Introducing New GFWC Officers
Washington, DC, August 9 2024 —
The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) is pleased to announce the installation of its 55th International President Suellen B. Brazil of Alabama at the 2024 GFWC Annual Convention held in Chicago. GFWC President Brazil possesses the experience, the organizational expertise, collaborative skills, the support of the clubwomen, and the dedication to lead GFWC through a successful 2024-2026 Administration.
GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil during the Installation Banquet thanking the GFWC Alabama Installation Committee for all their hardwork and attention to details to make the night extra special.
“I am deeply honored to serve as the 55th GFWC International President,” said International President Suellen B. Brazil. “Service and personal development are central tenets of GFWC’s 134-year mission.
“Under the banner of ‘Educate, Engage, Empower,’ I will strive to empower individuals from all walks of life, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to shape our future. Through education, we open the doors to opportunities and encourage a culture of lifelong learning. Increased engagement creates meaningful connections and fosters a sense of belonging. Empowerment encourages others to become catalysts of change, amplifying the scope and impact of our collective endeavors.”
Washington, DC, August 16, 2024 —The General Federation of Women’s Club (GFWC) is pleased to introduce members of the 2024-2026 GFWC Executive Committee: GFWC President-elect Wendy Carriker of North Carolina, GFWC First Vice President Jolie Frankfurth of Florida, GFWC Second Vice President Mary Beth Williams of Colorado, GFWC Secretary Dr. Susan Gettys of Missouri, GFWC Treasurer Juliet Casper of South Carolina, and GFWC Director of Junior Clubs Shannon Bailey of Florida.
“I am delighted to serve with these six extraordinary women,” said GFWC International President Suellen B. Brazil. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her position and has proven themselves to be dedicated and enthusiastic about GFWC and the causes for which it advocates. Their strength in leadership will positively impact GFWC’s future.”
The General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization, is the nation’s oldest nonpartisan, nondenominational women’s volunteer service organization that unites local women’s clubs in a collective effort to strengthen communities and enhance the lives of others through volunteer service. The following are short bios for each member of the 2024-2026 GFWC Executive Committee.
GFWC President-elect Wendy Carriker of North Carolina has been a member since 1985. Carriker previously served as GFWC First Vice President, progressively advancing in her leadership roles as an officer, and within the GFWC North Carolina Federation she served as GFWC North Carolina Director of Junior Clubs (2000-2002), GFWC North Carolina Executive Committee (2004 -2014), and GFWC North Carolina State President (2014-2016). In addition, Carriker served as an elected member of the Mount Airy City Schools Board of Education since 1996, and as Chairman from 2004-2018. She also is a proud member of the North Carolina School Boards Association. Carriker and Chip, husband, have been married for 46 years, and she is a mother, Nana, volunteer, and business owner.
GFWC First Vice President Jolie Frankfurth of Florida is a 27-year clubwoman and started her service as a member of the GFWC Board of Directors in 2008. Frankfurth is credited for bolstering the use of the GFWC Honorary Chairmen to enhance and elevate GFWC Special Program and Community Service Programs. She also created opportunities to partner with GFWC Affiliate Organizations to reach the grassroots club members. She is a graduate from the University of South Florida with a master’s in educational leadership and a bachelor’s in business/vocational education. Jolie has resided with her husband, Tom, and their two children in Tampa for more than 30 years.
GFWC Second Vice President Mary Beth Williams of Colorado has served on the GFWC Executive Committee for the past four years. To her credit, Williams has served in the following leadership positions: GFWC Secretary (2022-2024), GFWC Treasurer (2020-2022), GFWC International Outreach Chairman (2018-2020), GFWC Leadership Committee member (2016-2018), GFWC Colorado President (2014-2016), 2012 LEADS graduate, and Charter President of Babs’ Inspirations (a national club). Williams holds a master’s in agricultural economics and worked for the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service and the Colorado School District 11. She is married to Larry, and a proud mother and grandmother.
GFWC Secretary Dr. Susan Gettys of Missouri joined GFWC in 2009. Since becoming a GFWC member, Gettys has served in various leadership roles, including GFWC Board of Directors as Leadership Committee Chairman and member (2020-2024), and GFWC Missouri President (2018-2020). Also, she has held other roles in her state, such as State Writing Chair, Treasurer, President-elect, and Parliamentary Advisor. Gettys holds a master’s in education from Missouri State University and a doctorate in educational
leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri. Her 34- year career in education included 17 years in the classroom and 17 years in administration, culminating in serving as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services.
GFWC Treasurer Juliet Casper of South Carolina joined the GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club in 2002. Her service to the GFWC Board of Directors includes Legislation/Public Policy Committee Chairman/member (2020-2024), Resolutions Committee (2022-2024), and GFWC South Carolina President (2018-2020). She served her state Federation in elected officer roles (2012-2016), including GFWC South Carolina Eastern District President (2010-2012) and Club President (2007-2010). She was the first president of GFWC Brockettes (a national club) and is a founding member of GFWC Girls on Fire, a virtual club. In 2011, Casper was elected to the Order of the Jessamine for GFWC South Carolina. Casper holds a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University School of Law. She is married to Chris Mezenski and has an adult son, Tristan.
GFWC Director of Junior Clubs Shannon Bailey of Florida joined the GFWC St. Petersburg Junior Woman’s Club in 1997. Her leadership service to the GFWC Board of Directors includes serving as GFWC Director-elect of Junior Clubs (2022-2024), GFWC Leadership Committee Chairman (2020-2022), and on GFWC Florida’s Board of Directors for 13 years. As GFWC Florida Director of Junior Clubs (2018-2020), Bailey introduced Book Heroes as her special project, resulting in more than 100,000 books being donated during her tenure. She is a Registered Parliamentarian and a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians and the Electronic Association of Parliamentarians.
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The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is an international organization dedicated to improving local communities through volunteer service. GFWC has state federations in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. There are 20 International Affiliate Clubs in 15 countries worldwide. GFWC members are community leaders who advocate for domestic and sexual violence awareness and prevention programs, and programs and services to support children. Volunteers work locally to impact their communities by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, and encouraging civic engagement.