Six New Officers Elected at Alumni Annual Meeting

During its Annual Meeting held on May 12, 2004 at HealthSpace Cleveland, the Mandel Center Alumni Association Board (MCAA) unanimously approved six new members. The following are profiles on the newest additions to the Board:

Jo-Anne Curry (Jody), MNO '03, is employed by Case Western Reserve University as the Director of Development in the Case School of Engineering. Prior to this position, Jody worked as a project coordinator, first in the School of Medicine and then at University Hospital Health Systems. Jody has had previous experience serving as an officer for the Co-Operative Pre-School of Bay Village and the Parents' Group at St. Bernadine School. Jody believes that serving on the Board is important because "the Mandel Center has changed my life and I want to give back to the organization and its alumni, staff and faculty."

Anelize Souza, MNO '03, currently works as an independent consultant, returning to Cleveland after several months with BoardSource in Washington, DC. As a MNO student, Anelize was president of the Student Leadership Committee and worked as a graduate student assistant at the Mandel Center. Anelize came to the United States from Brazil, where she worked in the private sector and volunteered in a re-entry program. This volunteering experience is what brought her to the Mandel Center. Anelize believes that the Alumni Association should serve as the connection among all the alumni, providing and encouraging a network of nonprofit practitioners.

Christine Kohls-Hunder, CNM '04, is employed as an Information Systems Manager for the American Red Cross. Previously, Christine worked as a senior consultant at Computer Associates. She volunteers at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center, serving as co-chair for the "Hike for Nature" fundraiser, which will take place this fall. Christine feels that she can link current students and new alumni to the Association by speaking of the benefits that result from supporting and participating in the Alumni Association.

Michael Brand, MNO '95, is employed as a Regional Advisor and Organizational Development Specialist at the Center for Schools and Communities in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. He has served as President of the Board for Center County Library and as Vice-President and Secretary for the Bellefonte YMCA. He also commits time to both the Willow Tree Teen Institute and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Michael's volunteer experiences prove his dedication to the youth in his region. Michael feels that the role of the Board should be to create opportunities for professional development for alumni as well as current students.

Tracy Mourton, CNM '03, is a 15-year employee of Case Western Reserve University, the majority of which time she spent as a laboratory manager. Prior to her election to the Board, she served on the MCAA Board's Development Committee as a non-Board member. Tracy volunteers at EarthDay Coalition, serving on the PR/Marketing committee and assisting with event planning. Tracy believes that the MCAA should serve as a resource to which all its constituencies should be able to turn for help and information and that it should serve as a best practices example for nonprofit organizations.

Arlene Sheeran, MNO '99, is Director of Development for the Shaker School Foundation. Prior to this experience, Arlene worked with MSASS Professor Dr. John Yankey as a nonprofit consultant. She has volunteered at many different organizations, including the Cleveland Orchestra (board, junior committee) and, most recently, the PTO and League of Women's Voters. Arlene sees MCAA supporting the efforts of the Mandel Center in raising its visibility and increasing enrollment. She also feels that MCAA can be instrumental in promoting the nonprofit sector as it assists its alumni with networking opportunities.

Please refer to the Alumni section of this Web site for the full 2004-2005 Board roster.