2022 Governing Board Election Information
Current members of Michigan AEYC are eligible to vote in the regular election of Governing Board members. Members are encouraged to vote for all candidates including Chapter Members-at-Large even if it is not in the region in which you live. The online election will be open from May 1, 2022-May 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm.
The following members have qualified to run for a board position on the Michigan AEYC Governing Board.
Each candidate was asked to submit a candidate statement addressing the following topics: (1) Interest in serving on the Michigan AEYC Governing Board, (2) Knowledge, skills and abilities that would contribute to a Governing Board position. (3) Specific examples of how experiences related to governance and leadership would enhance their position on the board, and their affiliation with the field of early childhood education and AEYC.
Current Governing Board Members
President (2020-2022): Casey Sterle
President Elect (2021-2022): Heather Lucas
Vice President (2020-2022): Michelle Burkhard
Secretary (2020-2022): Annie McCutchen
Treasurer (2021-2023): Cody Blair
Student Member-at-Large (2021-2023)- Kyle Lewandowski
Central Chapter Member-at-Large (2020-2022): Michelle Stevens
Eastern Chapter Member-at-Large (2020-2022): Jackie Ellrich
Northern Chapter Member-at-Large (2021-2023): Jennifer Wixson
Southern Chapter Member-at-Large (2020-2022): Peretz Hirshbein
Southeastern Chapter Member-at-Large (2021-2023): Dr. Charmaine Johnson
Southwestern Chapter Member-at-Large (2021-2023): Christine Whitmire
Upper Peninsula Chapter Member-at-Large (2020-2022): Tammra Houseman
Western Chapter Member-at-Large (2021-2023): Aarie Wade
Current Committee Chairs
Advocacy Committee: Kirsten Charnesky
Awards Committee: Jennifer Griffith
Finance Committee: Cody Blair
Nominating Committee: Liz Garman
A Statement of Solidarity Against Racism
The values of Michigan AEYC compel us to speak out against racism. Our core values are deeply rooted in the early childhood profession. We seek to be a high-performing inclusive organization that is enriched by and continually grows from our commitment to diversity, as embodied by our core beliefs. We vehemently condemn violence against black people and other people of color, and stand in solidarity with those speaking out for justice and change.
As much as we hope to be better, hope is not a strategy for change. Instead, we are committed to advancing racial equity through collective action. This involves exercising our power to change practices, rules, and norms within our organization that erode trust, put individuals in harm’s way or perpetuate discriminatory practices. This also involves supporting early childhood educators’ obligation to advance equity in the early learning settings by embracing diversity and inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice and working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities for children.
We recognize our past practices have not been sufficient and are committed to doing better. Michigan AEYC is taking the following actions and are committed to continual evaluation of these practices:
- Signing on in support of the NAEYC Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Education Position Statement,
- Committing to using the statement to make decisions, develop strategic plans, priorities, and programming. (NAEYC Resources for Living the Advancing Equity in Early Childhood Position Statement)
- Reviewing our recruiting and outreach practices for our governing board and staff to ensure they are equitable and inclusive.
- Providing ongoing board and staff professional development to explore implicit bias and promote cultural awareness.
- Advocating for racial equity in policy and legislation.
Racial prejudice and discrimination have been an issue in our world for far too long. We are listening and want to learn from each of you who root your identities in communities of color about how we can do better. We see you, we are here for you, and we are ready to learn with open hearts and minds. Please do not hesitate to contact us at miaeyc@nullmiaeyc.org, or by calling 517-351-4183 X313.