Committees
Make an Impact: Apply for a CEC Committee
There are currently no opportunities available to apply for a CEC committee. Information about opportunities for terms beginning January 1, 2026, on several committees will be available here in early summer. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Sharon Rodriguez, Director of Governance and Executive Services.
Interested in other volunteer opportunities? If you don’t want to apply for a committee, check out our new Volunteer Square. There are a variety of ways to engage locally and nationally, and through short- and long-term projects.
Learn how committee service can benefit you!
Volunteering to serve on one of our committees offers several benefits, both personal and professional. Some of the key advantages include:
- Skill Development: Serving on a committee allows you to develop and hone a variety of skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These are valuable skills that can benefit you both personally and professionally.
- Networking Opportunities: Volunteering on a committee exposes you to a diverse group of people who share your interests or professional field. This can expand your network, providing opportunities for career advancement or collaborations.
- Personal Growth: Stepping into a leadership role within a committee can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It challenges you to take on responsibilities and make decisions, which contributes to personal growth and a sense of achievement.
- Making a Difference: Committees often work on projects or initiatives that have a positive impact on the community or organization they serve. Contributing to meaningful causes can give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
- Gaining Experience: If you're looking to gain experience in a specific field or industry, volunteering on a committee related to that area can provide hands-on experience and insights that you might not get elsewhere.
- Learning from Others: Working alongside fellow committee members exposes you to different perspectives and ideas. It's a great opportunity to learn from others, exchange knowledge, and broaden your horizons.
- Building a Reputation: Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to the community and your willingness to go above and beyond. It can enhance your reputation as a reliable and dedicated individual, which can be beneficial in various aspects of your life.
- Personal Satisfaction: Ultimately, volunteering on a committee allows you to contribute your time and talents to something you care about. The sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact is one of the greatest rewards of volunteering.
Serving on a committee is not just about giving back; it's also about personal growth, skill development, and creating positive change. Whether you're passionate about a cause or looking to enhance your professional skills, volunteering on a committee can be a fulfilling and enriching experience.
General questions about committee service? Contact the Director of Governance and Executive Services.
Specific questions? Contact information for the staff liaison for each committee is provided in the committee descriptions below.
Standing Committees
The Finance and Audit Standing Committee addresses the financial stability of CEC and recommends to the Board of Directors the action to be taken on the annual program plan and budget. Other duties relate to the review of financial policies. The Committee is chaired by the Treasurer. The President Elect also serves as a member of the committee.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Lesh, Ph.D., Treasurer & Chair | Associate Professor, Lynn University | FL | 2025 |
| Ben Tillotson, President Elect | Adult Disability Arts Director, University of Utah Tanner Dance Program | UT | 2025 |
| Darla Gundler, M.A. | Associate Director, Early Childhood Personnel Center (ECPC) | MA | 2025 |
| Diana Morales, Ph.D. | Adjunct Professor, Lynn University | FL | 2025 |
| David Royer, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, University of Louisville | KY | 2026 |
| Brad Mills | Associate Professor and Special Education Program Coordinator, Fayetteville State University | NC | 2027 |
| Vacant |
View the Committee Job Description
View the Treasurer's Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The charge of the Leadership Development Committee is to Identify, recruit, and develop a well-qualified and diverse pipeline of volunteers for leadership positions, responsive to the current and future needs of CEC.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cassie Frost, M.S.Ed., Co-Chair | Assistive Technology Specialist, Educational Consultant, Disruptive Teaching | WI | 2025 |
| Jen Katz-Borrin, M.S., Co-Chair | Director of Student Services, School Administrative Unit # 20 (NH) | ME | 2025 |
| Karen Akom, Ed.D., Vice Co-Chair | Director of Field Operations, Virginia Commonwealth University RRTC’s Center on Transition Innovations | VA | 2026 |
| Marissa Kase, Ed.D., Vice Co-Chair | Exceptional Student Education Teacher, Palm Beach County School District (Grade levels 1st through 5th) | FL | 2026 |
| Vacant | |||
| Natasha Veale, Ph.D. | Dean, School of Social Sciences and Education, Greensboro College | NC | 2025 |
| Tammy Barron, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, Western Carolina University; Special Education Administrator at WCU’s laboratory school | NC | 2026 |
| Pam Peterson, M.S.Ed. | Special Education Consultant, Souris Valley Special Services | ND | 2026 |
| Ashaki Budden, M.Ed. | Crisis Intervention Teacher, Eastern Suffolk BOCES | NY | 2027 |
| Taylor Gibbons, M.Ed. | Special Education Teacher, North Ridgeville City Schools | OH | 2027 |
| Christina “Tina” Wagner, M.Ed. | EDGE (Enhanced Digital and Guided Education) Middle School Program, Case Manager/Special Education Teacher | OR | 2027 |
| Dake Zhang, Ph.D. | Associate Professor, Rutgers University | NJ | 2027 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison.
