The close of 2024 also brings an end to the terms of six members of the Council’s Board of Directors. Our board provides valuable governance and oversight to our organization, and we would like to thank our outgoing Board members for their contributions to the Council’s mission. This is the second of two articles thanking our outgoing board members. You can read the first part thanking Rhonda Staats, Sharon Knauf and Patty Slaby on our website.
“It is an honor to work so closely with our Board of Directors,” says Executive Director Denise Jess. “I have deep appreciation for the collective years of service of our outgoing members. Their commitment, varying life experiences and multiple perspectives have helped us to grow as an organization.”
Chamomile Harrison joined our Board of Directors in 2023 as a way to give back to the Council after receiving a Council scholarship while in school. Now a professional advocate, she saw joining the Board as a next step in her goal of making the world a better place for people with disabilities. “I am grateful for my time on the Board,” Chamomile says. “Not only was I able to help the Council in the great work it does, but the experience also helped strengthen my own connections and advocacy skills. I know I will take all that I learned and gained from my two years on the Board and put it to good use. I look forward to continuing my advocacy journey and my relationship with the Council.”
Rebecca Arrowood’s first encounter with the Council was also as a Council Scholarship recipient. Looking to return that goodwill and continue helping the blind and low vision community, Rebecca joined our Board of Directors in 2019. She has served as Vice Chair of the board, on the Human Resources Committee, and on the Scholarship Work Group. Rebecca’s commitment to the board is the perfect showcase of the importance of the Council scholarships, and her contributions have been invaluable to the Council’s success.
Nat Tarnoff, whose professional career was already focused on accessibility, joined the board in 2023. Seeking to do more to help his local disability community, Nat says that serving on the Council’s Board has been a highlight of his career. “It was a delight to get to meet the wonderful people at the Council and watch how they lift up others,” Nat says. “It was something that I really needed, and it gives me hope for the future.”
Thank you to Chamomile, Rebecca and Nat for their services as members of our Board of Directors. We’re grateful for your ongoing commitment to promoting independence, dignity and empowerment!
