Executive Board
Board of Directors 2023/24
Board members serve a 2-year term and elections are held at the Annual Meeting in May. If you are interested in becoming a board member please contact Mary Nelson at president.lwvdc@gmail.com.
Mary Rita Nelson, President
Mary’s family has deep roots in DeKalb County going back five generations, She feels that voting is one of the primary responsibilities to maintain our democracy and feels a need to make sure that everyone gets the opportunity to be represented. “The DeKalb County League is full of serious, dedicated citizens who feel like me and it is an absolute pleasure getting to know them and work on the mission with them.”
Christi Slavenas, Vice President
Christi retired after 36 years of teaching, mostly in Crystal Lake, Illinois. In addition to this office, her community involvement has included DCHC, Safe Passage, Genoa Public Library as Board Secretary, and, currently, Board Secretary at Kishwaukee Valley Heritage Society. Christi stressed civic engagement as a teacher and appreciates the non-partisan and strong educational focus within the LWVDKC.
Heather Tomlinson, Secretary
Heather works with Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery in Ogle/DeKalb counties, where they support all pathways to Recovery. She enjoys adventures with her three children, fiancé and Australian Shepard. They enjoy sporting events, carnivals and spending time in Chicago. She joined the league in 2023, is a passionate advocate for women’s rights, and hopes someday to have a career in politics. Heather is also a DeKalb County Election Judge and a member of Sycamore Rotary Club. She also volunteers as a tour guide at the Ellwood House and is studying for her Bachelor’s in Social Work at Aurora University.
Claire Duvall, Treasurer
Claire is a retired instructional designer who enjoys reading, crocheting, sewing, walking, kayaking and traveling. She joined the League in 2022 to work with like-minded people to help strengthen our democracy. “The League supports issues that are important to me: making it easier for citizens to vote, women’s health, and the environment. By participating in and supporting the League, I am able to work with others to support these issues.”
Cynthia de Seife, Voter Services Chair
Cynthia is an Adjunct Professor of Education at Kishwaukee College. She was a member of the Steering Committee that founded this version of the LWVDKC and has been actively involved in voter services from the beginning. This is Cynthia's first elected position in the League. To join the Voter Services Committee, reach out to Cynthia at voterservices.lwvdkc@gmail.com
Carole Minor, Membership Chair
Carole is a retired professor from the Counseling Program (COE) at NIU. She enjoys reading, playing with her four granddaughters, and visiting with friends. Carole has been a member of the last two iterations of the League of Women Voters of DeKalb County, for a total of nine years, and was the Chair of the Steering Committee that founded the current version of this League. Additionally, she has held the offices of Vice President and Membership Chair, as well as being a member of the Board of Directors of LWVDKC since its beginning, in 2020. “I joined the League to have a place from which to register voters. As I became more involved, I realized that the League is a placewhere I can work for many issues that are important to me and make a difference on those issues.” To join the Membership Committee, reach out to Carole at caroleminor233@gmail.com
Molly Trickey, Communications
Molly is a graphic designer and illustrator with a focus on museum exhibit design. She has always been active with nonprofits in the community; volunteer experience has included working with horses, children with special needs, outdoor education programs, and gun violence prevention. In a time when taking sides has become more important than the issues themselves, Molly felt drawn towards the LWV because of its non-partisan foundation. To get involved with communications, reach out to Molly at communications.lwvdkc@gmail.com