JCMGA Ballot – 2025 Board Voting Ballot
The following JCMGA candidates have been nominated by members and the JCMGA Board's Nominating Committee according to the JCMGA bylaws adopted in September 2018. Each of the nominees has agreed to serve. All current JCMGA members are entitled to vote. Ballots must be received by midnight November 3, 2024.
If you have a question or problem with the voting process, please contact Barbara Low (barbaralow@msn.com).
Elected Officers
— Vote by clicking in the box in front of your choice for each office
President Elect (Term Essentially 3 Years)
Recording Secretary (Term 1 Year)
Membership Secretary (Term 1 Year)
Keltie Nelson
I have served the Jackson
County Master Gardener Association as Assistant Treasurer for the last two
years. Since Sean Cawley has decided not
to run in 2024 as the Treasurer, I am running to fill the position. Prior to retiring, I worked as a bookkeeper
and accountant for most of my adult life and have always enjoyed been a “bean
counter”.
Colet Allen
I have heard that some of
our members express confusion about the relationship between JCMGA and OMGA. I
wanted to understand what this organization does and how it benefits JCMGA and
how we can benefit them. The best way to find out what an organization is all
about it to join the group. I volunteered to be on the Joy of Gardening
Conference committee last year. That experience convinced me that I wanted to
work with that Organization on behalf of JCMGA.
Archivist and Co-Archivist (Vote for 2)
Carrie Holmes-Stanton
I would like to become more involved in this wonderful Master Gardener organization and help however I can. Being an Archivist for the Board would be an opportunity to provide a support function while becoming more familiar with the inner workings of the group. I am currently a volunteer Secretary to the Board of the Southern Oregon Rental Owners Association (SOROA) so I have worked on a Board before and enjoy contributing by being part of a process that helps to guide a larger organization. And I would look forward to performing the function of archivist which includes maintaining the document archives and providing oversight and management of archival documentation, whether that be by hard copy filing or by digital filing in Dropbox.
Susan Hoehn
After retiring from a career in Special Education, we transplanted to Oregon in 2022 and sought out new directions for growth. Happily, I joined the great MG Class of 2023 and it’s been a blast. Whether working in the Demo gardens. The events, or editing on the Beet, I am continually impressed and inspired by the JCMGA members and their devotion to sustaining our Mother Earth. I hope to continue further to this noble effort by serving as your Archivist.
Teresa Jarrett
Class 2023. I am a retired nurse (18 years), with a previous career in the business world (20+ years). With my background I understand the importance of documentation. To be able to find that information it must be stored in an organized and easily retrievable manner. I would be interested in either archivist position, with a stronger inclination toward the digital filing. It would be my pleasure to assist JCMGA in this endeavor
Members at Large (5 open Positions - Select up to 5)
Joanne Daane – Class of 2017
I became a Master Gardener because of my grandfather. He was a true gardener and I used to follow him around as he tended to his favorite Roses, Daffodils and vegetables. I first became a MG in Arizona, but when I moved to Oregon, another whole world of different vegetation opened up to me. I was eager to learn about the Native plants and how to care for them so ultimately became a Oregon Master Gardener. Over the years, I have held a varietyof volunteer positions- Practicum Mentor, Marketing & Comm. WG member, volunteered at Oak Grove School Garden, the Wildflower and Rose Demo Gardens, SGF and after sales, as well as WDSG. My variety of experiences and years here have allowed me to meet and interact with many of our MG’s and I truly believe this will allow me to be of help to the Board as a Member at Large.
Connie Lyssand - Class of 2023
I am a 2023 Master Gardener graduate. I have had the opportunity to be a Garden Bud for the 2024 class as well as a Practicum Mentor trainee. I have enjoyed my last two years and want to continue to support the program.
Tami Cisneros - Class of 2014
Hi Master Gardeners it’s Tami from Class 2014 (after a brief move to So. Cal., I returned in 2023). I am applying for the Member at Large position; it is a great opportunity for me to learn the inner workings of the board. From 2016- 2019 I served on the Steering Committee for Orange County Calif. MG’s. I enjoyed participating and learned immensely about their Master Gardener Program.
Jory Kaplan - Class of 2023
My daughter and I took the MG Program in 2023. I am a semi-retired surgeon who worked almost non-stop for 40 years. Now that I’ve stepped back somewhat and have more free time, I’d like to give back to my community in ways that interest me. Last year I was a practicum mentor with Sherri, and I have signed up again this year. I still travel a lot, but I feel that I may have things to contribute to an advisory board.
Mary Schrouder - Class of 2024
Thank you very much for considering me for Member at Large position with JCMGA, I am very honored. Perhaps some aspect of my background would align with your future goals. I am a retired Educational Consultant, retired member of the Oregon State Bar, hardworking and forever learning gardener, lifelong musician, avid historian and burgeoning writer (completed my family Memoir, Cultivate Your Garden and beginning Rear-view Look at the Women’s Movement 1950-Present…Girlfriends’ Conversations and Reflections). One reason I have applied for the board position is that I am particularly interested in identifying diverse and sustainable ways to increase membership for JCMGA.
Cathy Millbank - Class 2024
I have lived in Medford, OR for 70 years. I am a former elementary teacher. I loved learning about, growing, and caring for plants. I would enjoy keeping the program going.
Rebecca Cohn- Class 2017
I am running to be on the JCMGA Board because of my personal commitment to sustainable food production. My husband and I have 10-acre farm in Talent where I have a large permaculture garden that has been certified as a pollinator garden. I believe it is important to educate people in the benefits and importance of gardening and food production. I have been very active with the Friends of the Animal Shelter on the Board of Directors for many years and can share my expertise. Previously, I was in the US Foreign Service and spent many years overseas. I look forward to making a contribution to the community.
Kaleen Reilly - Class of 2023
Master Gardener. I have been a Practicum Mentor in 2024 and is the GEM (Garden Education Mentor) for the Entry Demonstration Garden. I also volunteer on the Native Nursery Team, working in the Native Nursery. As the Chair of the Clothing Committee, I enjoyed working with the 2024 Class members to bring Master Gardener clothing items and the new Friends of JCMGA shirts to everyone. I have also served half a year on the JCMGA Board as a Member at Large and would like to continue learning and contributing.