Meet the Council Members
In January of 2003, by Executive Order , President George W. Bush announced the formation of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The Council was established to recognize the important contributions Americans of all ages are making within their communities through service and civic engagement. Administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Council brings together leaders from the worlds of business, entertainment, sports, education, government, nonprofits, and the media.
Jean Case, Virginia
Chair of the Council
Jean Case and her husband, Steve, founded the Case Foundation in 1997. Prior to founding the Foundation, she worked at America Online, Inc. (AOL) as a senior executive responsible for directing the communications strategy, and marketing and branding efforts that helped to establish AOL as a household name and utility. Ms. Case has been honored for her work on behalf of children and families by Habitat for Humanity, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Woodrow Wilson International Center. In addition, she was recently awarded the American Leadership Award from The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Ms. Case serves on the boards of ABC², America's Promise, Millennium Promise, and the Potomac School in McLean, Virginia, as well as the National Geographic Society andthe National Conference on Citizenship.
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Michael W. Smith, Tennessee
Vice Chair
Michael W. Smith is an award-winning, multi-platinum-selling recording artist who is known for his albums, Healing Rain and This is Your Time. He has spent more than 20 years singing, writing songs, and producing music, and has been credited with 10 pop hits including “Place In This World”, “I Will Be Here for You” in addition to 28 No. 1 Christian singles. Smith’s diverse portfolio includes pop, Christian, praise and worship, and instrumental music, as well as feature-film scores. Smith’s work accounts for more than 12 million albums sold, 13 gold and five platinum records, more than 40 Dove Awards, two Grammys and an American Music award. Apart from his music career, Smith travels the world, meeting with influential leaders and urging relief for hurting people and those in need. Smith currently travels as a spokesperson for the children’s relief agency Compassion International, and has worked with U2’s Bono in launching the “ONE” campaign to save Africa from the AIDS epidemic.
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Stephen Baldwin, New York
Stephen Baldwin is the youngest of the Baldwin brothers acting clan and has had a successful career in both film and TV. Ever since he gained notice in his teens as a successful opera singer, he has been busy acting in more than 60 films, including "The Usual Suspects, The Young Riders, and Posse," and has also been featured on top-rated TV shows such as "Fear Factor" and "Celebrity Mole." Baldwin is currently directing, co-producing and hosting "Livin It" a cutting-edge documentary about the world of Christian extreme sports athletes. He is also active in charity work for the AIDS Project Los Angeles and the Carol M. Baldwin Cancer Research Fund. Baldwin has his own production company that develops projects for TV and movies. He currently resides in upstate New York with his wife and two young daughters.
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Ray Chambers, New Jersey
Mr. Chambers, the Chairman of the MCJ and Amelior Foundations, is a philanthropist and humanitarian, directing most of his efforts toward at-risk youth and helping to re-build the City of Newark, New Jersey. He is the Founder and Co-Chairman of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Co-Founder of the National Mentoring Partnership, Founding Chairman of the Points of Light Foundation and Founder, with Colin Powell, of America's Promise-The Alliance for Youth. Some of his additional Board memberships include: Communities in Schools, Drew University, University of Notre Dame, WNET/Thirteen New York, and the American Museum of Natural History. He retired as Chairman of Wesray Capital Corp to devote full time to philanthropic efforts.
Jerry Colangelo, Arizona
Jerry Colangelo has had a storied career as a sports executive and is now known as one of the top executives in professional sports. Colangelo has been the face of the Phoenix Suns franchise since 1968 and unveiled a plan for the Suns' future that included the sale of the team for an NBA record $401 million in 2004. In April 2004, Colangelo was elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall for his impact on the sports scene in Phoenix and the game of basketball. Currently, Colangelo serves as Chairman of the NBA's Board of Governors, and is a member of the league's Finance Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, Expansion Committee and Competition and Rules Committee. Colangelo is also very active in the community, and serves on numerous boards, including the Council of Leadership Education and Collaboration for a New Century, Phoenix Downtown Partnership, Employers Against Domestic Violence, and Phoenix Community Alliance. In recognition of his community service and passion for improving lives, Colangelo has received the Spirit of Caring Award - one of the highest honors from the Valley of the Sun United Way. Colangelo and his wife, Joan, have four children.
