Elections for the EFA Board of Directors will take place March 30–April 10. Members, please be on the lookout for your electronic ballots, which will come from Association Voting. The election results will be announced on April 13.
The candidates running for open positions have provided us with their candidate statements below. We encourage you to read them before voting. Also, please join our Town Hall on March 22, where candidates will share more about themselves and have a chance to hear from you about what you’d like to see brought to the Board.
If you have any election comments or questions, please email director@the-efa.org.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.drcourtney.me
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
1 year
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Yes-webinars, newsletters, social media.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Bestselling author, founder of Ever After Press, developmental editor, and former nurse executive leading teams and strategy.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
Interested in expanding EFA education; experienced nurse leader and educator skilled in curriculum design and adult learning development.
LinkedIn and/or Website
markvictorhansenlibrary.com
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
5 years (maybe more under old email address)
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Chapter Coordinator for Philadelphia Region (new commitment)
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Active in the publishing for 20+ years. I hire, train, and manage writers and editors for the Mark Victor Hansen Library. I am a writer and editor.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
1) educational offerings – would like to train; 2) ethical use of technology – deeply involved with proper use of AI; 3) structure and governance
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.inclusivemediasolutions.com
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
Since around 2017
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Conference planning committee, speaker at EFACON 2019, 2023, 2025, EDIT committee
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Principal Consultant at Inclusive Media Solutions LLC for 8 years; worked with three NYC agencies as a writer and editor; wrote 2 EFA booklets
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
DEI. Most of my work focuses on social justice and inclusion. I want to support underserved editors in shining and doing their best work.
Watch Video from Ebonye Gussine Wilkins, 2026 EFA Board Candidate
LinkedIn and/or Website
erichublerediting.com
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
Just a few months now.
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
I have attended a learning session and social Zoom and participated in the message boards.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
I have been a freelance features writer, newspaper staff reporter, news wire copy editor, marketing writer, and now, a freelance nonfiction editor.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
Not entirely sure what optimization of communication means but it sounds like what I have spent my entire career doing, so maybe that!
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.editsbyknight.com/
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
4 years
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
I attended the last in-person conference and a few virtual socials/webinars.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Recently, I’ve served on the advisory committee at a mental-health nonprofit and co-chaired the marketing committee for our local roller derby team.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
DEI and ethics are important to me, and I have a decent understanding of technology/social media.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.vinehousecreative.com/
www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-holmberg-3242946a
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
Since 2013
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Yes
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
EFA Board, EDIT committee, Freelancer editor, PR group, Ruth Mullen Scholarship, External Relations, Risk & Finance, and Membership committees
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
I would like to continue my work as a Board member to support all of these initiatives.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.furbeecreative.com/
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
2 years
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
No
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Freelance writer/editor of 30 years, project manager, and content consultant. Community newsletters, nonprofit organizations, Salesforce, and HubSpot.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
Communication and educational offerings
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.linkedin.com/in/shermonta-grant-b174a7372/
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
Since 2024
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
I write and proofread for the BIPOC newsletter and attend webinars and local EFA gatherings.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
I am a writer and editor with decades of experience leading content development, managing projects and staff, and delivering high-quality solutions.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
My experience working in deadline-driven environments and coordinating with cross-functional teams will support efforts to enhance member engagement.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.linkedin.com/in/jeangazis
jeangazis.com
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
About 6 years
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Welcome Program newbie and welcomer, DL member/Community Manager/Chair, NYC Metro Chapter, event volunteer, EFA Board
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Worked for 20+ years in marketing and management in educational/professional publishing and tech; 5 years in nonprofit communications; EFA Board and Discussion List chair
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
Effective communications that can build our member community, engage prospective members and clients, and raise the EFA’s overall visibility and reputation.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.linkedin.com/in/jeanette-writer-dallas/
www.jeanettethewriter.com/
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
Since 2019
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
I attend events, am a coordinator of the AI Affinity Group, and have spoken often for the EFA.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Co-coordinator of the EFA AI Affinity Group, DIY MFA launch, course, and small group coaching lead; Freelance copyeditor and line editor
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
As the AI Affinity co-coordinator, I advocate for ethical use of technology. As a writing instructor, I support expanding the EFA’s courses.
www.linkedin.com/in/rachelfudge/
www.rachelfudge.com
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
10 years
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
SF Bay Area chapter, Academic Editors chapter, Discussion List, EFA Welcomer program
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Served on boards of feminist magazine and public health nonprofit, led communications at environmental ed org. I love mentoring new editors and freelancers.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
I’m excited to focus on strengthening membership (especially among academic editors), ethical use of technology, and streamlining governance.
www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasjpappas/
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
A few months
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Not yet — working on getting involved with the AI discussions, given my technical background.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Freelance editor at Narraworks. 10+ years in communications and technical writing at IRC and Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
My hands-on experience with LLM tech and editorial practice positions me to help the EFA develop grounded, practical guidance on inclusive tech use.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.linkedin.com/in/elsie-hillman-gordon-4091779/
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
Three years
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Attended EFACON2023 in VA. Attended virtual EFA conference 2025. Registered for 2026.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
I am an award-winning fiction author. My book ‘Love Is Everything’ was published in 2014. Please refer to my LinkedIn page for my leadership profile.
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
My experience supports EFA’s focus areas in DEI, communications, technology and expanding education offerings. Please refer to my LinkedIn profile.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.redappleediting.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ronanelloyd-editorandproofreader/
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
Five years
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
Discussion List, chapter meetings and serving as Secretary the last four years.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Serving as EFA Board Secretary, Dir of HR for an international company, corporate training and communications, and resume and career coaching
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
DEI and strengthening membership. Both have parallels with my HR experience—working to improve benefits and experience for everyone involved.
LinkedIn and/or Website
www.linkedin.com/in/owenkerrmi/
linktr.ee/chantedevening
How long have you been a member of the EFA?
One year.
How have you participated in EFA activities? (Chapters, Discussion List, webinars, writing for newsletters or social media, etc.)
None of the above.
Please summarize your editorial/communications/leadership experience, whether inside or outside of EFA.
Freelancer (’99-present), Artistic Director: No Theoretical Bias (YouTube); veteran teacher, high school, 12 years; BFA Theatre
The EFA strives to be an inclusive, diverse, supportive and progressive organization. Areas of strategic focus include DEI, engaging and strengthening membership, ethical use of technology, optimization of communication, expansion of our education offerings, and streamlining structure and governance. Which of these EFA strategic focus areas are you interested in, and how do you feel your skills/experience might help support them?
Ethical tech and education. As a game designer/veteran teacher, I have grave concerns about AI overreach into the arts and educating our peers.
