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Board of Directors, Elected & Appointed

Executive Committee

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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.

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Kathy Sheerin, Co-President

Kathy has been an active member of the League of Women Voters of Orange County since 2015, providing dedicated leadership as co-chair of the Voter Services Committee and serving on the Board of Directors for several years, most recently as 2nd Vice President.


Originally from New York, Kathy and her husband have called Florida home for more than 40 years. She earned her degree in Health Information Management from the University of Central Florida and went on to build a successful career in the insurance industry prior to retiring. Earlier in her professional life, she served as a manager at Advent Hospital, managed a cardiology practice, and worked as a medical assistant—experiences that reflect her longstanding commitment to service and organizational leadership.


Kathy’s dedication extends well beyond her professional career. She is an active volunteer with the Orange County Master Gardener Program, where she shares her horticultural knowledge and passion for plants through education and community outreach. For the past 15 years, she has also served on the board of her Rural Settlement Association, including roles as Secretary and Treasurer, advocating for and supporting her community.


At home, Kathy enjoys life on her five-acre property with her husband and their three cats, cultivating a diverse array of plants and nurturing the garden that reflects her lifelong love of nature. 

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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.

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Kay Hudson, 2nd Vice President

Kay has been an active member of the League of Women Voters of Orange County (LWVOC) since 2013, contributing her leadership as co-chair of the Natural Resources Committee and serving on committees and the Board for several years.


A native Orlandoan, Kay has also lived in Pennsylvania and South Carolina. She earned a degree in Sociology and Psychology from Livingston University and enjoyed owning an internet marketing program for 30 years before retiring

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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.

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Saudi 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.

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Jane Hursh, Past President, Advisor

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 three years, Jane serves on the DEIA Committee, was an appointed Board Director in 2023-24, and served as Co-President 2025-26. 

Elected Directors

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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 and as Pres-Elect, until returning to Orange County in 2021. 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 Brooklyn, NY, she and her family have lived in FL since 1999. She served as a founding member and 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. Jean also served as a board member with Ruth’s List Central Florida.

 

She is a graduate of New York University with a BFA 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 and two successful Maitland City Council races.

 

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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

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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

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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.

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Melva Bentley-Ross, Elected Director

Melva was born and was educated in Michigan, earning one masters degrees in Preschool and Parent Education and another in Counseling. She enjoyed a career as an elementary school teacher in Detroit and as a counselor in Warrant Consolidated Schools.


After retiring, Melva and her husband moved to Apopka in 2013. She served as a volunteer at Florida Hospital and continues to be an active volunteer for the Apopka Woman Club. She enjoys exercising with Silver Sneakers, 5 K walks, reading, traveling the world – especially visits with her children and grandchildren in Detroit, New York and North Carolina.  

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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.

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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.

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Candice Hoke, Elected Director

Candice's professional career has included positions as: a tenured law professor teaching Constitutional, Election, and Regulatory Law; a cybersecurity and data protection consultant/teacher; and a nonprofit executive.


Her volunteer and pro bono work has included service as a board member for LWV of Florida plus board member of various other fair elections nonprofits; an expert witness in election security/voting tech litigations; a consultant for nonprofit expansion and development; and as a speaker and media contact (for international/national/local news services) in her areas of expertise. She is a graduate of Yale Law School. 

Appointed Directors

(NO ELECTION NEEDED)

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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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Carol Wonsavage, Appointed Director

Carol Wonsavage has spent her career in a field she loves, broadcast television. She is passionate about public broadcasting, and has worked in production, programming, marketing and management at stations in Charlotte, Washington DC, Baltimore (Maryland PTV), Denver, Penn State and Orlando. She has supervised nationally distributed programing for PBS and most recently taught entertainment business at Full Sail University, Orlando. She holds BA and MA degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


She is on the boards of the Steinway Society of Central Florida, which provides music education and pianos to disadvantaged children; and the Orlando chapter DAR. She has been a member of the League of Women Voters for over a decade and served as co-chair of its communications committee.


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Winnie Hogue, Appointed Director

Winnie is an attorney, a member of the Florida Bar for over 30 years, who now works full time as a mediator. She grew up in North Palm Beach, Florida and attended the University of Florida earning a Bachelor's degree and Northern Illinois University College of Law earning her JD. She has lived in Central Florida for over 30 years. Winnie has been active in her community, including serving on the Board of Directors with the local softball/baseball league while her children were playing.


Winnie has always been passionate about voting and elections. She has a vivid memory of voting with her mom back when she was very young and the booth involved curtains and levers to provide voter privacy. Her father insisted Winnie and her siblings watch the peaceful transition of power when President Nixon resigned. While in elementary school Winnie sent letters of support to both presidential candidates for the 1976 election. She was surprised and delighted when she received an invitation to President Carter's inauguration as a result of her outreach. Winnie helped organize and run a presidential election voting day to mirror the 2008 election at her children's elementary school so the students could see the process, results and importance of voting. Winnie has been an advocate for voting and the electoral process through her work at the polls on election day over the last decade. The importance and value of voting in protecting our country and its democracy is ingrained in her and she is eager to offer her support however she can. 

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Jennifer Willman, Appointed Director

Jennifer is an urban planner specializing in community development. She holds a Master of Community Planning from University of Maryland and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. During her planning career, she managed projects focused on land use, multimodal transportation, government relations, and community engagement. She also served as Professional Development Officer for the American Planning Association Florida Chapter Sun Coast Section.


Her passion for public policy and advocacy stemmed from attending the New Jersey Governor's School on the Environment prior to college. Jennifer started a recycling program at her high school and went on to participate in Public Interest Research Group campaigns focused on clean energy. She was president of her neighborhood association in Tampa for a decade. She also served on the CDBG Advisory Committee and Planning Commission. Jennifer returned to Orlando in 2022. Her involvement in voter protection efforts in recent years motivated her to join the League to broaden her impact.

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Mira Tanna, Appointed Director

Since 2018, Mira Tanna has served as the City of Orlando’s Grants Manager, winning over $125M in grant funding to improve water quality, make schools safer and protect neighborhoods from flooding. A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Mira is the daughter of immigrants from India and the Netherlands.


She spent over a decade working in civil rights, successfully challenging banks on redlining practices. Mira has served on the board of the American Friends Service Committee, is a member of the Quaker United Nations Committee, and is clerk of the Quakers of Orlando. A mother of two, Mira lives in the Rosemont neighborhood in Orlando.