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Evern Cooper Epps, Georgia
Evern Cooper Epps is responsible for global philanthropic programs, corporate relations and community service initiatives for The UPS Foundation where she has worked for 32 years. Under her direction, The UPS Foundation has expanded its support of programs in the crucial areas of literacy, hunger relief, and volunteering. In 1997, she was inducted into the YWCA of greater Atlanta's Academy of Women Achievers, and was selected to be their 2005 Woman of Achievement. Ms. Epps serves as chair of the Northwest Georgia Girl Scouts Council and Atlanta Partners for Education, and is a member of the Points of Light Foundation. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Ms. Epps attended Michigan State University where she earned a bachelor's degree in English and Journalism, with continuing education at Emory University and Harvard Graduate School of Business.
Myrka Dellanos, Florida
Myrka Dellanos is a U.S. born bilingual broadcast journalist. Dellanos hosts her own prime time show on Univision Television Network called, En Exclusiva con Myrka Dellanos (Exclusively with Myrka Dellanos), and appears on special programming for Univision. Dellanos has received numerous awards including two Emmy's, three ACE awards, and a special award for her coverage of Lady Diana's death and funeral. At the beginning of Dellanos' career, she was chosen as one of United Way of Florida's Outstanding Women in Broadcasting and was awarded the Hispanic Leadership Award by the Hispanic Heritage Council for being a positive role model in the Hispanic community. In addition to her journalistic accomplishments, Dellanos also serves as international spokesperson for Save the Children and is involved in numerous charitable initiatives, including American Diabetes Foundation and Marcelino Pan y Vino (a non-profit in Washington, D.C. that helps sick children). Dellanos recently published a book titled "Triunfa y se Feliz" that appeared at the 2005 National Book Festival hosted by First Lady Laura Bush.
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Hillary Duff, Texas
Hilary Duff is one of Hollywood's fastest rising stars, shooting to fame following the January 2001 premier of Disney Channel's international hit series "Lizzie McGuire," in which she portrayed a teen navigating the turbulence of middle school cliques, trendy styles, and rites of passage. Since then, Duff has appeared in movies including the big screen Walt Disney hit comedy "The Lizzie McGuire Movie," "Agent Cody Banks," "Cheaper By The Dozen," and "Cadet Kelly," which ranks as Disney Channel's highest rated original movie ever. In addition to her acting talents, Duff crossed over to make her singing debut with the single "I Can't Wait" followed with the release of her own Christmas-themed album, Santa Claus Lane. Duff has served on the Advisory Board of the Audrey Hepburn Child Benefit Fund and the Celebrity Council of Kids with a Cause, a nonprofit organization of celebrity children working to assist those less fortunate than themselves. Duff splits her time between homes in Houston and Los Angeles with her parents, sister, and two dogs.
Tony Dungy, Indiana
Tony Dungy is the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Dungy took the helm of the club on January 22, 2002, after serving six seasons with Tampa Bay. The club earned its fourth World Championship in February 2007, the first title game appearance by the franchise in 36 years. While with the Buccaneers, Dungy was active in the community, working as a public speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action. He launched Mentors for Life, a program that provided tickets to Buccaneers home games to area youth and their mentors. In Indianapolis, Dungy helped implement a local Baskets of Hope program that benefits Riley Hospital for Children. He teamed with others in assisting All-Pro Dad, a family-based organization, and he was a spokesman for Arby’s Combo to benefit Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club. Dungy’s reach throughout the area include works and appearances with the Black Coaches Association National Convention and Indiana Black Expo.
Sara Evans, Tennessee
Sara Evans' recording career has traveled a wide course: She was hailed as a country traditionalist when she made her recording debut in 1997 but freely explored pop and rock influences in her ensuing albums. She clearly knew what she was doing: Her Born To Fly CD earned an Album of the Year nomination from the Country Music Association, and her Restless project garnered a similar nod from the Academy of Country Music. With her latest album Real Fine Place, Evans assimilates the components of her multi-faceted personality and musical influences in a package that still manages an impressive consistency. Evans is a member of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet and has been active in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Evans grew up in a Missouri farming community, where she sang in a family band by the age of five. In 1991, she moved to Nashville, where she met fellow musician Craig Schelske, whom she married in 1993. Today, Evans is a mother of three.