Read the 2019 Annual Report and 2019 Top Achievements.
Read the 2018 Annual Report.
Charge: Organize, implement, and evaluate volunteer leadership training and orientation programs; create communications plans and marketing/promotional activities and events related to volunteer leadership within CEC; and to facilitate attracting, preparing and retaining volunteer leaders within CEC units and divisions.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| LaKisha Stanley, M.Ed. | DHH Special Student Services, Cobb County School District (Leadership CEC 2022-23 Cohort Member) | GA | 2026 |
| Jennifer Webb, Ph.D. | Chair, Department of Education, Associate Professor of Education, Malone University | OH | 2026 |
| Xaviera Johnson, Ed.D. | Principal, Envision Science Academy | NC | 2027 |
| Keita “Kay” Rone Wilson, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Educational Curriculum and Instruction | LA | 2027 |
| Gianna Marshall, M.A. | Program Specialist, Academics, University of Iowa REACH Program (Leadership CEC 2023-24 Cohort Member) | IA | 2025 |
| Nataleigh Fabian, M.A.Ed. | Exceptional Children’s Specialist- Craven County Schools | NC | 2028 |
| Jennifer A. Sears, Ph.D. | Associate Professor, Elementary and Special Education, University of North Georgia (Leadership CEC 2023-24 Cohort Member) | GA | 2028 |
| Leadership CEC 2024-25 Cohort Member #2 (non-voting) | 2026 | ||
| Leadership CEC 2024-25 Cohort Member #2 (non-voting) | 2026 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Advisory Committees
Charge
The Convention Program Advisory Committee (PAC) is an advisory group assists CEC staff with the planning and development of the annual convention program. The PAC is responsible for bringing a comprehensive and balanced program that will provide the highest quality professional development that addresses the varied interests and needs of convention attendees. Along with CEC staff, the PAC works to improve the quality and diversity of presentations and improve the convention program planning process.
The PAC Co-Chairs represents a practitioner working in a school or early intervention agency and an individual from academia. The committee is comprised of a representative from each of the Council's special interest divisions and other individuals selected by CEC staff based on expertise and convention program topic area. Each division selects its own representative to serve as a member of this advisory group.
