATE FOR FOUNDATION BOARD DIRECTOR
Moscow, Tennessee

CHAPTER AFFILIATIONS:

Sigma, University of California at Berkeley
Nashville Area Alumnae Chapter
Memphis Area Alumnae Chapter

10

Candidate Summary Statement:

When I envision the future of our AOII Foundation, I see the outcome in terms of great accomplishments
through hard work and dedication of our Foundation Board and staff. Throughout the past year, they
have worked tirelessly to enhance and update our Strategic Plan. The plan includes some lofty goals,
and I would like to be part of the group who will see them through to fruition. I have no doubt the end
results of this process will be framed by tremendous successes, but it’s the path to get us there that most
intrigues and excites me.
If we move forward with a renewed, collective vision of vast success, and if we deploy the tools neces-
sary to carry out that vision, the results will be nothing short of phenomenal. I believe we can increase
scholarship endowments, help sisters in dire need with our Ruby Fund and fund all fraternity program-
ming as needed, while continuing to approve grants that will help find a cure for arthritis.
This vision of success does not come without a price. Finding the kind of funding these objectives de-
mand – finding and tapping the source of this funding through donations – is a process that can often
seem daunting. But I believe all this is possible. I would like to see our endowment grow and position our
Foundation for a capital campaign. It is time to go big! It is the only way to ensure the future of AOII for all
of us and sisters yet to come. I have been told that sometimes I color outside the lines. I think that might
be a benefit in this case!
When I contemplate these steps, it would be easy to feel overwhelmed and to believe such an outcome
simply can’t be attained. Sometimes I need to be reminded of why we work so hard to push our agenda
of fund-raising and giving forward. I don’t have to look very far to find that inspiration.
About a year and a half ago, a dear friend was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. When we heard the
diagnosis, our reaction was a mixture of anguish and relief. Rheumatoid Arthritis is such a terrible dis-
ease, but finally - after years of suffering and not knowing the cause - now my friend knew what she was
fighting and she could formulate a plan of action. This past year, I have watched her try to control her
symptoms with elimination diets including the removal of sugar from her dietary intake. This seems to be
helping for now, though it’s especially difficult for her, as she owns a professional business making toffee!
At our October 2018 AOII Foundation Board meeting (our monthly telephone conference call), I had the
privilege to vote to fund a study grant for Vanderbilt University. This particular study is to help determine
if a vegan diet might help RA sufferers. I feel so honored that our group was able to vote to donate these
funds, and that this research might soon help my friend and many more like her with the disease. This is
why I want to retain my position on the AOII Foundation Board and continue this work.

Tell Me More:

Click on each question below to hear Kandy’s response.

Continuous attention to stewarding donors and raising funds for the AOII Foundation is the responsibility
of each member of the Board of Directors. Explain how you plan to participate in these efforts.

What is your vision for the AOII Foundation this coming biennium and what are the keys to translating
your vision for the Foundation’s future into action?

To learn more about this candidate, including her resume and candidate application form, visit Fulfilling the Promise
(Officer Resource Library > International Convention > Foundation Board Candidate Information).

BARBARA HISS BRUNING

CANDIDATE FOR FOUNDATION BOARD DIRECTOR
Pittsford, New York

CHAPTER AFFILIATIONS:

Theta Psi, University of Toledo
Rochester Alumnae Chapter

12

Candidate Summary Statement:

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the AOII Foundation Board for the past year. I have
enjoyed the opportunity to work with a team of amazing women, all dedicated to the growth and success
of our Foundation. I would like the opportunity to continue to serve as a Director and apply my skills and
experience to further the Foundation and its mission of enhancing the lives of its membership and secur-
ing the future of our Fraternity.
My vision for the future of our Foundation is an organization where communication among all AOII lead-
ership leads to streamlined collaboration. Developing and supporting a professional relationship be-
tween boards, staff and volunteers should be paramount to creating a productive environment where all
can thrive. Through my years of work as a trainer and manager in a business setting, I have learned how
clear, respectful communication helps any organization achieve its goals.
Working with alumnae leaders, our Foundation should be actively recruiting and developing volunteers
to move into leadership roles. New board members bring fresh perspectives, diverse talents and experi-
ence.
It is important that each Board member meets her fiduciary responsibility to ensure the Foundation has
the funds to meet its goals. I believe that members on all AOII Boards should actively participate in cul-
tivating, soliciting and stewarding donors, as well as personally demonstrating leadership giving to the
Foundation. One idea I have suggested to the Board is that each donor should be personally contacted
by phone to be thanked for her donation. Not only does the donor feel recognized and appreciated,
but the Board member often gets valuable feedback for the organization. Engaging young alumnae and
collegians in supporting the Foundation is another area of opportunity. The Raising Roses Campaign has
been a wonderful way to initiate this outreach. I have actively supported this effort by doing presenta-
tions for the Foundation to collegians in Network One.
I believe that education is key to a successful life. My experience with AOII throughout college and my
adult life has been an important part of that education. My vision now is to ensure the viability of the
fraternity so that it can impact and enhance the lives of our sisters for future generations. It would be an
honor for me to continue to serve AOII as a Director of the Foundation Board.