Angela Baraquio Grey, California
Angela Baraquio Grey is the eighth-born of ten children. Her parents are two immigrant teachers from the Philippines. Several years ago, Angela became Miss Hawaii 2000 and Miss America 2001. As the first Asian and first teacher to hold the title of Miss America in over 85 years of the pageant's existence, Angela embarked on a 20,000 mile a month national speaking tour entitled, "Character in the Classroom, Teaching Values, Valuing Teachers." Angela earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education before becoming a Physical Education Teacher, Sports Coach, and Athletic Director. In October 2001, Angela started her own non-profit organization called the Angela Perez Baraquio Education Foundation, which promotes character education and provides scholarships and grants to students and teachers. Angela and her sisters have a Hawaii-based entertainment talk show called, "Living Local with the Baraquios.” She currently resides with her family in Anaheim, CA and continues to speak to various groups and enjoys doing television appearances.
Patricia Heaton, California
Patricia Heaton has had a successful career in acting, starting out as a New York stage actress for nine years before moving to Hollywood where she was spotted by a casting agent and cast in the ABC drama series "thirtysomething." In 1990, Heaton made her TV-movie debut in "Shattered Dreams" and got her first regular series, "Room for Two." In 1996, Heaton landed the role of Debra Barone, Ray Romano's wife, in "Everybody Loves Raymond." This role garnered Heaton both popular acclaim and Emmy awards. Although doing well and getting steady roles in TV series, Heaton continued to produce stage plays, some in tandem with her husband, actor David Hunt. Her occasional feature film appearances include small roles in "Memoirs of an Invisible Man", "Beethoven", "Space Jam", and Michael Tolkin's directorial debut "The New Age". Heaton is the honorary chairperson of Feminists for Life and finds great joy in sharing her passion of volunteering with her children. Heaton resides in Los Angeles with her husband and four sons.
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Kasey Kahne, Washington
Kasey Kahne grew up racing dirt tracks in his hometown of Enumclaw, Washington, but quickly learned to develop his skills behind the wheel of a racecar and progressed in the NASCAR scene almost immediately. In Kahne's early years, he won the USAC Silver Crown Rookie of the Year award and the USAC Midget Series Champion and Driver of the Year awards. Kahne then moved to the NASCAR Busch series in 2002. Incredibly after only two years, Kahne moved up to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series in 2004 where he was named series Rookie of the Year. Deeply appreciative of his rapid success in the NASCAR world, Kahne wanted to give something back to the community, so he launched the Kasey Kahne Foundation. The Foundation raises and donates funds to charitable organizations including those that care for chronically ill children and their families.
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Art Linkletter, California
Art Linkletter has been in show business for more than 60 years and has co-produced and acted in numerous dramatic shows and motion pictures. His best-known shows established records for longevity. In addition, Mr. Linkletter has extensive involvement in the health field where he is currently serving as National Chairman for United Seniors Association (USA) - an organization that works to expand retirement, investment, economic, and health freedoms for senior Americans and their families. Mr. Linkletter is also Chairman of the Executive Committee of the world-renowned UCLA Center on Aging, Chairman of the Board for the J. Douglas French Research Foundation for Alzheimer's, Founding Board member of Kaiser Hospitals, and former Commissioner of the Presidential Commission for Health & Recreation. Mr. Linkletter has received numerous national honors, including the National Humanity Medal, from President George W. Bush.
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Mary Jo Myers, Virginia
Mary Jo Myers is married to General Richard B. Myers, the recently retired Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Throughout Myers' career, she has been involved in teaching, mostly at the secondary school and adult education levels. She has worked with schools and police forces across the country to promote a children's safety program. Myers has also been active in officer's spouses' clubs, and has volunteered with charitable organization such as family support centers and installation thrift shops. A staunch advocate of host-nation relations, during an assignment in Japan, she proposed and spearheaded the publication of a book entitled, Obi Ties East and West, with all proceeds going to charity. In 2000, Myers began working with the international relief organization CARE. In 2004, Medisend awarded Myers with its first Humanitarian award for her work with the organization that delivers medical equipment and supplies to needy hospitals and clinics around the world. Myers continues to keep her ties with the military, working with the USO and serving on the board of the Fisher House Foundation. Myers graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor's degree in English.
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Michelle Nunn, Georgia
Michelle Nunn is the Co-Founder and CEO of Hands On Network. Prior to co-founding Hands On Network, Michelle was the Founding Director of Hands On Atlanta, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals, families, and corporate and community groups find flexible volunteer opportunities at over 400 service organizations and schools. Hands On Atlanta volunteers, now 25,000 strong, are at work every day of the year building community and meeting critical needs in schools, parks, senior homes, food banks, pet shelters, low-income neighborhoods and more. Michelle was the organization's first staff person, and, under her leadership, the organization has grown from a grassroots startup in 1989 to become one of the nation's largest community-based volunteer organizations. Michelle graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Virginia in 1989 with a major in history and a minor in religion. She has studied at Oxford University and in India. She was a Kellogg National Fellow and has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Michelle currently serves on the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. She has received a variety of awards and was recently named by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of the "100 Most Influential Georgians." Michelle resides in Atlanta with her husband, Ron Martin, her son, Vinson, and her daughter, Elizabeth.