Members and Division/Topical Area Represented
- Joe DeMarsh, Co-Chair
- David Peyton, Co-Chair
- Jessica Perdue, Co-Chair
- Jennifer Webb, Co-Chair
- Mabel Rivera, Board Liaison
- Kindel Mason, Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
- Ramona Lee, Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE)
- Emily Smith, Council for Educational Diagnostic Services, (CEDS)
- Lonna Moline, Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (DEBH)
- Lauren Collins, Division for Emotional and Behavioral Health (DEBH)
- Autumn Bauer, Complex and Chronic Conditions: The Division for Physical, Health and Multiple Disabilities (CCC)
- Cate Smith, Complex and Chronic Conditions: The Division for Physical, Health and Multiple Disabilities (CCC)
- Barb Melnychuk, Division of Leaders and Legacy (CEC-DLL)
- Michelle Cumming, Division for Research (CEC-DR)
- Jason Chow, Division for Research (CEC-DR)
- Jordan Shurr, Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD)
- Angi Stone-MacDonald, Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD)
- Susan Harvey, Division of Visual and Performing Arts Education (DARTS)
- Nick Solomon, Division for Communication, Language, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DCD)
- Dale Matusevich, Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT)
- Stacie Dojonovic, Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT)
- Julie Esparza Brown, Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL)
- William Proffitt, Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL)
- LaShorage Shaffer, Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
- Serra Acar, Division for Early Childhood (DEC)
- Jennifer Ward, Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES)
- Nicci Dowd, Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES)
- Brooke Moore, Division for Learning Disabilities (DLD)
- Adam Graves, Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness (DVIDB)
- Kathleen Stanfa, Division on Visual Impairments and Deafblindness (DVIDB)
- Sam Choo, Innovations in Special Education Technology Division (ISET)
- Mikyung Shin, Innovations in Special Education Technology Division (ISET)
- Katie Lewis, The Association for the Gifted (TAG)
- Andy Markelz, Teacher Education Division (TED)
- Brannan Meyers, Teacher Education Division (TED)
- Tammy Barron, Collaboration and Inclusive Practices
- Steph Boyer, Maltreatment
- Lisa Goran, Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
- Kim Kramer, Parent/Family/School Partnerships (PFSP)
- Jennifer DeWaard, Parent/Family/School Partnerships (PFSP)
- Paul Riccomini, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The Diversity Committee is charged with providing leadership and guidance on ways to promote and support inclusivity, equity, and justice. This includes developing, reviewing, and recommending programs and resources that are supportive to the CEC membership; especially, those from marginalized, historically underserved, and underrepresented populations. CEC views diversity to include identity markers such as race, ethnicity, culture, language, dialect, age, ability, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion/spirituality, geographic location, national origin, education, and professional role.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tameka Burroughs, Ed.D., Co-Chair | Special Education Department Chair, Fairfax County Public Schools / VCU | VA | 2025 |
| Carlos Lavin, Ph.D., Co-Chair | Assistant Professor, College of Charleston | SC | 2025 |
| Nicole Green, M.Ed. | Special Education Teacher, Scarsdale Middle School | NY | 2026 |
| Nikita McCree, Ph.D. | Post Doctoral Fellow, University of Missouri | MO | 2026 |
| LaSheba W. Hilliard, Ed.D. | Assistant Professor of Teaching, University of Memphis | TN | 2027 |
| Maling Marino, Ed.D. | Special Education Teacher | GA | 2027 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Committee Charge
- Serve an advisory function to the Board of Directors and staff on the mutual implication and impact of activities of CEC and divisions.
- Facilitate collaboration and communication among divisions and between divisions and CEC.
- Provide leadership to enhance the functioning and benefits offered by divisions and the diversity of the association’s members.
- Make proposals to enhance structural, functional and policy relations between CEC and divisions and among/within divisions.
- Facilitate division member recruitment, engagement and retention initiatives.
- Act as a facilitator in resolution of disputes among divisions.
- Review division annual reports and ensure compliance with all CEC policies.
Members
| Name | Division Size Represented | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parthenia Cogdell, M.A., Co-Chair | Small | Retired | NJ | 2025 |
| Chelsea Guillen, M.A.., Co-Chair | Large | Early Intervention Ombudsman, EI Training Program, University of Illinois | IL | 2025 |
| Kathleen Farrand, Ph.D. | Small | Higher Education Faculty | AZ | 2026 |
| Margaret Weiss, Ph.D. | Large | Higher Education Faculty | VA | 2026 |
| Dana Kan, Ph.D. | Small | Higher Education Faculty | TN | 2027 |
| Alfred W. Daviso, Ph.D. | Large | Higher Education Faculty | OH | 2027 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Committee Charge:
- Promote and enhance the educational, advocacy, and outreach goals of CEC by planning and overseeing a development program.
- Create awareness within the CEC membership, stakeholders, divisions/units as fundraising teams, external partner organizations.
