Meet the New NAGC Board Members

Lauri Kirsch, Ed.D.
Supervisor, K-12 Gifted, Hillsborough County Public Schools, FL (CV)

Statement of Candidacy

I seek election as Governance Secretary due to my dedicated support of NAGC’s mission and my longstanding commitment to advocating for gifted children. I’ve demonstrated success as an organizational leader with service to NAGC as State Representative, Treasurer, and Committee-Chair. Within Florida, I’ve collaboratively influenced statewide policy development as President of the state affiliate. My decade-long efforts as gifted coordinator in the 8th-largest district have resulted in national recognition for strong policy and programming.

NAGC members deserve board leadership with proven integrity and selfless service to our organization. I will bring perspective, perseverance, and proven leadership as we undertake our worthwhile mission.

Stuart Omdal, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus, School of Special Education, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, University of Northern Colorado (CV)

Statement of Candidacy

Serving on the board of directors for both the Colorado Association for Gifted and Talented and NAGC gave me a significant sense of responsibility to honor the organizations’ histories and accomplishments while also looking ahead and planning for the future. On the NAGC board, the Treasurer serves a unique role as a steward of the finances always mindful of the mission and goals of NAGC while working with the professional staff to create financial policies and develop budgets. I believe my volunteer experiences and career responsibilities at the University of Northern Colorado qualify me for the office of NAGC Treasurer.

Kristina Collins, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Talent Development, Texas State University (CV)

Statement of Candidacy

Demonstrating a commitment to gifted education, advanced academics, and talent development with over 25 years of educational and leadership experiences in K-12, post-secondary, and military settings, I seek to serve as an At-Large Member of the NAGC board.

It is my desire to contribute to the decision making about the future direction of NAGC in ways that support the field of gifted education and reflect the diverse interests for all gifted individuals, stakeholders, and partners. My capacity to be a strong facilitator and consensus builder is evident in my substantial engagement in committee, network, and affiliate work at the local, state, or national level.

Jennifer L. Jolly, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Gifted Education, Director of the Gifted Education and Talent Development Office, University of Alabama. (CV)

Statement of Candidacy

Jennifer Jolly is the current NAGC Association Editor. An active member of the organization for over 15 years, Jennifer has served as the editor of Parenting for High Potential (2007–2013) and on the Programming Standards Committee.

As a former classroom teacher in both regular and gifted education, her collective experiences would bring a range of knowledge and expertise to the NAGC Board of Directors.

Tracy Inman, Ed.D.
Associate Director, The Center for Gifted Studies, Western Kentucky University (CV)

Statement of Candidacy

I have served in many capacities related to parents at NAGC: Parent Editorial Content & Advisory Board Chair, Parent & Community Network chair, PHP Advisory Board chair, PHP author, co-editor of NAGC’s award-winning parent service publication, and co-author of NAGC’s ebook on parent organizations. Through that work, coupled with my presidential experience in my state’s affiliate, I understand the critical role communication and cooperation play in a successful partnership among the Parent Representative, the board, and parents.

As a parent of gifted children (one is 2e) and a professional experienced in working with gifted children, their parents, and their educators, I would be honored to serve.

Cheryl McCullough
Supervisor, Gifted Services, Arlington County Public Schools, VA (CV)

Statement of Candidacy

Cheryl McCullough is K-12 Supervisor for Gifted Services in Arlington Public Schools and President of the Virginia Association for the Gifted. She has worked for 26 years as supervisor, gifted specialist, gifted teacher, and SEM specialist. She has presented at NAGC, NCNC, and state and local conferences on such topics as curriculum for gifted learners and increasing gifted program diversity. She served on the Virginia Advisory for the Education of the Gifted and Virginia Future Problem Solving Executive Board.

She is dedicated to building capacity of those who support gifted learners, and she will actively contribute that commitment to NAGC’s board.