Kelly Perdew, California
Kelly Perdew is a managing director of Angel-Led Venture Partners, a venture capital fund that invests in early stage companies across the country alongside leading angel groups. Mr. Perdew was the winner of the second season of "The Apprentice," with Donald Trump. Prior to winning the show, he was president of CoreObjects, a software development outsourcing company based in Los Angeles. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Perdew attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 1989, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in national security and public affairs, where he was the number one ranked cadet in his field of study. In addition to his regular studies at West Point, Kelly completed Airborne training, interned with the House Armed Services Committee, spent a semester on "exchange" at the Naval Academy, and was a finalist in the Rhodes Scholar competition. Upon graduation, he completed Ranger School and served in the United States Army as a military intelligence officer for three years. After his honorable discharge as a First Lieutenant, Perdew attended UCLA where he earned a joint Master of Business Administration/Juris Doctor degree. Perdew spent a year in his job as the "apprentice" to Donald Trump in New York, where he managed several projects including a commercial real estate site in Manhattan, Trump Tower in Tampa, FL and Trump Ice, a bottled water company. Throughout his personal and professional life, Perdew has always looked for ways to give something back. He was a “big” for the Los Angeles Big Brothers Big Sisters program and serves as a national spokesperson for the national Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and the National Guard Youth Challenge Program.
Cokie Roberts, Washington, D.C.
Cokie Roberts is a political commentator for ABC News where for more than 15 years she has covered Congress, politics, and public policy. She also serves as Senior News Analyst for National Public Radio. In her more than 30 years in broadcasting, Roberts has won countless awards, including three Emmys. She has been inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and was cited by the American Women in Radio and Television as one of the 50 greatest women in the history of broadcasting. Mrs. Roberts serves on the boards of several nonprofit institutions.
Wendy Spencer, Florida
Wendy M. Spencer is Chief Executive Officer of the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, commonly called Volunteer Florida. Volunteer Florida administers Florida's AmeriCorps Programs; coordinates volunteers and donations statewide during Florida's hurricanes; and assists in developing Florida's network of volunteer centers. As CEO, Wendy manages $16 million a year in federal, state, and local grants that engage citizens in meaningful volunteer activities. Wendy's 23-year career includes serving as Director of the Florida State Park Service and as Resource Development Director for the United Way of the Big Bend from 1991-2001. Wendy has raised more than $35 million to benefit communities and volunteered on countless boards of charitable organizations. She currently serves on the boards of The Able Trust and the Florida Association of Voluntary Agencies for Caribbean Action. She also is a current member of the XXIV Class of Leadership Florida, an organization that develops a strong, diverse statewide networkof leaders with a shared commitment to make Florida a better place to live. Wendy is married to Ron Spencer and has two sons.
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Roxanne Spillett, Georgia
Roxanne Spillett is President of the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA), the nation's fastest-growing youth development organization with a primary focus on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Spillett's 1996 appointment to the presidency of BGCA marks a career spanning more than 25 years in Boys & Girls Club work. Under her leadership, BGCA created generation-changing initiatives in education, technology, cultural diversity, citizenship and service. Her proudest accomplishments include uniting Clubs behind a common agenda and creating value for Clubs. In recognition for her achievements, Spillett was selected in 2004 as one of the "Power 50" by The Non-Profit Times, and received the Excellence in National Executive Leadership Award presented by the National Human Services Assembly. Spillett chairs "Leadership 18," an alliance of executives from the nation's most influential nonprofits, and sits on the board of the National Human Services Assembly - an association of the nation's leading national nonprofits in the fields of health, human and community development, and human services. She also serves on the board of BoardSource, the premier resource for practical information, tools and best practices, training and leadership development for board members of nonprofit organizations worldwide. Spillett earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the State University of New York and did graduate work in guidance and counseling at St. Lawrence University.
