We are pleased to announce the new Board of Directors for the Women Marines Association (WMA). This is such a rich pool of talent that WMA will be reaching new levels in the next two years.
These officers will be install in July in Portland, OR., at the Installation Banquet surrounded with family, friends, WMA Members and The Loyal Escorts of the Green Garter.
The convention starts on 21 July 2016. We are delighted to have General Helen Pratt as our opening banquet speaker and honored guest and will end on 25 July with CMC General Robert Neller and Mrs Neller and SMMC SgtMajor Ronald Green attending the closing banquet.
More details can be found on the WMA convention page.
Portland Area Active Duty Marines see MARADMIN 290/16
PRESIDENT – BETTY MOSELEY BROWN
Betty Moseley Brown has served National President since 2012 and is known as a Veteran’s Advocate. Betty enlisted in the Marines in 1978 and served until 1992 in various billets, from a MEPs Liaison to canvassing Marine Corps Recruiter. Betty worked as a federal government employee with the Marine Corps at MCRD San Diego before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Diego and later moving to Washington, DC. In 2004, Betty Moseley Brown assumed the position of Associate Director, Center for Women Veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington, DC and earned her Doctorate of Education in 2006 from the University of Sarasota. Betty Moseley Brown is honored to serve the membership of WMA.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT (IPP) RHONDA LEBRESCU AMTOWER
Rhonda LeBrescu Amtower is a member of the National Board of Directors serving as the Immediate Past President (IPP) since 2012. As a Mustang Marine, she retired in 2000 after 25 years of active duty in the Intelligence Field. She is a WMA Life Member and has been an active member of WMA since 2000 when she served as DC-1 Chapter President, Area 2 Director, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and then as National President 2008-2012. She also serves as Chair of the Convention Planning Committee (CPC) and Chair of the Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) Committee. She also serves on the Bylaws Committee and the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC). Rhonda is committed to serving WMA to provide her experience in any way possible.
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT – LAURA L. BROWN
Retired from the Marine Corps with 30 years of service from 1984-2014. Served in several command billets that included many firsts for women in the Marine Corps. Hand selected by the Commandant to create and manage the Lance Corporal Leadership Curriculum. A WMA life member and Chapter member in DC-1 and TX-6. Served as the Protocol Officer for the 2014 Convention in Kansas City. Volunteers for the San Antonio Food Bank and with St. Vincent DePaul.
SECOND VICE PRESIDENT – TRACY CROW
Tracy Crow served the Marine Corps as a Public Affairs Officer. A WMA life member since in 2011. For the past two years, she has served as president of the North Carolina-3 “Semper Fi” Chapter and on the Matching Funds & Grants Committee. Tracy is a former professor of journalism and creative writing and is an accomplished author. Tracy is a professional speaker signed with Women Vets Speak, and provides keynote addresses, panel discussions, and writing workshops throughout the year.
THIRD VICE PRESIDENT – LEASHA WEST
Leasha West is a decorated Marine veteran serving from 1998 to 2002. She is a Life Member of WMA currently serving as the MI-3 West Michigan Vice President in which she is a founding member. Leading in the financial services and insurance industry, Leasha is the owner of her own agency and has the desire to serve WMA with her expertise on budgets and planning. As a community leader, President Obama awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award to Leasha for outstanding volunteerism. In addition to her community involvement, she is a multi-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table, was named to the Circle of Excellence by the Women in Insurance & Financial Services and was chosen as one of North America’s Elite Women in Insurance-by-Insurance Business America Magazine. Educationally, Leasha holds a Master’s of Science in Financial Services (MSFS) and many prestigious industry designations.
