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Board of Directors, Elected & Appointed

Executive Committee

Rev. Kathy Schmitz, Co-President

Rev. Kathy is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister. She has served congregations in Massachusetts, Texas, and Florida in a variety of capacities over the last 30 years.

Her special interest is in organizations in transition, especially during changing and challenging times. Originally from New England, Kathy has been a member of the Orange County League since 2010, when she was called to be the senior pastor of First Unitarian Church of Orlando, which she served until 2018.


She has enjoyed being involved in the community, including interfaith activities and advocacy for various social justice issues. She is a committed environmentalist. Prior to entering seminary, Kathy was a software engineer. She has a BS in Computer Science from Cornell University and a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School.


Kathy is married to League member, Charlie Behrens.

Jane Hursh, Co-President

Jane Hursh, alongside her husband John, co-founded the 306 Foundation (501(c)3) 14 years ago with a mission to 'improve communities around the world.' Their local focus originally included the Toolbox4Life curriculum, aiding men and women living through challenging circumstances. They have launched CounselingOnUs.com, to address the disparity of accessible mental healthcare in Florida. The first model of its kind in the state, Counseling On Us matches volunteer clinicians with qualifying clients for up to one year of counseling, free.


Previously on Cru International staff for 17 years, she ghostwrote and edited ministry leaders’ books, scripted videos, and managed internal communications while living in France and Budapest. She has taught public speaking at UT-San Antonio, directed marketing for a CPA firm in Miami, and written TV news in Cincinnati. Jane holds a BA from Western Kentucky University and an MA from Miami University. Jane also provides contract work in writing, editing, and marketing for small businesses and volunteers her services to startups and non-profits. She volunteers at Hungerford Elementary. An LWVOC member for two years, Jane serves on the DEIA Committee and in 2023-24, was an Appointed Director on the Board.

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Lee Rambeau Kemp, 1st Vice President

Lee Rambeau Kemp, MPA, is the founder of Rambeau Consulting Group LLC and a seasoned executive bringing over 40 years of leadership and advocacy experience to the non-profit sector. Before heading up her own company in 2015, Lee was a senior executive at a non-profit in NYC where she directed a portfolio of outpatient, health and residential services assisting 4,800 individuals with special needs lead self-fulfilling lives. A native of Winter Park, Lee serves on the Boards of the Valencia College Foundation and the Welbourne Nursery and Preschool. She is also a member of the Historic Preservation Advisory Board for the City of Winter Park. Lee is an active advocate for increasing voting rights, participation, and protections for all citizens. She currently chairs the new Fund Development committee and serves on the Voter Services and Membership committees of the LWVOC.

Kathy Sheerin, 2nd Vice President

Kathy has been an active member of the League of Women Voters of Orange County (LWVOC) since 2015, contributing her leadership as co-chair of the Voter Services Committee and serving on the Board for several years.

Originally from New York, Kathy and her husband have called Florida home for over 40 years. She earned a degree in Health Information Management from the University of Central Florida and enjoyed a successful career in insurance before retiring. Prior to her career in insurance, Kathy worked as a manager at Advent Hospital, as a manager for a cardiology office, and as a medical assistant.

Beyond her professional life, Kathy is deeply committed to her community. She is a volunteer with the Orange County Master Gardener Program, where she shares her expertise in horticulture and teaches others about plants. Kathy has also served on the board of her Rural Settlement Association for the past 15 years, holding the roles of Secretary and Treasurer.

When she’s not volunteering, Kathy enjoys spending time on her 5-acre property with her three cats, where she grows a wide variety of plants and tends to her garden.

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Saudi Muhammad Ellis, Secretary

“Democracy works when we all VOTE!”

Saudi has been an active member of the LWVOC since 2016. Serving on the Voter Services Committee, Membership Committee, and DEI Subcommittee, Saudi was elected to the Board in 2019. Her passion is voter education, registration, and battling any attempts of voter suppression or disenfranchisement.


Saudi retired as an Intelligence Analyst from the Orlando Police Department after 28 years of service. Her years of analytical experience, excellent research and writing skills, and strong organizational and interpersonal skills allow her to successfully work with individuals and teams to accomplish a goal. Saudi is a graduate of UCF, and a licensed Realtor.

She enjoys traveling, music, ethnic and cultural events, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Janet Ziomek, Treasurer

Janet has over 40 years of finance and accounting expertise in both corporate and non-profit organizations. Janet has held roles as Senior Manager with Ernst and Young, Chief Financial Officer of a publicly held healthcare company, Senior Vice President of Human Capital for a division of a Fortune 50 company and Senior Vice President of a Boston-based technology firm. She is retired and currently serves on a part time basis as Senior Financial Advisor and Project Manager at the Foundation for a Healthier West Orange.


Janet volunteers at several non-profit organizations in the Central Florida community including Treasurer and Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Orlando Shakes, Finance Committee member and Past President of the Board of Harbor House of Central Florida, citizenship instructor for Hope CommUnity Center and instructor for the Edyth Bush Institute for Philanthropy Nonprofit Leadership. She also volunteers as a lector for St. Margaret Mary Church in Winter Park.


