Position: President
Nominee: Jason Beloungy (Running Unopposed)
Nominee: Jason Beloungy (Running Unopposed)
Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
State: Wisconsin
Organization: Access to Independence, Inc.
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
According to Jason, his greatest accomplishment (so far) as an advocate was his work on the Affordable Care Act, when serving as a Policy Analyst for NCIL. He was proud of the work he contributed to that final bill, which expanded Medicaid access, eliminated discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions, and even included a long-term services and supports provision (although it was scrapped during implementation), among many important provisions. Jason worked to educate and empower NCIL members to advocate for the bill’s provisions that most impacted people with disabilities. Jason also spent many hours on Capitol Hill, working with other disability partners. Jason was proud to work on behalf of NCIL members as part of this historic legislative effort.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Jason believes his greatest asset is his lived experience with a disability. As someone with ADHD who struggled for many years with his own education and employment, Jason recognizes the value of that lived experience in his work both as a Center director, and as a board member of NCIL. Jason has been a part of the Independent Living Movement for 21 years, and held a variety of roles that make him well suited to serve as NCIL’s next President:
He began his time in the Movement as an Independent Living Specialist for Independent Living Resources (of La Crosse, Wisconsin), working in a rural branch office. Jason provided the array of services offered by a CIL for several years, and engaged in various systemic advocacy activities from long-term care reform, to state legislative candidate forums. From there, it was on to Washington, D.C., where he began working for NCIL as a Healthcare Policy Fellow, and soon moved into a Policy Analyst role. Jason has a strong understanding of NCIL’s federal advocacy work, and impact, as well as the importance of educating and empowering the grassroots membership to be engaged in that work. Following his time in DC, Jason was hired as the Assistant Director for Access to Independence, the CIL in Madison, WI. In that role, which he held for 9 years, he led development and growth of programs and services offered by the CIL, which serves both urban and rural communities. Jason also built relationships with many community partners in the four-county service region to address access and inclusion. In 2019, Jason was hired as Executive Director of Access to Independence. As director, he has led growth of the agency’s fundraising and development activities, including the launch of its accessibility consultation, technical assistance and training program. Another relevant skill has been directing the CIL to intentionally engage in equity and inclusion work. Access to Independence made significant investments with a local organization led and run by women of color who supported the CIL through a months-long process to develop an equity roadmap. Equity work is a non-stop journey, and the roadmap is a multi-phased approach to improve the equity, inclusion, and intersectionality of the CIL – including the board, the staff, the people served, and community partners. Until the end of 2024, Jason served as Board Chair for the Wisconsin Coalition of Independent Living Centers (WCILC). WCILC has 100% membership of all eight CILs in Wisconsin, and Jason led the state association through significant transition over the last several years. As Board Chair, one of Jason’s accomplishments was co-leading the effort to build a funding equity mechanism that ensures the CILs most in need of resources are more likely to receive new funding before other CILs in the state. Additionally, a statewide formula was developed to identify parts of the state where more resources would be directed, once all eight CILs met a base funding threshold. These items were both included in the current SPIL. Finally, Jason co-chairs the Wisconsin Independent Living Network’s healthcare and long-term care advocacy committee. Jason has served as the Center Director Rep for Wisconsin’s SILC, the Independent Living Council of WI (ILCW). In that role, Jason served on the executive committee. Jason continues to be a member of the SPIL Committee, including the workgroup that focused on funding provisions in the SPIL. Jason has served on the NCIL Board of Directors, since 2022, first as Secretary, and then as a Member-at-Large, which allowed him to be appointed as CIL Capacity-building Chair.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
The Independent Living Movement, and the Disability Community, are facing increased threats to our existence, and NCIL must itself be in a position to respond, as well as ensure the national network of CILs and SILCs are able to respond to these threats. To do this, NCIL needs a Board President with broad experience in our movement, and experience effectively working in both a statewide and national leadership capacity. Given Jason’s experience, he truly believes he is well positioned to be that leader. Jason has three priorities that he would like to address as President that he believes will support NCIL’s success:
1) Relevance: NCIL must have a stronger presence in Washington D.C. to more effectively engage members of Congress, federal bureaucracy, and other disability partners and stakeholders. NCIL must have the capacity to address all of the different topics, from laws, budgets and rules that impact CILs and SILCs, to issues such as Civil Rights and Long-term Care, by having a larger Advocacy and Public Policy team.