TREASURER – ANGEL ESTEP
Serving as National Treasurer for just over a year now, and have learned that it is so much more involved and rewarding than I imagined it would be. I see areas that are working well so far, and I see some excellent opportunities for improvement and enhancement in the service that this office can offer to the national organization and to the local chapters. I would love the opportunity to continue and see just how great this office can be. I am currently a full-time contract cost/price analyst for the Army Contracting Command, and am studying to become an Enrolled Agent in my tax preparation business. Enrolled Agent is the highest credential that the IRS offers, and will allow me the privilege of representing my clients in court, should the need ever arise. I am also continuing my studies in the area of nutrition and lifestyle coaching. It is my dream to help enough people reach their healthy lifestyle goals. My experience as Treasurer has inspired me to consider other opportunities in the future. I look forward to serving you for another term as National Treasurer
NATIONAL SECRETARY – MARY ELLEN STONE
Retired from the Marine Corps with 30 years as an Administrative Chief, SJA Legal Clerk & Court Reporter. Administrative Officer for NOAA’s National Weather Service, retiring as an IT Specialist evaluating the Marine Corps Total Force System (MCTFS). Currently serving as WMA’s National Secretary, SOP Administrative Coordinator, and on the Scholarship Committee. Also served as Chair of the Business Oversight Committee, the 2014 WMA Convention Treasurer and Vice-President WMA Chapter MO-KAN 02. Adjutant/Paymaster, MCL Detachment, JROTC/ MCJROTC coordinator for the Kansas City Navy League, and Secretary for the Missouri Korean War Veterans Memorial. My background and experience in administrative matters is very extensive. Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Professional the tools required as Secretary.
NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – ALLISON STEIN
Retired from the Marine Corps after serving 22 years as an Administrator and Personnel Officer, respectively. Currently working as a Supervisory Human Resources Specialist with Marine Forces Reserve in New Orleans, LA. For the past five years I have held the office of Secretary in the Molly Marine Chapter LA-1 ensuring all business meetings are accurately recorded, membership rosters are current, official correspondence is prepared timely and taking the time to send out birthday cards to each member and Loyal Escort. I have a great deal of experience in a National Officer capacity due to currently administratively supporting the National Membership Secretary. My administrative background and experience in Microsoft Word, Excel and other forms of software will be very beneficial and makes me the ideal candidate to select for the office of National Membership Secretary
AREA 1 DIRECTOR – JAMIE B. DEPAOLA
Served from 1975 to 1999, both active duty and reserve in the 01 Administrative MOS and served in command billets before transferring to the reserves. I deployed with 25th Marines for the Gulf War as the Regimental S-1 Chief. After retirement, I worked as the Director of Admissions for a private school. My duties included recruitment of students in grades 6 – 12. In one year, I increased enrollment by 47%. I also performed the duties of the Marketing Director for the school. Following my retirement from the Corps, I also volunteered for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s (MCSF) New York Leatherneck Ball and later was elected as one of their Vice Presidents. Over the last 10 years, this event has annually contributed over $1 million in fundraising to the MCSF. Other memberships include The Marine Corps League and the American Legion. I am proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
AREA DIRECTOR 2 – KAREN LAINO GIANNUZZI
Served in both the Marine Corps and Navy from 1971-2001 in naval cryptology. WMA life member. Originally from Philadelphia PA. I have served as Director of Plans, Policy and Budget for the Office of Naval Intelligence. Have earned a BA degree in German and an MA in Education Administration, along with an MS in International Relations and Strategic Policy. Following retirement, I worked for DoD in several capacities in the intelligence field to include Chief of the U.S. Senate Team, Legislative Affairs Office, NATO Advisory Committee on Special Intelligence, and Director of Intelligence International Military Staff, at NATO HQ, along with several other positions. The position of area director for WMA involves leadership, organization, outreach and a loyal interest for the organization. For 42 years in service, anything I have worked on, I have given full attention to the project at hand. I would do the same for the Area Director position.
AREA 3 DIRECTOR – PEARL ANN RICH
Served from 1958-1961 as an Intelligence Assistant. Spent 20 years at UTMB, Galveston, TX Retired in 2005 from Houston ISD. Served on Health Occupation Students of America Texas State Board and Texas State Health Occupation Association. Active in military organizations including, WMA, WVA, ETMAC, MCL, and the Sharps Ridge Project initiated by the WVA. My background and experience in the organization, development, visibility and service to the community at large will allow me to bring the knowledge and skills necessary for the position of Area 3 Director
AREA 4 DIRECTOR – TIFFANY TESSMER
Analyst Veteran. She works full time while attending Henley-Putnam University for her degree in Counterterrorism. After leaving the USMC, she began volunteering with organizations such as Active Heroes, Team RWB, and supporting campaigns such as Mission22. Working in Intelligence, she is highly skilled in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word as well as professional communication skills. Tiffany has skills in marketing and campaigning, as well as reaching out to large numbers of people. She is able to communicate effective among large numbers as well as identify target audiences and embrace what is applicable to them. She has the skills to work in teams both large and small. She respects the concept of chain of command and has the skills needed to ensure a smooth flow throughout the echelons of The WMA. Tiffany feels she could bring a fresh insight, new ideas, and make a solid difference as an Area Director. Tiffany feels she has the skills
to work with the chapters and the members at large to build a strong, productive area. Tiffany feels she is a positive role model who will bring good light and positive attitude Area Director 4.
