Board Nominees
Per the bylaws of the League of Women Voters of Illinois ARTICLE X, Sections 1, 2, and 3, the Nominating Committee presents the following slate for the 2025-2027 LWVIL Board of Directors.
RECOMMENDED OFFICERS FOR THE 2025-2027 BIENNIUM
President: Becky Simon (LWV Naperville)
Vice President: Kathy Cortez (LWV Palatine, Barrington, and Schaumburg Areas)
Vice President: Jeanne Kearby (LWV Grayslake, Round Lakes, and Waukegan)
Vice President: Roberta Borrino (LWV Roselle-Bloomingdale Area)
Treasurer: Jeff Knezovich (LWV Naperville)
Secretary: Michelle Thorsell (LWV Glen Ellyn)
RECOMMENDED DIRECTORS FOR THE 2025-2027 BIENNIUM
Carol Bailey (LWV Greater Rockford)
Letina Brady-Pettis (LWV Chicago)
Elizabeth Carpenter (LWV Chicago)
Regina Crider (LWV Champaign County)
Marjy Gilbert (LWV Chicago)
Miel Johnson (LWV Arlington Heights)
Theresa Lyons Flanders (LWV St. Clair County)
Robin Miller (LWV La Grange Area)
Elona Vaisnys (LWV Chicago)
Bill Vernon (LWV Naperville)
PROPOSED OFF-BOARD NOMINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE 2025-2027 BIENNIUM
Tania Traverso (LWV Aurora), Chair
Barb Laimins (LWV Wheaton)
Erica Nelson (LWV Glen Ellyn)
About the Nominees
President: Becky Simon (LWV Naperville)
BACKGROUND
Becky is a second-generation League member and protester. When democracy is not in flames, Becky likes to garden and go hiking.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
Serving on the LWVIL/EF Board is important to me because I believe there is no other organization like the League, and now is the time for us to defend democracy.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
In a second term on the LWVIL/EF Board, I hope to strengthen local League ties and amplify League's voice across Illinois.
Vice President: Kathy Cortez (LWV Palatine, Barrington, and Schaumburg Areas)
BACKGROUND
Kathy has been a member of LWV of Palatine for five years, and she currently serves as LWV of Palatine President. Kathy is a voter registrar and former chair of Candidate Forums for her local League. Outside the League, Kathy is a Vice President on the board of directors at Housing Opportunity Development Corporation, a nonprofit developer of affordable housing in the Chicago suburbs. She also works part time in accounting at Northwest Compass, Inc., a social services organization based in Mt Prospect, and is involved in community advocacy for housing affordability around the Palatine area. Kathy lives in Palatine with Ralph, her husband of 41 years. She is Mom to two grown children and Grandma to three beautiful grandkids. After a long career in healthcare and health insurance operations with early stage and start-up companies, Kathy retired in 2019 when she began to pursue her long-time interests in civic participation and addressing the housing shortage.
Vice President: Jeanne Kearby (LWV Grayslake, Round Lakes, and Waukegan)
BACKGROUND
Jeanne Kearby has been a member of the League of Women Voters for 14 years. She currently serves as LWVIL Vice President for Membership and President LWV Grayslake, Round Lakes, Waukegan. Jeanne has served on various community organizations such as Round Lake Area School Dist. 116 Education Foundation, Exchange Club, and a local Early Education Committee. In addition, she has previously served 16 years as an elected official, school board member, and Township Clerk and Trustee. Jeanne is a retired with experience as a teacher, union officer, negotiator, and administrator. Her career has focused on facilitating the establishment of a common vision/direction, maintaining a collaborative atmosphere, and building improvements and initiatives. Jeanne is a lifetime resident of Illinois receiving a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a proud mother to four boys and has three grandsons.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
I have spent a large portion of my life supporting women’s rights, from my early ERA marches to the fight for equal pay and opportunity for women in public education. It was a natural move to join the LWV. Currently, my focus is preserving democracy for everyone. It takes every individual as well as strong organizations. I believe the League of Women Voters is a strong organization to accomplish this task. Our collective voices that focus on the issues and not the parties is the path to success in our current political climate. I want to assist local leagues in their efforts to learn and master organizational changes, as well as become a strong community voice for the ideals and positions of LWV.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
Of course, I want to be a strong board member that looks for opportunities for our state to grow into a stronger organization. The Board needs to look at how to increase staff to assure we can give support to our efforts in fundraising, local support, grants, and programing. I am in awe every day with what LWVIL accomplishes as a volunteer organization. More staff could bring greater gains. In my current role on the LWVIL Board, I have been working with local leagues to learn ChapterSpot and Stripe through the transition. It is important to continue additional support to local leagues. In addition, I want to support local leagues to increase technology knowledge for maintaining records, improve our advertising and outreach to the public for people that know nothing about LWV. At my core, I want to help.
