[Athen] Voting Begins on November 18 for ATHEN Executive Elections ...

[via athen-list]

Hello ATHEN Family:

 

All voting members with whom we have contact information for have been
notified on how to cast a ballot for the upcoming election. For full
transparency, we are posting the candidates here for everyone to read.

 

If you feel you are a voting member and have not received information on the
process for voting then please reach out to board at athenpro.org
<mailto:board at athenpro.org>  for assistance.

 

Thank you everyone and have an awesome weekend!

 

Jeff Bishop

ATHEN President

 

Jeff Bishop for ATHEN President: Leading with Vision, Empowerment, and
Impact

Jeff Bishop is a transformative leader in accessibility, education, and
assistive technology, making him uniquely qualified to serve as
<http://www.athenpro.org> ATHEN President. With over three decades of
experience spanning academia, corporate innovation, and advocacy, Jeff has
empowered individuals, built inclusive communities, and driven impactful
change. 

His proven ability to inspire action, foster collaboration, and deliver
results ensures ATHEN will thrive as a global leader in accessibility.
Jeff's commitment to fostering partnerships, inspiring a diverse community,
and providing resources for success positions ATHEN to expand its influence,
deepen its impact, and lead the charge in shaping a more inclusive future. 

Under Jeff's leadership,  <http://www.athenpro.org> ATHEN will:

- Strengthen partnerships with organizations such as AHEAD. 

- Foster collaboration with members, technical companies, and diverse
groups. 

- Empower individuals through education, training, and opportunities to
thrive. 

- Expand its reach to create greater accessibility, inclusion, and
innovation. 

Why Jeff Bishop for ATHEN President?

Jeff Bishop's extraordinary blend of technical expertise, visionary
leadership, and heartfelt advocacy makes him uniquely suited to lead
<http://www.athenpro.org> ATHEN. His proven ability to inspire action,
foster collaboration, and deliver transformative changes ensures
<http://www.athenpro.org> ATHEN will continue to thrive as a global leader
in accessibility. 

Jeff's unwavering belief in the power of partnerships, coupled with his
dedication to fostering a diverse, uplifted community, highlights his
commitment to advancing accessibility, inclusion, and innovation. Under
Jeff's leadership, ATHEN will not only achieve its goals but redefine the
possibilities of what accessibility can accomplish in education and beyond. 

Candidate Introduction for Jeff Bishop - President of ATHEN

Jeff Bishop is a transformative leader in accessibility, education, and
assistive technology. With over three decades of groundbreaking work
spanning academia, corporate innovation, and advocacy, Jeff has dedicated
his career to empowering blind individuals and fostering inclusive
communities. His unwavering commitment to equitable access, innovative
solutions, and collaborative partnerships makes him the ideal candidate to
advance ATHEN's mission and vision. 

Career Excellence and Expertise

Jeff's professional journey exemplifies a rare combination of technical
expertise and visionary leadership. Over his 19 years at the
<http://www.arizona.edu> University of Arizona, Jeff served as a software
developer, accessibility consultant, and liaison with third-party technology
providers, driving advancements that bridged universal design principles
with real-world applications. His work established sustainable solutions
that advanced accessibility across the university's digital landscape. 

At Microsoft, Jeff's influence was transformative. He spearheaded
enhancements to the Windows screen reader, Narrator, and championed cultural
shifts within the company to prioritize accessibility at every level. His
efforts directly impacted millions of users worldwide and improved the
experiences of Microsoft employees by embedding accessibility into the core
of the organization's operations. 

Leadership and Advocacy

Jeff's leadership is distinguished by his ability to inspire action and
deliver a measurable impact. As President of the  <http://www.bits-acb.org>
Blind Information Technology Specialists (BITS), Jeff has overseen the
organization's phenomenal growth, increasing its membership from 180 to
almost 1,000 members globally. This exponential expansion reflects his
strategic vision, focus on empowerment, and ability to cultivate a dynamic,
collaborative community. Under his leadership, BITS has evolved into an
influential organization that provides opportunities for blind individuals
to learn, contribute, and lead in the technology sector. 

In the  <http://www.acb.org> American Council of the Blind (ACB), Jeff has
held numerous elected positions, including serving on the Board of Directors
and Board of Publications. He has driven national and state-level
initiatives that expand education, employment, and advocacy opportunities
for blind individuals. 

Jeff's belief in the power of collaboration is demonstrated through his
partnerships with key organizations. His work with
<https://pneumasolutions.com/> Pneuma Solutions and
<https://pneumasolutions.com/products/rim/> Remote Incident Manager (RIM)
has resulted in innovative tools that increase independence and inspire
users to take control of their technology. These partnerships exemplify how
shared vision, and collaboration can amplify the reach and impact of
assistive technologies, ensuring that no one is left behind. 

Commitment to Education and Empowerment

Jeff's dedication to education extends far beyond his individual
contributions. He has led a team of educators and contributors to deliver
training to over six hundred students in essential skills such as Python
programming, Office 365, software development best practices, and Windows
accessibility. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging the
collective expertise of his team, Jeff has ensured that these educational
initiatives are not only impactful but also accessible to individuals from
diverse backgrounds. 

