JETAANY 2020 Board of Director Elections
JETAANY is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization overseen by a Board of Directors made up of JET alumni and prominent people in the Japanese American Community in the NYC area. They are responsible for overseeing the operations of the alumni organization and give guidance to the executive committee (president, vice president, treasurer and secretary). Directors serve a term of two years. We need a quoram of 100 votes to confirm the 2020 JETAANY Board of Directors. The deadline to vote is Sunday, December 31st 11:59 pm EDT.
Current Board Members
Monica Yuki - Chairman of the Board of Directors
Amber Liang
Please use the following link to confirm the 2020 new and returning Board of Directors
Returning Board members for reelection
Christy Jones
Nagasaki Prefecture ALT, 1995-1998
It would be my pleasure to serve a third term on the JETAANY Board of Directors. My JET experiences led to a career at Japan Society, an American nonprofit organization. An active member of JETAANY since moving to NYC in 1999, I’ve managed the Book Club since 2014, led several “craft night” gatherings, and have co-organized the “yo-yo fishing” tent at Japan Day @ Central Park (a joint effort between JETAANY and Japan Society). I look forward to the opportunity to lend my modest expertise in nonprofit affairs, fundraising and event planning, and helping foster mutually beneficial relationships between JETAANY and Japan-related community and arts organizations.
Zach Piper
Kochi Prefecture CIR, 2001-2004
I was a CIR on JET in Kochi-ken from 2001 to 2004. I’ve been a member of JETAANY since moving to New York in 2011 and I’ve served on the Board of Directors for the past two years. As a member of JETAANY, I’ve planned social events, participated in cultural exchange events with New Yorkers and visiting Japanese students, interviewed prospective JETS, and promoted the JET Program in information sessions. I have greatly enjoyed being involved with this community and would love to continue to support JETAANY as a part of the Board.
Susan McCormac
Non-JET Alumni Board Member
I would like to serve another term on the JETAANY Board of Directors. I am dedicated to strengthening US-Japan relations through making people-to-people connections. As the founder of the website JapanCultureNYC, I introduce all aspects of Japanese culture by promoting Japanese-related events. I’m on the Board of The Japanese American Association of New York and active in the US-Japan Council. This year I helped launch The Big Root, a podcast for which I interview leaders in the Japanese American community. If elected for another term, I hope to contribute to the growth of JETAANY.
Kia Cheleen
Aichi Prefecture CIR, 1996-1998
My involvement with the JET Program spans over 20 years as a CIR, then ALT, a two-year tenure at CLAIR, an interviewer of nearly 600 JET applicants, and three years on the JETAANY Board of Directors. I am still a strong proponent of the JET Program and all it has to offer the participants, especially life after JET. I would like to remain on the JETAANY Board of Directors to continue supporting our mission. Thank you.
Lee-Sean Huang
Oita Prefecture ALT, 2003-2006
JETAANY has been a big part of my life since I moved from my JET placement in Oita to New York City in 2006, which is also the year that I started serving as Webmaster. Since then, I helped launch JETWit, co-MC’ed the 30th Anniversary Gala, and volunteered as an interviewer for JET applicants. I would be honored to bring my experience in entrepreneurship, design and technology to the JET alumni community and continue serving as a board member for another two-year term.
Incoming Board Members for election
Brenda McKinney
Hyogo Prefecture ALT, 2006-2009
I am passionate about and committed to our JET community, supporting the mission of our organization and our future, and would consider it an honor and privilege to serve as a member of the JETAANY Board. As a strategic, organized, and dedicated alumna with over 10 years of experience working with multiple chapters--including as a past JETAANY President--if selected, I will draw upon my background, creativity, and interpersonal skills to build upon the strong foundation JETAANY has established. I also believe this is an important time to support the values and vision JET and JETAA represent, and appreciate your consideration.
Joe Moore
Saga Prefecture ALT, 2010-2013
I have been given so much from my experience with JETAANY, and now hope to take a more active role in giving back to this community. As a member of the board, I will provide a non-judgmental ear and encouragement to step past traditional boundaries to be bold and try something new. I will endeavor to lend my time and experiences with JETAASC, and my professional life, to keep JETAANY an active and supportive environment for everyone who participates.