Over the course of seven years, my admiration for VOTF members in response to the need of our Church continually grows. It is only right to offer all I can in reaction to that. 2010 is a crucial year and VOTF needs leaders determined to advance all of our "Voices In Action."

The official duties of National Secretary include working closely with the President and other officers in governance, policy and planning. I've been employed as a planner. This year I've been working as a strategic planning core team member. I feel I can add my gifts to leadership in moving the the Voices in Action initiative forward in a seamless, supportive, and productive way.

How would I do that? I bear in mind that an officer represents "everyone's commitment to VOTF."  Commitment holds a high priority with me. Lifting up the committed voice of our members has always been a real motivation - well worth the trek to meetings from my location halfway to Cape Cod.

Another responsibility I'm able to meet with confidence is the production of Board of Trustee minutes. I had to be accurate as a regional journalist. In that capacity, people weren't always familiar. Given my VOTF history, they are.

In summary, I appreciate this opportunity and will do my best to live up to the nomination if elected. I know who I am and think I've a good sense of who my fellow VOTF members are and what they want for our Church.