This commitment reflects Jeff's deeply held belief that education is a
catalyst for empowerment. By providing free training, resources, and
technology, Jeff has enabled individuals to build confidence, develop
valuable skills, and succeed in competitive fields. The ripple effects of
these efforts extend beyond individual achievements, enriching the broader
community and demonstrating the transformative power of equitable access to
knowledge and tools. 

Visionary Impact

Jeff's leadership is guided by the principle that partnerships are the
foundation of lasting success. He has cultivated collaborations with
organizations such as Perkins, Bookshare, the National Library Service
(NLS), Vispero (Freedom Scientific), Microsoft, Apple, the American Printing
House (APH), Zoom, Pneuma Solutions, and many others to create opportunities
that uplift communities while delivering measurable value to partners. His
work exemplifies the ability to align shared goals and deliver results that
inspire excellence across all stakeholders. 

By uniting technical expertise, advocacy, and education, Jeff has broken
down barriers to inclusion and shaped a future where accessibility is a
universal standard. His dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration
has created opportunities for individuals and organizations to thrive,
proving that the greatest impact comes from motivating others to succeed. 

Looking Ahead: The Future of ATHEN

Jeff envisions a future for ATHEN that is built on the strength of its
community and its unwavering commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and
inclusion. ATHEN is more than an organization-it is a family and a community
where diverse voices rally together vitalized to contribute, innovate, and
thrive. Jeff believes that the true measure of leadership lies in providing
others with the opportunities and tools they need to flourish, unlocking the
collective potential of every member to achieve even greater possibilities. 

To strengthen ATHEN's reach and impact, Jeff is committed to forging dynamic
partnerships with organizations such as AHEAD, fostering deeper connections
with members, and collaborating with technical companies and diverse groups.
These alliances will not only expand ATHEN's influence but also create a
foundation for groundbreaking advancements in accessibility and inclusion. 

Under Jeff's leadership, ATHEN will inspire innovation, build bridges
between academia, industry, and community, and amplify its voice as a global
leader in accessible education and technology. By fostering collaboration,
nurturing talent, and championing diversity, ATHEN will lead the challenge
in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for all. 

Personal Dedication

Jeff resides in Tucson, Arizona, with his wife, Keri, their two sons, David
and Brian, and his guide dog, Chief. His personal values of family,
community, and lifelong learning align seamlessly with his professional
ethos. Whether enjoying podcasts, engaging in creative projects, or
collaborating on accessibility advancements, Jeff remains steadfast in his
dedication to making the world a better, more inclusive place. 

 

Natalie Davison - Secretary
Natalie is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) with a Bachelors of
Science in Disability and Community Services and a Masters of Science in
Rehabilitation Counseling. Natalie is the Assistant Director of the
Educational Access Center at Boise State University in Idaho. Natalie has a
collective 8 years experience in higher education disability resource
centers. She has also worked with people with disabilities in community day
programs and group homes. Natalie is Secretary on the ATHEN Executive Board
currently and finds great value in the constant exposure to Access Tech
information and experts. Natalie's goal to enhance the ATHEN community is to
further assist with the coordination of organized, efficient communication
of plans and resources via emails and the website. Natalie enjoys spending
time in nature, winning board games, preparing healthy meals, and
weightlifting. 

 

Tisha L. Marzewski - Member at Large

Tisha works with disabled students on the campuses of ASU-Beebe as the
coordinator for disability services. In the ebb and flow of managing the
office of disability services since 2007, Tisha recognizes the fluid changes
impacting the diverse landscape of disability services, assistive technology
and accommodation access. Tisha has held leadership board positions with the
Arkansas affiliate of AHEAD, has volunteered for the Accessibility Summer
Camp committee for the last four years, and currently serves as member at
large with ATHEN. Tisha earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from
Lyon College in 1996 and a Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling
from Arkansas State University in 1999. Her background before she entered
the world of higher education and disability services was in the world of
vocational rehabilitation. She worked for both Missouri and Arkansas as a
counselor assisting disabled people to gain competitive employment. Tisha's
passions are supporting the voices from the disabled community, all things
chocolate, listening to her husband's Star War rambles, and loving her fur
baby family.

 

Alex Marositz - Member at Large

My name is Alex Marositz, and I would like to nominate myself to run for the
member at large on The ATHEN Executive Council for the upcoming term. I am
eager to continue advocating for collective best practices in AT within
higher ed. I am the section 504 program manager at the California Community
College Accessibility Center. The CCCAC provides guidance, training, tools,
and technical expertise to all 116 California Community Colleges in
proactive accessibility efforts including an accessibility capability
maturity model, and section 504/ADA accommodations such as assistive
technology and alternate media. Prior to my role at the CCCAC, I served as
an Accessible Technology Initiative coordinator within the California State
university system, and prior to that, 12 years as an assistive technology
specialist at Pasadena City College. I have served on various campus shared
governance committees, lead student accessibility organizations, and
presented at conferences and state-wide workshops. As I said, I am eager to
continue advocating for the success of our students and the inclusiveness of
our institutions through technology on an international level within, and
through, ATHAN.

 

 

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