2) Engagement: NCIL must have grassroots advocacy strategies and staffing to educate, empower, and engage CILs and SILCs around our priorities. Our power is in our numbers, and when we are able to collectively act, that power is on display. NCIL needs personnel to communicate and organize in an effective and efficient manner.
3) Equity and Inclusion: Being intentional with this work remains a part of our success. Additionally, engaging in this work has become a risk for CILs and SILCs as the federal government has targeted entities who do. How the IL Movement navigates both realities relies on thoughtful approaches that keep our commitment to the work, and not jeopardize our funding and our existence. All three of these priorities require money, and supporting NCIL’s Executive Director and the rest of the board to acquire these resources will overlap these priorities.
Jason has demonstrated an ability to effectively lead, and has the right mix of experiences needed to support the growth, strength and effectiveness of NCIL. A strong and successful NCIL better supports a strong and successful network of CILs and SILCs, and is better able to advocate on the issues that impact our people and our communities.
Position: Treasurer
Nominee: Whitney Doyle (Running Unopposed)
Nominee: Whitney Doyle (Running Unopposed)
Region 4: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
State: Florida
Organization: Florida Independent Living Council
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Whitney has served the Treasurer for the SILC for years, began the Youth Leadership Forum in Florida and created a Candidate Interest Packet for recruiting new council members to the SILC.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Whitney has a tremendous skill set and with organizational finances. She is contacted by numerous organizations to assist with their financial reviews. .
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
To assist NCIL with their finances and reporting requirements.
Position: Member At-Large (Eight candidates for three open positions)
Nominee: Latricia Seye
Nominee: Latricia Seye
Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
State: Illinois
Organization: Access Living
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
As a leader at Access Living, Trish’s department expanded access to critical services, deepened partnerships with community stakeholders, and elevated consumer voice as central to decision-making. Perhaps most importantly, Trish has mentored emerging leaders, helping to build a pipeline of diverse, passionate advocates who will continue the work. Elevating voices, challenging systems, and centering dignity is what Trish is most proud of.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
As a Black woman leader in Independent Living, Trish brings both professional expertise and lived experience that reflect the intersectional realities of our community. Trish leads the largest department at Access Living and serve on equity teams at Access Living and in her child’s school district, driving change that centers racial and disability justice. Trish offers skills in strategic leadership, program innovation, and coalition-building, along with a strong commitment to mentoring BIPOC and emerging leaders. Trish’s relationships with policymakers, community partners, and advocates—along with past board service under leaders like Theo Braddy—positions Trish to contribute meaningfully to NCIL’s national advocacy and vision.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
Trish wants to serve on the NCIL Board to help strengthen and evolve the Independent Living movement through a lens of equity, accountability, and lived experience. As someone who has led in direct service, systems change, and organizational equity, Trish is committed to ensuring NCIL reflects the full diversity of the community including Black, Brown, low-income, and underrepresented voices. This is an important time for our movement, and Trish wants to continue to bring her leadership, insight, and commitment to collaboration to the national stage ensuring that the next generation of advocates is supported, and that the values of self-determination and justice remain central to our work.
Nominee: Karen Gridley
Nominee: Karen Gridley
Region 7: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
State: Missouri
Organization: Missouri Statewide Independent Living Council
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
For me, my greatest accomplishment was to work with the KC Board of Elections to designate the CIL where I was employed to be an open voting location for all of KC, regardless of precinct or district with the KCBoE. This led to over 5000 people interacting with the CIL during election year 2020. This increased the reach of the CIL and led to more volunteers and consumers interacting with the CIL.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
I will bring a perspective from the SILC side of the IL world. I have also worked with CILs for 20 years prior to moving to the SILC position. I am also a person with a hidden disability.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
I want to expand the connection NCIL has with SILCs and with people with hidden disabilities.
Nominee: Marlene Huff
Nominee: Marlene Huff
Region 4: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
State: Kentucky
Organization: none listed
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Dr. Huff was integral to educating college faculty and business leaders about the Americans with Disabilities ACT across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. She traveled to Washington multiple times with the Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to advocate for the passage of the Act. She worked tirelessly with Senators Doyle and Kennedy.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Dr. Huff has led state-wide committees, navigated political differences to ensure that the interests of Independent Living Centers are duly represented. She has served served as the President of the Kentucky National Association of Social Workers, numerous committees at the University of Kentucky where she worked for 20 years.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
Marlene is now retired and able to devoted more time to her identification as a person with a disability. There are many ways in which she can use her talents and abilities. Hope you can use her talents!