AREA 5 DIRECTOR – Gina McManus
Gina spent 4 years in the Marine Corps as a Field Radio Operator, Forward Observer and a Position Location Reporting Systems Master Station Operator. She has been active in the Marine Corps League since September of 2012 as a member of the North Star Detachment. She served in several positions in the MCL to include Chaplain and currently as JV Commandant and was the 2015 Detachment Marine of the Year. She excelled at recruiting new members; working tirelessly on helping organize, set up and run fund-raisers and other events. Her skills that were honed in the MCL will be an asset as she takes on the duties of Area 5 Director. She looks forward to building relationships with her chapters and working to build new vibrant chapters in the area.
AREA 6 DIRECTOR – PATRICIA HUTTINGER
Retired from the Marine Corps with 34 years of service as an 0170 Personnel Officer. WMA life member and Vice President of the LA-1 Molly Marine Chapter. An active member of the Cincinnatus Club, Legion of Mars, Military only Mardi Gras Krewe and charter member of the Marine Corps Heritage and WWII Museums. My background and experience as a leader and in administrative matters is very extensive. Proficient in Microsoft Office and adobe Professional. Boosting WMA and Chapter membership is very important to me. I enjoy volunteering and helping others in any way that I can.
AREA 7 DIRECTOR – BECKY LOWELL
I was elected as AD7 in February 2015. As AD7, I have accomplished the establishment of a new Chapter NE-1 in Nebraska. Attend receptions for women Marines who are returning from boot camp and provide WMA information to them. Contacted veteran services, recruiters, and the Marine Corps League to represent the WMA. Represented the WMA and NE-1 Lady Leathernecks in the Budweiser Salute to Veterans parade. Accomplished all duties relating to being your Area Director. Update and maintain a dialogue for WMA events and issues on the Area 7 Facebook page. Currently involved in a fund-raising project that will benefit both NE-1 and the Marine Corps League. My next endeavor is to create an area newsletter. I am attempting to address and include everyone in the information share and encouragement.
AREA 8 DIRECTOR – PATRICIA HORTON
Left active duty in 1993, retired from Marine Corps Reserves in 2010 as a NBC Chief. I served 12 years on active duty 10 on the Full Time Support (FTS) program. After leaving the Marine Corps, I worked as a Project Manager in the automotive industry for 4 years obtaining my Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification. Worked 13 years as a Logistical Management Specialist for the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) of the US Army. Served as Senior Vice Commandant and Junior Vice Commandant for the Marine Corps League (MCL). Worked with the MCL Young Marine Program in both California and Michigan. I believe that my background both as a Project Manager and as a Logistical Management Specialist will be an asset in working as Area 8 Director.
AREA 9 DIRECTOR – MARGARET “PEGGY” REIBER
Served in the Marine Corps for 23 years. Earned a degree in Business Management, and spent 13 years in nonprofit Management. Worked 6 years in Human Resources dealing with people. Currently work as an Office Manager. Served the CA-7 Chapter as Secretary, Vice President, and maxed out term limits as President of the Chapter. In February 2015, I became the Area 9 Director
AREA 10 DIRECTOR – SOLEDAD KENNEDY
Joined the Marine Corps in August 1977 and currently in the Inactive Ready Reserve waiting to retire in December 2016. Retired from the Bureau of Prison in 2013. Currently serving WMA as Area 10 Director. As AD10, I’ve visited all the Chapters throughout California and I listened to their concerns, achievements and requests. I keep the Chapters informed with changes and events in WMA. I am the contact person for the Commemorative Partnership with the Vietnam Veterans group at the WMA National level, honoring our Vietnam Veterans. I want to continue to support WMA with new and inventive ideas and move WMA forward in Area 10 for the next generation ahead.