2020-2021 House Election Candidates

Below are candidates for election during the House of Delegates on June 13, 2020

John Quincy Adams said “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

THIS is my intention.

Throughout my career, I have advocated for, defended and upheld organized dentistry, serving in many capacities at every level of the IDA. I have a long history of leadership and strong communication; skills that will serve me well in the office of Vice President Elect.

In addition to encouraging and creating opportunities for young dentists, I strive for inclusion in all my endeavors, fostering an environment of collaboration and utilizing the talents of all of us to make the IDA the most robust association possible.

My vision of our future includes the IDA being a vital and relevant part of Indiana’s dentists’ lives.

I believe I can forge a path that will meld old and new, keep what is worth saving, bravely embrace change, and lead the IDA into our next chapter of excellence.

Leadership is something one must earn through listening, training, respect, and the ability to put membership needs above your own. Through my 14 years of involvement with NIDS and the IDA, along with my most resent ADA Committee experience, I believe I have honed my leadership skills. I also believe I have earned the respect of the membership through the endorsement of IDDS and NIDS for my candidacy. Our unprecedented times call for increased attention to our organizations bottom line. My 13 years of experience as past treasurer of a large 501(c)(3) organization with a multimillion-dollar budget helped sharpen my sense of fiduciary responsibility.

The Indiana Dental Association is experiencing an incredibly challenging period, but it has shown it can pivot quickly. The staff, officers, trustees, and committees have all done a phenomenal job in acquiring and disseminating information to the benefit of our membership. This is the primary function of organized dentistry. My vision for the IDA is to perfect this crystal-clear vision since without you, the member, we perish. I aspire to achieve this goal by leveraging the strengths of the IDA for the betterment of our profession.

Why are you interested in IDA leadership?

Being a part of the Indiana Dental Association leadership team allows me to help with the long term development and direction of dentistry in Indiana through networking, education and advocacy. The personal growth I have experienced by being a tripartite member has helped guide me as a practitioner and provides me a more broad view of the ever changing professional landscape.

What skills and experience prepare you for this leadership role?

Having actively participated in organized dentistry for over 9 years, I have been privileged to gain insight as to why dental professionals need a voice to protect the profession and patients rights. I have held multiple leadership positions within the IDA and enjoy learning how I can help be a force for change within the oral health spectrum.

What is your vision for the IDA?

The IDA has a long history of having an integral role in guiding the dental profession in Indiana. My vision would be to aid the current mission and strategic plans agreed upon by the Board of Trustees by helping to advance communication methods through use of social media and in person networking opportunities. The field of dentistry is dynamic and ever changing. Now is the time for a call to action for all Indiana dentists to be a member of the tripartite so we can join together to make a difference.

What draws me toward leadership in the IDA is the opportunity to work with our members and current leaders to address the needs of our profession. I enjoy the power of uninhibited conversation along with brainstorming when addressing both ongoing and emerging challenges.

What prepares me for leadership with the IDA is my willingness to listen, learn and if needed, redirect actions to develop a stronger organization. My experience as Vice Speaker of the House prepares me to serve as Speaker of the House. I have assisted in presiding over our House of Delegates and I have worked with developing resolutions. I am very familiar with the IDA Constitution and Bylaws. In addition, I have been formally trained in both parliamentary procedures and the methodology of presiding over association meetings.

My vision for the IDA is for our association to serve as the dental resource for all members. I envision an IDA that is a strong advocate for the profession while addressing member needs at all stages of their careers, from student to retiring dentist.

I ask for your support and the honor to serve as your Speaker of the House.

I’m very excited to assume the role of Vice President of the IDA. Leadership in the IDA has been a fantastic journey for me. I feel that I get to serve so many Indiana dentists, and help them in their everyday practice, even though they may not know it. I love a well-run meeting and hopefully, that is what I have accomplished for the IDA House of Delegates in the last seven years. My years as Speaker have prepared me well for this next step. I feel that I am well prepared to be an Officer spokesperson for the IDA, both organizationally and being the “face” of the IDA. My vision for the IDA is three fold. First, membership is always at the forefront for me. Even though we are the envy of the ADA with our numbers, we can always do better. Second, non-dues revenue is an important part of our viability as an Association and I’d like to explore new avenues for revenue streams. And third, it should be easy for the members to volunteer for the Association. I’d like our volunteer system to have an “easy” button for dentists to be able to plug in to the tasks that interest them. I’m thrilled with our officer corps for the coming year and I know that we will accomplish great things for the IDA.

I have dreamed of being an IDA leader ever since I was young and would attend the IDA meetings with my parents. My father was always involved in organized dentistry and I saw how it impacted our profession in a positive way. After I became a dentist, it seemed natural to get involved early and begin helping out. I started serving my county society, local component and finally the state and national levels. I have always enjoyed the collegiality and cooperation from involvement with mentors and peers. Each of those experiences has prepared me to lead our organization.

My vision for the Indiana Dental Association is based on active membership, service and mentorship. COVID-19 has been tough on all of us. It has shown us that we have to work as a team in tough times. We will have new challenges tomorrow that are different than today but with partnership and collaboration we can solve any problem. Organized dentistry is the backbone of our profession and I am proud to serve as an active member leader.

As leaders I hope that we can keep dentistry a great profession so young dentists will enjoy the same successful careers that we have.

I have been active at Indianapolis District Dental Society and Indiana Dental Association since graduation from dental school. I have served on numerous boards of other organizations helping me to prepare to serve as president of the Indiana Dental Association.