Hope Taft, Ohio
Hope Taft, married to Ohio Governor Bob Taft, became First Lady of Ohio in January 1999. As Ohio's First Lady, she has focused on three basic areas: mobilizing Ohio communities to promote positive youth development emphasizing drug and alcohol prevention, encouraging and recognizing volunteer service, and promoting Ohio's Bicentennial through Ohio's arts and history. She is co-founder of Ohio Parents for Drug-Free Youth, the Ohio Alcohol and Drug Policy Alliance, and Cincinnati's Citizens Against Substance Abuse. In 1999, she partnered with the Greater Canton Habitat for Humanity to volunteer and built the "House of Hope" as part of Habitat's First Ladies Build. In 2001, she partnered with Habitat to build 25 homes around the state of Ohio that have been entitled Circle of Hope. Mrs. Taft graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1966 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. She has also received numerous honors and both state and national recognition for her volunteer public service in the areas of mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment.
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Charles "Chuck" Turlinski, Ohio
Charles (Chuck) Turlinski is CEO of the The Limited, a division ofLimited Brands. He has been with Limited Brands since 1996 in several senior management roles. Before that he served as President of Phoenix Ltd., The Forgotten Woman, Cotton Ginny and ACA Joe. Turlinski has also held senior management positions with Saks Fifth Avenue and Wilsons/Bermans Leather. He is a Trustee of the Community Shelter Board of Columbus, Ohio and is involved with the Wexner Center for the Arts and the United Way Vingt Cinq society. Turlinski is a Baker Initiative Trustee at the Wheaton School and a guest lecturer at Wharton and MIT's Sloan School. He received his MBA from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts.
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Janine Turner, Texas
Janine Gauntt Turner is an American actress best known for her starring role on the television show "Northern Exposure" from 1990 to 1995 and on "General Hospital" from 1982 to 1983. At the age of 15, she left her home in Euless, Texas, to pursue a modeling career and began her acting career in 1980, at the age of 18, in an episode of the television series "Dallas." She is also known for her role as Dr. Dana Stowe on the Lifetime original television series, "Strong Medicine." Ms. Turner has a long and active history in philanthropy and volunteer work. Recently, her projects include working with the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Houston Alcohol and Drug Council. She is writing a book titled Single Mothers Throughout History for Thomas Nelson Publishers, is promoting her groundbreaking Christian Yoga video, “Christoga,” yoga with Biblical scriptures, and is recording a Christian album. Ms. Turner lives on her longhorn cattle ranch in Texas with her eight-year-old daughter, Juliette Turner-Jones.
Danny Wuerffel, Louisiana
Danny Wuerffel was born May 27, 1974 in Pensacola, Florida. He grew up as the son of an U.S. Air Force Chaplin, living all over the country as well as three years in Spain. Danny graduated as valedictorian of Fort Walton Beach High School in Florida, where he led his football team to the state championship. While at the University of Florida, Danny led the Gators to four SEC championships and a National title. He won the 1996 Heisman trophy, the Draddy award (the Nation’s top student-athlete), and set 17 NCAA and University of Florida records. He graduated with High Honors and earned his bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. The New Orleans Saints drafted Danny in 1997. After three years with the Saints, Danny played with the NFL’s European league, winning the World Bowl Championship and was selected the league’s MVP by the European media. Danny played one season with each of the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins. In February 2004, Danny retired from professional football to work in New Orleans with Desire Street Ministries, a faith-based, non-profit organization in one of America’s toughest and poorest neighborhoods. Danny now serves as Desire Street Ministries’ Executive Director and has led the ministry’s transition following Hurricane Katrina.Danny is a popular speaker, sharing how his experiences playing football have helped shape his life, and has written one book, “Danny Wuerffel’s Tales from the Gator Swamp: Reflections of Faith and Football.”
Mark Yudof, Texas
Mark G. Yudof was appointed the ninth chancellor of the 15-campus University of Texas System by the Board of Regents on June 21, 2002. Yudof came to the chancellor’s office from the University of Minnesota, where he had served as president since July 1997.For 26 years prior, he was a faculty member and administrator at University of Texas, Austin, where he served as dean of the School of Law for 10 years and as the university’s executive vice president and provost for three years. Yudof is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the American Law Institute. He also serves as a member of the advisory board of the National Institute for Literacy. He has written and edited books on free speech and gender discrimination, and most recently completed the fourth edition of his co-authored book, Educational Policy and the Law. Yudof is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and is an authority on constitutional law, freedom of expression, and education law.
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© 2006 President's Volunteer Service Award