Janet holds a B.S. in Business Administration from West Virginia University and is a CPA.

Elected Directors

Pat Grierson, Elected Director

Pat has been a member of LWVOC for 9 years; she joined specifically to manage the League’s successful campaign for the Florida Water and Land Campaign. Pat has served as Co-Chair of Membership for 7 years and Events for the past year and has previously served on the Board. 


Prior to her League involvement, she had a 25-year career in commercial office design. Pat was a Partner/Owner of her own company for 12 years and ran the design studio for a prominent architectural firm for 8 years before returning to Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, MO.

Gina Hall, Elected Director

Gina Hall is an active member of the League since 2018 and has served on various committees, including Gun Safety, Membership, and Voting Services, and is currently the Co-Chair of the Voting Services Committee. She has a 25-year background in corporate Human Resources and started her own HR consulting company in 2011.


She enjoys getting involved in action and outcomes through her professional and volunteer work. Gina is passionate about educating the public on voting rights and history and enjoys registering citizens to vote.


She received a B.A. degree from Auburn University and has been an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) for many years. She is a past president of the Greater Orlando Society for Human Resource Management (GOSHRM) and has served on the Board of Directors for more than 10 years

Sandy McAdams, Elected Director

Sandy, a newly appointed District Aide for the State of Florida representing District 41 under Representative Bruce Antone, brings a diverse background in education, history, and community organizing to her role.

A staunch advocate for democratic principles, Cassandra's involvement in voting rights extends through leadership positions in organizations such as the Orange County NAACP and the Florida State NAACP, alongside active participation in the Orange County Voter’s League, Orange County Democratic Black Caucus, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.


Sandy serves as the Co-Chair of the Government Committee and Co-Chair of the DEIA Social Justice Book Club.


She holds degrees from Loyola University of Chicago and The University of Michigan

Diana Smith, Elected Director

Diana Smith, currently serving as co-chair of the Hot Topics Committee and a member of the Events and Communications Committees, brings a wealth of experience to her roles. Formerly executive editor at King Features Syndicate and Reed Brennan Media Services, she has a diverse background including roles as editor for College Press Service and High School News and Graphics, syndicate editor for Tribune Media Services, and reporter for the Associated Press across several states.


Diana holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Liberal Studies from Rollins College. She is an active member of the American Association of Sunday and Feature Editors and American Society of News Editors, serving as editor of The American Editor. Additionally, she completed the Hearst Corp.'s Foundations of Leadership program and currently serves as president of the Howey Music Series, a nonprofit organizing classical and jazz concerts in Central Florida, while also writing a syndicated trivia column.

Virginia Meany, Elected Director

Virginia Meany is retired after a career in financial services. She served in executive roles for Fidelity Investments, JP Morgan and the Securities and Exchange Commission. She is a graduate of Boston College with a BA and MBA in Finance. 


Virginia has extensive experience serving on corporate and non profit boards and currently serves on the boards of the Longy School, the Women Donors Network and the Boston Women’s Fund where she is Treasurer. She is married with 3 children and a granddaughter.


Virginia is an advocate for racial justice through board, volunteer and philanthropic endeavors. She believes passionately in the power of an informed and engaged electorate . She is eager to bring her professional skills and experience to the LWVOC Board.

Marilyn Baldwin, Elected Director

Marilyn Baldwin's remarkable journey is a testament to her lifelong dedication to service and advocacy. Graduating from the Florida School for the Blind in 1977, Marilyn's commitment to community involvement blossomed early, as she actively participated in various high school committees. With a degree in Elementary Education and Specific Learning Disabilities from Bethune Cookman College in 1982, Marilyn embarked on a career focused on empowering others. From teaching children with learning disabilities to serving as an Administrative Receptionist for the City of Orlando, her passion for making a difference was evident.

However, Marilyn's impact extended far beyond her professional roles. Engaging with the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) became a cornerstone of her advocacy work, where she served in numerous capacities, including her current role as President of the Central Florida Chapter. Beyond the NFB, Marilyn's dedication led her to become a member of the League of Women Voters of Orange County's Board of Directors, further amplifying her voice in shaping policies that promote inclusivity and accessibility. Marilyn's involvement with various organizations, such as the Florida Bar Citizens Forum and the Friends of the Talking Book Library, underscores her tireless commitment to serving her community. Today, Marilyn's boundless energy and unwavering dedication continue to inspire others as she actively works to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Jean Yglesias, Elected Director

Jean has been a League member since 2007, initially in Orange County, then in Tampa for eight years serving as a board member there and then as Pres-Elect, until returning to Orange County. Her passion is voter education, particularly focusing on youth voting. She co-created a power point for engaging youth voters that the League presented from 2014-2019.

Originally from NY, she and her family have lived in FL since 1999. She served as a founding member and later as Chair of the first Main Street program in Orlando and served as an appointed City Task Force Member on the long-term redevelopment plan for the Michigan St/Orange Ave corridor in Orlando.