Tell Me More:

Click on each question below to hear Barbara’s response.
Continuous attention to stewarding donors and raising funds for the AOII Foundation is the responsibility
of each member of the Board of Directors. Explain how you plan to participate in these efforts.

What is your vision for the AOII Foundation this coming biennium and what are the keys to translating
your vision for the Foundation’s future into action?

To learn more about this candidate, including her resume and candidate application form, visit Fulfilling the Promise
(Officer Resource Library > International Convention > Foundation Board Candidate Information).

M. KATHLEEN (KATH) CONVER

CANDIDATE FOR FOUNDATION BOARD DIRECTOR
Peoria, Illinois

CHAPTER AFFILIATIONS:

Nu Iota, Northern Illinois University

14

Candidate Summary Statement:

If I have the opportunity to serve on the Foundation Board, my first goal would be to learn as much about
the organization as possible to discern what I can offer to further its mission. I believe in that mission and
would welcome the opportunity to work with others to build a base of lifelong donors that will support
the fraternity and secure its future.


Throughout my career, I have served on a variety of boards and in work groups charged with meeting
organizational expectations. Those experiences have taught me much about organizational management
and team building. Among other things, I have learned that each challenge presents an opportunity to
develop relationships that can foster understanding of an organization. I believe when organizations
have strong relationships they can confidently request financial support. I would be honored to play a
part in building such relationships on behalf of the Foundation.


As a board member, I respect the relationship between volunteers and staff members and recognize that
each has a role to play in the work of an organization. As a volunteer, I feel it is my obligation to be well
prepared, thoughtful, punctual, and respectful of organizational procedures. I would approach service on
the Foundation Board with these qualities and attitude.

Tell Me More:

Click on each question below to hear Kath’s response.
Continuous attention to stewarding donors and raising funds for the AOII Foundation is the responsibility
of each member of the Board of Directors. Explain how you plan to participate in these efforts.
What is your vision for the AOII Foundation this coming biennium and what are the keys to translating
your vision for the Foundation’s future into action?

To learn more about this candidate, including her resume and candidate application form, visit Fulfilling the Promise
(Officer Resource Library > International Convention > Foundation Board Candidate Information).

NANCY M. HOHMANN

CANDIDATE FOR FOUNDATION BOARD DIRECTOR
St. Louis, Missouri

CHAPTER AFFILIATIONS:

Phi, University of Kansas
St. Louis Alumnae Chapter

16

Candidate Summary Statement:

My vision of the AOII Foundation is that it continue to improve its ability to provide programming and ser-
vices for the Fraternity. I would like to be part of continuing the Foundation mission and secure its future
for the Fraternity. I have been fortunate to have been a part of two programs funded by the Foundation:
the Training Ambassadors and the Foundation Scholarships as a reviewer. Because of these programs, I
understand the value and importance of continuing to secure its future for our sisters.


One of my goals as a member of the Foundation Board is to reach out to alumnae who may feel over-
looked by the Fraternity - those who are not current volunteers or members of an Alumnae Chapter
- those women who may never volunteer for the Fraternity. I feel that the Foundation has a huge oppor-
tunity to reach women who may have lost touch with the Fraternity for whatever reason. Perhaps their
chapter closed, perhaps life has just lead them in a different direction. I believe that these women are a
untouched resource that can only make the Fraternity and the Foundation stronger.


Additionally, a personal goal for me would be to work to increase the funding for the Training and Re-
cruitment Ambassador programs. I have seen first-hand how effective these programs are for our AAC’s
and collegiate members. I feel these programs must continue to serve our collegiates and volunteers
and help set them up for success.
In all of my activities, I put my heart into what I am doing. I am never afraid to step in to assist in complet-
ing a task. I am willing to put the work in to make sure that objectives and goals are met. I am a consis-
tent team player, an active listener, and an effective communicator.
I have indicated that I would be interested in either a Director position or the Secretary of Board. While
the Director position is my preference, I would willingly accept the position of Secretary. As someone
who works directly with government programs that require an extensive level of reporting and documen-
tation, I feel that I have the skill set to provide the level of commitment necessary to complete this role.
This will be my primary volunteer responsibility if I am chosen to become a part of the Foundation Board.

Tell Me More:

Click on each question below to hear Nancy’s response.
Continuous attention to stewarding donors and raising funds for the AOII Foundation is the responsibility
of each member of the Board of Directors. Explain how you plan to participate in these efforts.
What is your vision for the AOII Foundation this coming biennium and what are the keys to translating
your vision for the Foundation’s future into action?

To learn more about this candidate, including her resume and candidate application form, visit Fulfilling the Promise
(Officer Resource Library > International Convention > Foundation Board Candidate Information).

alphaomicronpi.org/foundation