Vice President: Roberta Borrino (LWV Roselle-Bloomingdale Area)
BACKGROUND
Roberta is the past president of LWV of Roselle-Bloomingdale, of which she was a founding member in 2011. She is currently her local League’s Voter Service Chair and also provides support as webmaster. Roberta served for one year on the LWVIL board early in her association with the League. When a Communications staff position opened at the state office, she applied, knowing her actions there would be more impactful. She handled the LWVIL website, social media, member services and database for four years. She recently served on an LWVUS work group as part of the Structural Task Force. Roberta ran for public office several times and served 16 years on her local Park District Board, holding each of the Executive Board positions, including four years as president. During her tenure, the park district completed three progressively more dynamic master plans. Her other volunteer experience includes four years as a Cub Scout Leader, 10+ years as both a band and swim team parent board member, and has recently completed a term on the board of her local garden club, which she co-founded in 2008. Her professional career spanned 20+ years in Technical Marketing after receiving a BSBA in Marketing from the University of Illinois.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
The League has laid a lot of groundwork. I want to continue the focus and make more impact happen. Then, be in a place at the end of another two years, to have developed a "bench" of new players and a transition plan to take us on to the next level.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
I look forward to getting stake holder buy-in from local Leagues and then implementing LWVIL’s strategic plan, and concentrating on our mission -- we are a democracy organization in a time when the basis of democracy is being tested. Being able to work remotely via Zoom has allowed unprecedented sharing between the 44 local Leagues. I look forward to continuing to leverage this sharing going forward. We need the continued experiences of the “power of us” in person, but we also need make a concerted effort to be open to ways to connect and thrive with a more diverse membership when we can't always be in the same room. I look forward to finding ways to bring that spark – that sense of being energized by being a part of something bigger to every corner of our state.
Treasurer: Jeff Knezovich (LWV Naperville)
BACKGROUND
Jeff has served the Naperville League as treasurer for five terms. Also, committee assignments include strategic planning, city parks usage planning, and budget planning. In addition, Jeff serves as the current Parliamentarian for my League. Professionally, before his retirement, Jeff was active in the association management field and worked for the largest firm world wide, successfully starting up his own firm in Chicago. Jeff resides in Naperville with his wife Kimberly. He has a daughter residing in Colorado and son who resides in downtown Chicago.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
My 40-year career in association management provides me with the unique ability to dig in and promote the agenda approved by the leadership.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
As your treasurer, I pledge my due diligence and for developing budgets that promote the goals and activities of the State League. I believe it is important for us to develop a reserve fund that can be used for a rainy day. A standard a not-for-profit organization is a minimum of six months of the operating budget in reserve.
Secretary: Michelle Thorsell (LWV Glen Ellyn)
BACKGROUND
Michelle served as co-president of LWV Glen Ellyn from 2021 to 2023. Previously, she served as a LWV of Glen Ellyn Board member for seven years. Michelle is a licensed architect and serves as a project manager for Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance focusing on research, education and workforce development, with outreach to underrepresented communities across the Midwest. Michelle has served as the president and interim treasurer of the DuPage Care Center Foundation, elected council member for the Village of Glen Ellyn, chair of the Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission, president of the Glenbard Wastewater Authority, Municipal Representative for the DuPage County Stormwater Committee and Director of Children’s Ministry at her local church. Michelle is a 37-year resident of Glen Ellyn. She and her husband Steven have three children.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
My business, government and non-profit background, skills and passion has and will continue to support the League of Women Voters of Illinois in the ever-changing political landscape. This requires the League to be vigilant in fighting for our democracy.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
I hope to continue providing administrative and operational support to the LWVIL Board and Local Leagues so that important advocacy work can expand and exponentially make a difference in Illinois.
