Apply to Join the 2025 Board of Directors

The 2025 Slate:

Executive Committee for 2025, serves one year term:

Darlene Laird, CVA - President

Skilled Volunteer Strategy & Engagement Manager at Habitat for Humanity International

Darlene is the driving force behind Habitat for Humanity International's Skilled Volunteer Strategy and Engagement initiatives, specializing in crafting dynamic resources, trainings, and best practices for the Habitat affiliated network. She holds a CVA credential from the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration, solidifying her professional acumen and dedication to excellence in volunteer management. In her capacity as President Elect for the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), Darlene is dedicated to advancing the field and instigating positive change within the sector. Her visionary leadership and passion for driving meaningful impact position her as an industry leader, inspiring others to join the movement towards building stronger, more engaged communities through the power of volunteers.

Jordanya Reeves, CVA - President Elect

Associate Manager of Volunteer Management at Mindpower

Volunteerism is Jordanya's passion. She has seen and believes the world can change if its people answer the call to make it better. She has built volunteer programs from the ground up and has seen them thrive. She actively seeks opportunities to advance volunteer management on a global scale. She uses her proven expertise in the field to train and mentor other volunteer engagement professionals.

Wendy McClure, CVA - Secretary

Human Resources Specialist

Wendy has a unique combination of experience thanks to her career working in non-profit public libraries, human resources and volunteer management. She has done temporary work with the Pennsylvania Library Association as a conference assistant to prepare for their state conference. Wendy has also led and moderated a group of library volunteer managers from across the US and Canada. She has served as a mentor and presenter at the Central Indiana Association of Volunteer Administrators Summit.

Christi Brown, CVA - Treasurer

Volunteer Engagement Professional

Christi Brown served as the Senior Director of Volunteer Engagement for a South-Central PA healthcare organization for 16 years. She was responsible for over 6,000 Volunteers and Interns, hospital gift shops, hospital guest Services, and auxiliaries within the health system. Christi earned her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Drexel University and her B.S. in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College. She is currently serving in several volunteer leadership roles, such as Treasurer of the Pennsylvania Association of Healthcare Volunteers Resources Professionals (PAHVRP), Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services (KPETS) board member, and a committee member of the Health Administration Advisory Council for Drexel University. Christi was recognized by several organizations for her passion, dedication, and community service, including the Evelyn Burston award from PAHVRP, the Volunteer of the Year from United Way of York County and the Alumni of the Year award from Leadership York. She enjoys working with Volunteers and understands the value and impact they have with organizations.

Members at large to serve 2025 - 2028:

Donna Finney

New York Road Runners

New York, NY

Donna Finney is the Head of Volunteer Operations at New York Road Runners which welcomes over 23,000 volunteers each year. With over 12 years’ experience, Donna has managed several volunteer programs in the US, including Ronald McDonald House of New York, United Services Organization and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Quoted for her work in volunteer management best practice in the Volunteer Management Journal; Donna specializes in volunteer recruitment and appreciation and uses that experience and passion for volunteerism in supporting future volunteer leaders. Donna is an active volunteer herself in the NYC area with several organizations.

Donna studied Tourism Business Management in Birmingham, UK before moving to the US. Donna resides in New York City with her partner and two dogs.

Leigh Hersey, Ph.D.

Associate Professor & MPA Coordinator at University of Louisiana at Monroe

Monroe, LA

Leigh Nanney Hersey is an Associate Professor of Political Science and program coordinator for the MPA and Political Science programs. She currently holds the Lawson & Sharon Swearingen Endowed Professorship in Political Science. Dr. Hersey serves as the University's Faculty Athletic Representative.

She received her Ph.D. in Public Administration from Arizona State University in 2009, with a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in Journalism and her M.Ed. from Temple University in Athletic Administration. Dr. Hersey's teaching and research covers public and nonprofit administration, grant writing, civic engagement, and social media.

Dr. Hersey has presented at numerous academic and professional conferences throughout the United States. She has several journal articles and book chapters and recently co-edited a book on the arts and civic engagement. Before joining academia, she worked in the nonprofit sector for more than a dozen years. Dr. Hersey served on the City of Scottsdale (AZ) Parks and Recreation Commission, chairing the commission in 2004. In 2012, Dr. Hersey was nominated for the Volunteer Mid-South Spirit of Giving Award.

David Horwitz, CVA

Washington, DC

Volunteerism, Engagement, & Partnerships @ AARP Foundation, Johns Hopkins, & DC Commission on National and Community Service

David Horwitz, MA, CVA is a seasoned communications professional known for his strategic approach to program management and volunteer engagement, aimed at amplifying the call to service. Currently, David leads volunteer engagement initiatives and partnerships at AARP Foundation. He focuses on developing and implementing strategies to improve volunteer recruitment, satisfaction, and retention. Notably, in 2023, he took the helm in securing and executing a 3-year, $3.45 million federal grant to mobilize volunteers in community-based programs nationwide. David also played a pivotal role in establishing AARP Foundation as an official certifying organization of the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Awards, and collaborates with national partners like AmeriCorps, Points of Light, and colleagues at AARP to champion the volunteerism and service of older adults. Prior to his role at AARP Foundation, David led community outreach programs and campaigns for the world's largest scientific society, galvanizing tens of thousands of volunteers to reach over 50 million individuals annually with positive messages about science. Outside of work, David serves as a member of the Marketing Committee with the Association of Leaders in Volunteer Engagement (AL!VE), as an appointed commissioner on the DC Commission on National and Community Service (Serve DC), and as adjunct faculty teaching graduate seminars in marketing research at Johns Hopkins University. David holds a BA in Communications from the University of California, Davis, and an MA in Communications from California State University, Fresno.

  Nominees have been presented to the membership for a vote.

Learn the results of the election at our Annual Meeting, December 5. Register here.

Members will receive a personalized link to vote, check your email.

AL!VE’s Board of Directors is an active board that makes a difference for our profession. Those who are elected to the Board will serve a 3-year term (2025-2027), with the opportunity to serve up to two terms (six years total). 
 
The Board meets on a monthly basis using web-based technology. As a working Board, the volunteer commitment is two to three hours a week, or an average of 15-20 hours a month, including required attendance at Board meetings and leadership on a committee or special project. Board service is a chance to grow personally and professionally, to develop skills, gain unique experience and make lasting connections with a team of other passionate and motivated professionals throughout the country.  You may view the position description here.