Nominee: Davey McNelly
Nominee: Davey McNelly
Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
State: Ohio
Organization: Center for Disability Empowerment
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
I consider my biggest accomplishment supporting over 100 people to move out of nursing homes or developmental centers and into community living. I did this through developing housing working within the developmental disability, waiver system, developing staffing, supports, and supporting the consumers individually to get the kind of community life that they want I have also been involved regionally with making state parks, cities, and counties more accessible by performing 100s of ADA consultations and developing advocacy coalitions to push for change. Two cities are now in the process of developing ada transition plans and one state park is one of the most accessible parks in Ohio.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
I have a vision of each Center For Independent Living developing and advocacy network which then feeds into state advocacy networks which then feed into national advocacy. In my current job as the executive Director of the Southeastern Ohio Center For Independent Living (which I have held for the past year), over the past year, I have been able to double and triple our consumers and advocacy efforts through having a vision of outreach, networking and actions.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
There’s been no time as critical as now in my lifetime to advocate for a change and to build power. If you’re looking for someone who will challenge the status quo in order to build something better than I believe I might be the right person for the board. I have had five years experience on the Ohio State wide independent living council, as well as serving on the board of social before I took the job as executive director. I have a disability myself, which is spinal muscular atrophy. Has someone with a lifelong disability and someone who has overtime Learned so much from the independent living movement I hope to be one of hundreds to move us forward and create a more equitable and just society.
Nominee: Jenny Stonemeier
Nominee: Jenny Stonemeier
Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
State: Texas
Organization: REACH, Inc.
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Taking a legacy CIL and revitalizing it in all aspects. Realigning programming, operations, and organizational culture to be rooted within the IL philosophy while expanding programmatic areas and funding sources for added sustainability. Jenny launched the Veteran Directed Care program in North Texas.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Extensive knowledge of nonprofit management and professional association management (Jenny was ED of a national membership association). She has deep grassroots advocacy experience; local, state, and national policy experience in areas including education, workforce/employment, housing, and transportation. Jenny brings over 25 years of experience in the disability field, she’s worked alongside many local CILs and in coalition with NCIL for much of that time. Through her career, Jenny has developed an extensive network of professionals across the country—those relationships are valuable to the work of NCIL.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
The IL Movement is at a critical moment in history, joining the NCIL Board now is a commitment to bring energy, focus, dedication, and perspective to our collective work. For too long, the disability community has been fractured by our own differences and those fractures have been used to divide us—we’ve given up our collective power. Right now we MUST focus on finding a common path forward that is based on strength. Jenny wants to be a part of the solution.
Nominee: Ester DuRante
Nominee: Ester DuRante
Region 4: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee
State: Georgia
Organization: Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
As an advocate, I find immense joy in empowering others to advocate for themselves through my story, rather than simply doing it for them. I remind myself that while certain steps may seem straightforward based on my own experiences, they may be much more challenging for others. It is essential to always lead with kindness and allow people the freedom to make their own choices – even if their path appears to be the more difficult one.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
My personal journey has given me the ability to bring self-awareness as a talent, critical thinking as a skill, and invaluable resources gained through experience in caregiving, finance, and education. Throughout my life, in every role I have held -even as a child… I have advocated for others while also learning how to advocate for myself. In my opinion, that lived experience is the most valuable resource I can offer.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
I want to serve on the NCIL Board because my life experiences have shaped me into a dedicated advocate in many ways. Through caregiving, finance, and education, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges people face. Having spent a lifetime standing up for others – while also learning how to advocate for myself I recognize that I have some sparkles to offer.