Carol Bailey (LWV Greater Rockford)
BACKGROUND
Carol Bailey was born in 1953 and spent her childhood living in the Chicago area, graduating from DePaul University and St. Louis University Law School in 1976. In 1977, after working as an Asst. Attorney General in the offices of the Illinois Attorney General, William Scott, in Springfield, Carol was appointed as the first woman Asst. State’s Attorney in the 17th Judicial Circuit in Rockford, Illinois. While there, Carol co- founded and served on the Board of Directors of Family Advocate, Inc, a child sexual abuse treatment program which was so successful it won a National Humane Society award. As a prosecutor, Carol prosecuted cases in the juvenile division and felony division, concentrating on sexual assault cases. Carol also founded the Winnebago County Women’s Bar Association in 1986. Carol is currently a member of the Winnebago County Bar Association, the ACLU, and EliminateRacism815. Carol also volunteers her time at the local food pantry, enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, is a voracious reader and works out as often as she can. Carol is married to her husband, Kim, and they have 19 members in their immediate family, including 8 grandchildren.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
I hope to work statewide to boost voter registration and civic education.
Letina Brady-Pettis (LWV Chicago)
BACKGROUND
Letina (Tina) Brady Pettis is a voting rights advocate, community leader, and author dedicated to educating and empowering youth. A native of Chicago’s South Side, she grew up in a family that emphasized voting, leadership, and community service. Inspired by her father and relatives who fought for voting rights, she developed a strong commitment to civic engagement. In 2024, she established National Teens Voter Registration Day, an annual movement celebrated on September 10 to encourage teens to engage in the democratic process. Tina’s work has earned her several prestigious awards, including the Chicago Defender Woman of Excellence Award, Zeta Tau Zeta Chapter of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Community Leader of the Year Award, Zeta Pi Chapter of Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated Leadership Award, and the National Council of Negro Women, Chicago Midwest Section Woman Making History Award. These recognitions reflect her dedication to empowering young people, advocating for voting rights, and making a lasting impact in her community. Tina is also an active member of several organizations, beyond the League of Women Voters, dedicated to advocacy, education, and community service, including The Links, Incorporated, the National Council of Negro Women, and the National Women Veterans United.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
I am committed to advocating for policies that increase civic engagement and ensure every voice is heard. As the founder of Get Out the Vote (GOTV) 4 Teens and National Teens Voter Registration Day, I have worked tirelessly to engage young people in the democratic process. My work, including the publication of "I Want to Vote" and "I Voted," reflects my dedication to educating youth on the power of their voices. Serving on the LWVIL Board has allowed me to amplify these efforts and collaborate on initiatives that align with the League's mission to promote voter education. One of my proudest accomplishments is advocating for SB1786, the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Young Voter Empowerment Law, which would ensure that all eligible high school seniors in Illinois can register to vote. I have worked diligently to see this bill pass, believing it can empower young voters. I want to continue serving on the LWVIL Board to advocate for policies like SB1786, expand outreach to underserved communities, and ensure every person has the tools and knowledge to participate in our democracy.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
In a second term, I aim to strengthen the League's youth engagement initiatives, develop more civic education resources for schools, and work towards expanding voter participation, particularly in underrepresented communities. Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more informed electorate.
Elizabeth Carpenter (LWV Chicago)
BACKGROUND
Elizabeth has lived in Chicago nearly 10 years after moving to the city for college. She is an environmental attorney with DiCello Levitt LLP who works on behalf of individuals, communities, and states to hold polluting companies responsible for their actions. Elizabeth is also a newlywed! In her spare time she works with the Chicago Bar Association and the Chicago chapter of the League on environmental issues and projects.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
I want to serve on the League of Women Voters of Illinois board in order to promote environmental advocacy by our organization, and to demonstrate to young members of the League that real change is possible to make if we step up and volunteer to make it..
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
My two main goals during my service as a director are to connect the League with other environmental policy and law organizations in order to create a coalition of progressive environmental groups in dialogue with one another, and to contribute to a prohibition on Geoengineering in the state of Illinois. I recognize that we are a democratic organization that must put the desires of our members over our own when necessary.
