FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2024
CONTACT
Mary Miller
Communications Chair
League of Women Voters of Geauga
216-409-6057
mary.miller@lwvgeauga.org
League of Women Voters of Geauga Elects New Board
With membership over 100 active participants, leadership for the 2024-25 fiscal year refocuses its efforts on promoting the non-partisan services they provide
Geauga County, OH - At its recent annual meeting, held June 20, 2024, membership of the League of Women Voters of Geauga (LWVG) unanimously elected new board members to fill several key positions beginning this month for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and beyond.
Carol Benton was named League President, stepping into the role formerly held by Shelly Lewis, a stalwart in LWVG’s 2020 reorganization. Benton holds a BS in Accounting from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and spent the majority of her career at Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. in both Atlanta, Georgia and London, England. Her area of expertise centers on financial analysis and acquisitions. She has called Geauga County her home for the past 12 years.
“It is an honor to lead this wonderful group and to follow such an iconic leader as Shelly Lewis, who, with a small group of very committed women and men, revitalized the local league and built something special here in Geauga County,” noted Benton.
Benton’s vision is to elevate LWVG’s brand strength in the community as a reliable, nonpartisan source for factual information on elections and the voting process. This is evidenced by the work already being accomplished through committees including the Observer Corps. This arm of LWVG functions as the eyes and ears of the League, enabling everyone to understand how local government works. Observer Corps tracks significant issues and promotes transparency. The Voter Service Committee, which is responsible for the widely-attended LWVG Candidate Forums and popular digital and print voter guides, is another concrete example of the work being done by volunteers each and every election cycle. “We have all the pieces in place, now let’s promote them to the community at large,” Benton commented.
Rounding out the board roster are the following individuals:
Marla Zwinggi, Vice President, 2-year term, expires 2026
Master of Science in Public Relations - Boston University
Bachelor of Science in Television, Radio and Film - Syracuse University
Andrea Trimmer, Treasurer, continuing current 2-year term, expires 2025
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Chemical Engineering - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Ashley Dudinsky, Secretary, 1-year term, expires 2025
Master of Science in Social Administration - Case Western Reserve University
Bachelor of Science in Human Services - Purdue University Global
Associates Degree in Nursing - Kent State University
Sarah McGlone, Director, 1-year term, expires 2025
Master of Science in Psychology - Ohio University
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Wittenberg University
Shelly Lewis, Past-President, term expires 12/31/24
Master of Science in Accounting - University of Rhode Island
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Management - Virginia Commonwealth
For more than 100 years, the national presence of the League of Women Voters has worked to empower voters and defend democracy through non-partisan educational efforts. LWVG has served Geauga voters since 1949 and, in the past four years, has experienced a surge in membership with a recent roster count at 101 active members. With such an array of talented volunteers, LWVG membership feels confident that it has collectively selected a group of outstanding board members to lead the organization into the future.
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ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF GEAUGA
LWVG is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. They do not support or oppose individual candidates or parties. Learn more about the LWVG at www.lwvgeauga.org.