The National Council is a key leadership body comprised of volunteers and staff who collaborate to advance the organizational priorities of AFS-USA and reports to the AFS-USA President. This volunteer/staff partnership, serving at the national level, is committed to infusing the voice of the volunteers into programs and policy implementation and advising the President and executive staff.
The National Council is comprised of representatives of the different advisory and work groups that contribute to the staff and volunteer partnership in a variety of areas throughout the organization. The National Council, led by a Steering Committee, is tasked with ensuring that there is a high level of coordination among the various advisory and work groups and that as new needs arise in the organization, advisory and work groups are formed or retired as appropriate. The National Council serves to inform and collaborate with senior staff to ensure that organizational priorities are in focus.
The National Council sets the agenda of the annual AFS Summit based on the priorities of the organization.
How can I get involved?
National Council membership appointments are made through a competency-based selection process. Each member meets key criteria that supports the work of the Steering Committee.
To indicate interest in serving as a volunteer on the national level, please complete the National Council Committee and Advisory Group interest form here.
National Council Members:
The National Council is chaired by a volunteer leader and co-chaired by a staff member appointed by the President.
- Deb Maly - Milwaukee Area Team (WI)
Chair; Volunteer Co-Chair; National Council* - Keri Dooley - Staff
Co-Chair; National Council* - Jim Walker - Capital Area Team (DC)
Vice-Chair; National Council* - Debra Bryda - Northeast Ohio Area Team (OH)
Secretary; National Council* - Ann Sweet - Western NY Area Team (NY)
Chair; National Council Volunteer Recognition Committee* - Michelle Bird - Staff
Co-Chair; National Council Volunteer Recognition Committee* - Anne Herendeen - Steinbeck Coast Area Team (CA)
Chair; National Council Nominations and Selection Committee* - Mary Jo Brock - Staff
Co-Chair; National Council Nominations and Selection Committee* - Rebecca Cartier- Dallas Area Team (TX)
Chair; National Council Communications Committee* - Melvin Harmon - Staff
Co-Chair; National Council Communications Committee* - Marjorie Bigelow - World Flags Area Team (WI)
Chair; Compliance Advisory Group - Mary Ann Offer - World Class Area Team (WI)
Chair; Orientations Advisory Group - Linne Shields - Dallas Area Team (TX)
Co-Chair; Support Advisory Group - Gayle Jordan - Western Iowa and Nebraska Area Team
Co-Chair; Support Advisory Group - Nancy Studwell - Greater Puget Sound Area Team (WA)
Chair; Sponsored Programs Advisory Group - Tara Hofmann - AFS-USA President
Ex-officio Member; National Council Steering Committee*
* Denotes National Council Steering Committee members (NC Chair and Committee Chairs), who serve a maximum of two three-year terms.