Regina Crider (LWV Champaign County)
BACKGROUND
With over 20 years of experience as an advocate in child-serving systems, particularly in mental health and education, Regina is deeply committed to supporting families and children. Currently, she serves as a Senior Policy Analyst at Chapin Hall, where she focuses on children's behavioral health, and as the Senior Pastor at Crossroad of Life Community Church. Her work in policy analysis emphasizes communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement. Regina resides in Rantoul, Illinois, where she was elected as a Village Trustee in 2021 and am currently in her second term. Throughout her career, Regina has championed numerous community initiatives to empower parents and families to advocate effectively for their children's needs. In addition to her professional work, she is passionate about developing leadership training programs and serving on the boards of the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation and NAMI Illinois. Regina also is an active member of the League of Women Voters of Champaign County.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
I have long admired the League of Women Voters of Illinois for its dedication to voter education, advocacy, and promoting democratic participation. My background in policy analysis, community advocacy, and leadership development aligns with the League's mission, and I am eager to contribute to its work. Serving on the LWVIL Board presents an opportunity to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, particularly women and families of color, ensuring that their rights are protected and their perspectives are heard.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
As a board member, I am committed to strengthening the League’s outreach efforts, particularly to communities that are often marginalized in the political process. I aim to support initiatives that increase voter participation, with a focus on engaging women of color, and to ensure that all individuals have access to the resources necessary to make informed decisions in our democracy.
Marjy Gilbert (LWV Chicago)
BACKGROUND
When Marjy moved to Flossmoor, Illinois, she joined the Homewood Flossmoor LWV. After a subsequent move to Glenview, Illinois, she joined the Glenview LWV and served on their Board. In 1999 Regina moved back to Palos Park, Illinois, where she grew up, and joined the local League, eventually serving on the Board. She moved back to Chicago in 2018 and currently serves on the LWVCHI Board and is a member of the City Government Committee. Regina has chaired many study groups including one for the Cook County League which studied the opaque structure of Cook County government before President Preckwinkle’s reforms. She has chaired consensus meetings for the Palos Park League (e.g., LWVIL pension study) and the Chicago League (LWVUS Federal Judiciary Study). Regina has also participated in many consensus meetings run by LWVCHI, e.g., Ranked Choice Voting & Bring Chicago Home, as well as the LWVIL Criminal Justice Reform Consensus meeting.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
The League of Women Voters has been and continues to be an integral part of my life, with the principles and work of League extremely important to my life focus. I joined the Chicago League of Women voters in 1976 during my last year of law school at Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. My uninterrupted membership in LWV evidences my commitment to League and its Principles. My years of League work has given me a deep understanding of the rules and procedures as they have evolved over the years, making me an ideal board member as we make our transition into yet another new evolution of the League.
Miel Johnson (LWV Arlington Heights)
BACKGROUND
I am a lifelong Illinois, proud mother of three sons (16, 13, and 10), an active member of my community and local League with a 20+ year career as a consultant leading large scale strategy and transformation programs.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
As I watch democratic norms we have taken for granted for decades be upended daily, I want to do more to protect and defend democracy and voting rights.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
I have three goals as a member of the LWVIL Board: 1) Ensure women understand the impact of proposed and enacted legislation on their voting rights; 2) Encourage younger and more diverse women to join LWV; and 3) Help women run for office at every level of government.
Theresa Lyons Flanders (LWV ST. CLAIR COUNTY)
BACKGROUND
As a change manager and compliance professional, Theresa brings 21 years of experience in healthcare, equity diversity and inclusion, and executive leadership. She has held several leadership roles where she has worked with state leaders to advance the public health agenda of building bi-partisan policies and solidifying public-private partnership opportunities to move forward equitable rights for all. For as many years, Theresa has been instrumental in speaking up for vulnerable communities. In 2024 she organized a citywide Sisterhood March on Friday, October 10th - the Day of the Girl - partnering with elected officials to encourage voting at high schools. A native of East St Louis, Theresa earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Bethune-Cookman University, a master's in public health from the University of South Florida, and a master's in health law from Loyola University Chicago. Today, Theresa serves as Compliance Officer/Civil Rights Coordinator for OSF Healthcare in Peoria, where she is responsible for ensuring compliance with laws that prohibit discrimination.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
Serving on the LWVIL Board provides a unique opportunity to shape the organization's direction and impact in the fight for equal rights for all. As the board plays a crucial role in setting policy, establishing strategic direction and overseeing the League's various initiatives, I believe I have the necessary skillset to successfully advocate for the rights and needs of vulnerable communities, especially people living with disabilities and those from economically distressed areas. Finally, serving on the LWVIL Board is an opportunity to be a part of a powerful organization working to advance civic engagement and dismantle systemic racism to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
In a second term, I hope to move the strategic planning document to the next level by: 1) focusing on specific issues like environmental injustices in southern IL, voting rights across the state, and working more closely with Issues and Advocacy to advocate for equitable policies to ensure representation for marginalized communities. 2) build relationship with like organizations such as unions, disability NPFs, universities, and other reputable organizations aligned with LWV. 3) work actively to ensure young people understand the power to vote.