Nominee: Ted Jackson
Nominee: Ted Jackson
Region 9: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands
State: California
Organization: Marin Center for Independent Living
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Accessible redesign of the new Bay Area Rapid Transit train cars
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Ted Jackson (He/Him) is a nationally respected executive leader, disability rights advocate, and LGBTQ+ organizer with over 20 years of experience advancing inclusive public policy, civic engagement, and social equity. Ted has built a distinguished career driving transformational change at the intersection of LGBTQ+ equality, disability justice, voter access, and intersectional advocacy. From leading roles at multimillion-dollar organizations to managing accessibility operations and disability engagement for U.S. presidential campaigns, the Democratic Party and its conventions, Ted is a trusted strategist and movement builder. He currently serves as Director of Public Policy and Community Engagement at the Marin Center for Independent Living, where he also guides the Disability Organizing Network (DO Network) which brings together California’s 28 Independent Living Centers for statewide grassroots systems change advocacy campaigns. Previously, Ted was Statewide Community Organizing Director at California Foundation for Independent Living Centers. He has held senior leadership roles with the Democratic National Committee in Washington, D.C., the 59th Presidential Inaugural Committee, and the Women’s March, where he supported accessibility for marches and national voter engagement mobilization efforts. During his post 2020 election transition period he returned to California to serve as the Executive Director at the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley—an iconic institution in the global disability rights movement. A sought-after advisor on ADA compliance, accessible communications, inclusive campaigns, and Independent Living Movement strategy, Ted has trained thousands of activists and advised public officials, campaigns, and coalitions across the country. His leadership has shaped major change-related outcomes like the California Online Voter Registration, the Voter’s Choice Act and accessibility reforms in health, education, and transportation including.the accessible redesign of the Bay Area Rapid Transit train cars. Ted has also taught as an adjunct professor at American University teaching disability community history and advocacy engagement and served on the LGBTQ Victory Fund National Campaign Board. Currently, he serves on multiple advisory boards and public committees focused on aging, homelessness, and inclusive emergency management. His life’s work is grounded in the belief that authentic leadership centers lived experience—and that systems must be built by and for the communities they serve.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
To help support the organization to increase its capacity for grassroots advocacy organizing and serving CILs by expanding the regional and national organizing network.
Position: Region 1 Representative
Nominee: Steven Higgins (Running Unopposed)
Nominee: Steven Higgins (Running Unooposed)
Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
State: Massachusetts
Organization: Independence Associates
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Advocating/Making changes that PWD can remain free
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Management, Social Media, People
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
I enjoy being part of a National Organization that truly makes a difference.
Position: Region 3 Representative (Two Candidates)
Nominee: Lillian Harrison
Nominee: Lillian Harrison
Region 3: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
State: Delaware
Organization: Independent Resources, Inc.
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Successfully leading the largest CIL in Delaware, making connections for future housing and inclusivity for individuals with disabilities.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Strong business background, advocacy and leadership skills
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
Since serving as ED for Independent Resources, Inc and attending last years conference, never I have understood more clearly the vast needs of individuals with disabilities. Not just for accessibility in the communities we live, work, play but adaptability. The crises facing our communities have a larger impact on those with disabilities and we need a seat at the tables to ensure we’re being included.
Nominee: Annetta Johnson
Nominee: Annetta Johnson
Region 3: Region 3: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
State: West Virginia
Organization: LiveAbility
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Working to help educate the state legislators for additional funding for our Community Living Services Program
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
I have worked at the Cil for almost 20 years, been in the Administrative/Financial side for 15 years and run the agency for 5.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
I wants to help guide NCIL and the CILs in her area to continue working for people with disabilities.
Position: Region 5 Representative
Nominee: Jennifer Kucera (Running Unopposed)
Nominee: Jennifer Kucera
Region 5: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin
State: Ohio
Organization: Center for Disability Empowerment
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Carer event i organized at Ohio’s Statehouse Working as a nursing home transition coordinator and assisting people to relocate Currently my role as Healthcare Outreach Coordinator assisting people find services, advocating and working with Ohio Department of Medicaid to better Self-Direction, MyCare managed care waiver and EVV
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
I’m a great networked, very knowledgeable about services and supports for people with disabilities, I’m a great presenter and story-teller and communicator
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
I want to do more National advocacy, I love what NCIL represents and I want to do my part to help grow the Independent Living Movement because it is at the core of my beliefs and how I live my life as someone with a severe disability
Position: Region 6 Representative (Two Candidates)
Nominee: Osvaldo Capmany
Nominee: Osvaldo Capmany
Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
State: Texas
Organization: Living Hope Wheelchair Association
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Osvaldo (Ozzy) Capmany, as Executive Director of Living Hope Wheelchair Association, considers his greatest accomplishment to be building a strong, community-based organization that empowers people with disabilities—particularly undocumented and uninsured individuals. Under his leadership, the association has expanded access to durable medical equipment, peer support, and essential resources that are often out of reach for marginalized populations. His advocacy has not only improved the quality of life for many individuals, but has also elevated awareness of the intersectionality of disability, immigration status, and poverty. His work embodies the core values of the Independent Living movement: self-determination, dignity, and equal access. His multicultural expertise and deep knowledge of the Hispanic/Latino community are valuable assets that contribute to expanding the diversity and strength of the coalition.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Experienced in strategic advocacy and policy development Bilingual, with strong public speaking and community outreach skills Skilled in grant writing and program development Proven abilities in coalition building and leadership Effective relationship builder Well-connected within the disability community and passionate about driving systemic change
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
He wants to serve on the NCIL Board because he is deeply committed to the principles of the Independent Living movement and believes in the power of collective advocacy to create meaningful change for people with disabilities. I see this as a great opportunity for him to help shape national policy, strengthen the NCIL network, and ensure that the voices of all people with disabilities—especially those from historically marginalized communities—are heard and centered. Serving on the Board would allow him to contribute his extensive experience, energy, and vision to advancing disability rights and promoting full inclusion, accessibility, and equity across all areas of life. He wants to help NCIL remain a strong, innovative, and unifying force in our community.