She is a graduate of New York University with a degree in filmmaking. Jean has enjoyed a very eclectic career from producing TV commercials, making legacy films, managing a NYC law firm, doing communications work and campaign managing a FL House Rep race. Jean also serves as a board member with Ruth’s List Central Florida

Lauren Zeleck, Elected Director

Lauren Zeleck is a seasoned marketing professional currently serving as a Director of Marketing at Orlando-based digital marketing firm Launch That.


A graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Marketing, Lauren is also a devoted mother of three girls, finding joy in balancing her family life with her passion for running and exploring the world through travel.

Appointed Directors

(NO ELECTION NEEDED)

Barbara Lanning, Appointed Director

Barbara is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse background in politics and business. Beginning her journey with the League in 2019 as Co-Chair for the Orange County League's flagship event, Hot Topics, she demonstrated early dedication to community engagement. Serving as Co-President from 2021 to 2023 further solidified her commitment to civic involvement. Currently, she holds the esteemed position of 2nd Vice President at the League of Women Voters of Florida, promoting democracy and informed civic participation.


Prior to her League tenure, Barbara made significant contributions in international telecommunications, transitioning to managerial roles empowering CEOs in media and arts sectors. Her proficiency in event production and academic achievements, including a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, and Master of International Management, underscore her leadership and global perspective.

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Margo Hamel, Appointed Director

Margo joined the League of Women Voters in 2020 and quickly found purpose and satisfaction working with Voter Services, particularly with the UCF collegiate chapter. Her mentoring has been greatly appreciated by the young people she has worked with, perfectly complementing her professional life.


With a career dedicated to developing people, Margo has excelled as an educator, corporate learning manager, sales and management consultant, and professional coach. She holds certifications in professional, leadership, and mental fitness coaching, and takes joy in nurturing the growth of women at all career stages.

Margo's academic credentials include an MBA from Florida Tech, further underscoring her commitment to education and leadership.



Outside of her professional endeavors, Margo and her husband, also a League member, share a passion for cooking and traveling, often combining these interests when planning their vacations.

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Samia (Sam) Solh, Appointed Director

Samia earned a B.A. from Pace University Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Political Management from George Washington University. Starting her career abroad, her commitment to Women Empowerment led her to publish the first business and empowerment Magazine for women in the Middle East. 

 

Samia has been living in Central Florida for over 14 years. Alongside her commitment to local and international politics, Sam is also an entrepreneur and a Realtor, Samia runs a women owned Real Estate development business in Central Florida focused on designing communities that elevate the human experience. She also serves on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee for Osceola County.

Bobby Sena, Appointed Director

Bobby Sena is a content creator, civic influencer, and advocate for positive change.

Starting as a passionate changemaker at just 10 years old, Bobby worked with organizations like Fuel Up to Play 60 and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, earning national recognition including a White House visit and delivering the Super Bowl ball at Super Bowl 49.


Now focused on civic engagement, Bobby collaborates with groups like Rock the Vote and the League of Women Voters to create educational content that encourages local political participation.


With a strong passion for personal growth, Bobby shares strategies to help others navigate life’s challenges. Through storytelling, videos, and collaboration, he aims to inspire positive change and empower others to take action.

Dan Helm, Appointed Director

Dan is a dedicated member of the Florida Bar Association with a deep commitment to ensuring fair and lawful elections.

Dan’s passion for the electoral process blossomed during his time at the University of Florida where he actively participated in voter registration initiatives. After graduating from UF, Dan attended Emory Law School. There, he deepened his understanding of the critical role that voting plays in safeguarding all other rights.

In 2016, Dan served as the Deputy Regional Director for Voter Protection in Central Florida. He trained and coached hundreds of lawyers and volunteers in election law, ensuring that polling locations were properly managed and that voter rights were protected across 13 counties.


Dan and his wife, Rose, were married in Apopka and now reside in downtown Orlando with their son, Charles, new baby son Lincoln, and two rescue dogs. The Helms enjoy family walks to local parks. Dan’s commitment to protecting the electoral process is driven by his desire to secure a better future not just for his children but for the entire country.

Cecilia Gonzalez Herrera, Appointed Director

Cecilia “Cece” Gonzalez (she/her) is a community organizer and civil rights advocate. Cecilia was born and raised in Venezuela and found a new home in Central Florida eight years ago, since then she has advocated for immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, DACA recipients, TPS holders, and essential workers. She believes every person who comes to this country deserves to have access to the same opportunities.



Cece lives in Kissimmee, FL. She gives back to the community as an Orlando Global Shapers Project Lead managing a network of 18 Little Free Libraries and inspiring other emerging leaders as a New Leaders Council alumni. Cecilia obtained her Associate in Arts from Valencia College and transferred to the University of Central Florida to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences and a minor in Latinx and Caribbean Studies, at the moment she’s working on her Honors Undergrad Thesis exploring the relationship between Book Banning and Censorship. Cecilia serves as an Executive Board member of the League of Women Voters of Orange County and in the Giffords Florida Steering Committee. Currently Cece focuses her advocacy efforts as Voting Rights Advocacy Coordinator with LatinoJustice PRLDEF to ensure every eligible voter has a voice in our democracy.



Nominating Committee

Kay Hudson

Sandi Vidal

Joan Erwin

Two additional Nominating Committee Members will be appointed by the Board