Robin Miller (LWV La Grange Area)
BACKGROUND
Robin has worked as a poll watcher and registered high school students to vote in two high schools. In the recent past, she worked as treasurer and as President of the Illinois American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, served on the Board of Directors of the AAML for approximately 15 years and served for 13 or 14 years as a member of the ISBA Family Law Section Council working to draft new legislation. Robin has served on LWV of Illinois’ Board of Directors since January 2024.
Elona Vaisnys (LWV Chicago)
BACKGROUND
Elona joined the League in 2007, served in my Local League, on the LWV Connecticut Board, headed a League successful effort to save public campaign funding for all state elective offices in Connecticut, gave talks on money in politics at universities and to organizations, moderated debates, issue forums, and town halls. She served as LWVUS National Coach (Shur Fellow) and on the LWV Chicago Board (2021-23), and as Commissioner on a Presidential Commission charged with assessing and making recommendations to the President about U.S. preparedness in diplomacy, international trade, and national security. Elona worked in the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (sustainable energy), managed a hospital’s Health Promotion/Disease Prevention (proposed and produced a radio call-in show on medical topics (Take One A Month), wrote and produced 600 public service scripts for daily radio broadcast, and was consultant for a health-related series on Connecticut Public Television (Better Health). She was the editor (22 years) for Yale’s five engineering departments (proposed and wrote a Yale Alumni Magazine column, headed statewide projects).
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
I hope to raise awareness of Illinois League members about campaign public financing for state elections in other states, help Illinois League members understand how Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission obstructs equal access (public campaign financed) to run for state elective offices and help Illinois Local Leagues educate their Illinois Representative and Senator about how other states enable civic-minded individuals to run for state offices by providing public campaign financing.
Bill Vernon (LWV Naperville)
BACKGROUND
A native Floridian (Indialantic, Florida), Bill is married to Barbara Vernon for 36 years (met in the 4th grade). He attended Wake Forest (BA in Economics, ’86) with Graduate studies at the University of Georgia (MBA, ’88). A career banker in commercial real estate finance at Wachovia and Wells Fargo, Bill served commercial real estate customers across the US, UK, Ireland and Canada. He moved to Naperville in 2003 and has two twin daughters, one is a graduate of Duke Medical School and now a plastic surgery resident at NYU Langone in NYC, the other is a graduate of University of Chicago Law School and now a litigation attorney for the City of Chicago. Bill is a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville and is currently enrolled at University of Chicago’s Graham School Basic Program of Liberal Arts, a four-year certificate program that explores the major works of the Western cannon. Bill has (re)taken up golf and is an unapologetic “car guy”, owning a car condo where a couple toys are kept. Bill is currently serving as Treasurer and board member of the League of Women Voters of Naperville.
WHY I WANT TO SERVE ON THE LWVIL BOARD
I would like to continue to serve on the board to help steer our financial planning efforts going forward.
WHAT I HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AS AN LWVIL BOARD MEMBER
During my next term specifically, I would seek to enhance LWVIL's financial controls, reporting capabilities, office space needs, and fundraising/development efforts.
Submitted by the 2023-2025 Nominating Committee: Tania Traverso (LWV of Aurora), Chair; Jo Minor (LWV of Rockford); and Erica Nelson (LWV of Glen Ellyn).
All Convention materials are available as a printable packet for those who prefer to reference a hard copy.
If you have questions, please email convention@lwvil.org.