Nominee: Justina Plowden
Nominee: Justina Plowden
Region 6: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
State: Louisiana
Organization: WeMatter
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
You’ve mentored emerging leaders, helping them develop advocacy skills and confidence to push for change. Your dedication to independent living has furthered opportunities for individuals with disabilities by strengthening policies, ensuring accessibility, and challenging outdated systems. Whether through public speaking, organizing events, or shaping legislation, you’ve made tangible progress in creating a more equitable society. Your ability to bridge grassroots efforts with national advocacy has positioned you as a changemaker who is driving long-term impact.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Your leadership and advocacy experience make you a powerful asset to the NCIL Board. With your strategic approach to systemic change, exceptional communication skills, and ability to mentor emerging leaders, you bring a depth of expertise that strengthens disability rights efforts. Your work with WeMatter Disability Organization and Miss Wheelchair Louisiana 2025 provides a strong foundation for grassroots engagement, allowing NCIL to expand its outreach and amplify disabled voices. Your background in legal advocacy, particularly in family law, enhances NCIL’s ability to address policy issues affecting families within the disability community. Additionally, your talent for organizing accessible events, forging partnerships, and driving innovative fundraising strategies ensures sustainable impact. By combining collaboration, inclusion, and policy expertise, you position NCIL to advance meaningful change while inspiring future advocates to step into leadership with confidence.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
My your passion for advocacy and systemic change makes serving on the NCIL Board a natural next step in your leadership journey. My want to be a voice for the disability community at a national level, pushing forward initiatives that create meaningful impact. Your experience in legal advocacy, mentorship, and grassroots organizing equips you with the skills to help shape policies that promote inclusion and accessibility. Serving on the board would allow you to expand your reach, collaborate with other leaders, and ensure that the lived experiences of disabled individuals are reflected in decision-making. My commitment to fostering future advocates and strengthening disability rights aligns with NCIL’s mission, making this an opportunity for you to bring your expertise, vision, and unwavering dedication to the movement.
Position: Region 7 Representative
Nominee: Michael Parker (Running Unopposed)
Nominee: Michael Parker (Running Unopposed)
Region 7: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska
State: Missouri
Organization: Paraquad / Missouri SILC
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
Provided written testimony for a Parent’s Rights bill that was passed in approximately 2010. This bill was to protect parents with disabilities from undue interference while parenting their children. Mike was a data engineer for the MO Disability Vote Project which increased mobilization of votes with disabilities, resulting in a noticeable increase in voters with disabilities voting. Also been a member of the MO SILC for over 5 years, serving as chair and treasurer.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
Detailed knowledge of CIL and SILC structure. Worked with CIL data and reporting for ACL (704/PPR). Mike believes the IL community needs to return to the fundamentals of the IL Philosophy. IL needs to learn our history so we can grow and become better tomorrow.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
To give back to the Independent Living Community. To make sure we can take the lessons that we learned throughout our history and use them today in our advocacy efforts.
Position: Region 9 Representative
Nominee: Lisa Hayes (Running Unopposed)
Nominee: Lisa Hayes (Running Unopposed)
Region 9: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands
State: California
Organization: Rolling Start, Inc.
Q1: What do they consider to be their greatest accomplishment as an advocate during their involvement in Independent Living?
One of my proudest accomplishments has been bridging the gap between managed care and Independent Living. I developed programs to address access needs, trained case managers on person-centered planning, and, at the national level led efforts to build partnerships between CILs and health plans across the country. This work deepened my commitment to disability-led policy change and laid the groundwork for continued systems transformation.
Q2: What skills, talents and resources will they bring to the NCIL Board?
I bring over two decades of experience in disability advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and systems change, with a focus on Medicaid policy & healthcare access. I’m committed to IL philosophy, and the belief that people with disabilities have the right to self-determined lives. I am committed to building strategic partnerships that advance NCIL’s mission.
Q3: Why does this person want to serve on the NCIL Board?
To support efforts to mitigate harmful policies that continue to marginalize and disadvantage our people.