- Create ongoing communication with donors and potential donors; shape development strategies and plans; monitor results against the development plan.
- Ensure that the organization is investing strategically and appropriately in its fundraising program.
- Develop and regularly review policies and procedures (including ethical standards and organizational accountability) for all development activities of CEC.
Members
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Bogdan, Ed.D., Chair | Educational Leadership Consultant | VA | 2025 |
| Kurt Hulett, Ph.D. | Special Education Consultant and Author | TX | 2025 |
| Danielle Kovach, Ed.D. | Special Education Teacher, Tulsa Trail Elementary School | NJ | 2025 |
| Susan Fowler, Ph.D. | Professor Emerita, University of Illinois, Department of Special Education | IL | 2024 |
| Jennifer Lesh, Ph.D. | Associate Professor, Exceptional Student Education, Lynn University | FL | 2024 |
| Denise Griffin, Ed.D. | Special Education Teacher, Little Axe High School | OK | 2026 |
| Laural Jackson, EDL | Grants Manager and Education Consultant, Delta/Greely School District | AK | 2024 |
| Luann Purcell, Ed.D. | Consultant | GA | 2026 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The Honors Committee selects the recipients of the CEC Professional Awards. The Honors Committee also periodically reviews the CEC Awards program and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for enhancements.
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mina Chun, Ph.D. | Assistant Professor, California Lutheran University | CA | 2025 |
| Monique Evans Newsome, M.A. | Coordinator II Special Education, Dekalb County School District | GA | 2025 |
| Clarisa Elliott, B.A. | Education Specialist- Low Incidence Disabilities, Education Service Center, Region 15 | TX | 2026 |
| Melissa Gilliam, Ed.D. | Special Education Coordinator, Delaware Public Schools | DE | 2026 |
| Nicholas Newton, M.A.T. | Special Education Consultant, Hardin County Schools | KY | 2027 |
| Samantha Scott, Ph.D. | Lecturer in Special Education, Department of Education and Human Development, Clemson University | SC | 2027 |
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Charge:
- Develop recommendations for consideration by CEC’s Board of Directors with regard to special education legislative and regulatory issues at the national level and provide information to units that may be relevant at the state or local level.
- Assist CEC in ensuring that the organizations’ position statements are current, relevant, reflect CEC’s mission and values and adhere to CEC’s Principles and Guidelines for Developing Position Statements.
- Stay informed about policy and legislative issues related to the education of infants, toddlers, children, and young adults with exceptionalities.
NOTE: Day-to-day public policy functions are conducted by staff and consultants, reporting to the executive director. The committee will be provided with updates on impending or emerging issues.
Members:
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisa Goran, Ph.D., Co-chair | Director of Teacher Education and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Special Education, College of Education & Human Development, University of Missouri | MO | 2025 |
| Angelica Ramirez, M.Ed. | Exceptional Student Education Lead Administrator, Detroit Public School Community District | MI | 2025 |
| William Jeffreys, M.Ed. (practitioner)* | Director of Special Education, Pottstown School District | PA | 2026 |
| Elizabeth Zagata, M.A. (higher ed)* | Doctoral Candidate, University of Connecticut | CT | 2026 |
| David F. Bateman, Ph.D. (higher ed)* | American Institutes for Research | VA | 2027 |
| Gary F. Puhl III, Ed.D. (practitioner) | Director of Special Education, Wayne County RESA | MI | 2027 |
*Beginning with appointments made in 2024, one practitioner and one higher education representative will be selected to fill the two committee vacancies each year.
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Charge:
- Study the area of professional standards and their implication to CEC members and others involved in the education of children and youth with exceptionalities
- Advise the Board of Directors regarding CEC standards and related activities
- Develop guidelines and other materials to assist the field in meeting CEC professional standards
Members:
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dee Berlinghoff, Ph.D., Chair | Retired | NC | 2025 |
| Joanne Murphy Van Boxtel, Ph.D. | Associate Professor/Faculty Director for Special Education, Vanguard University, School of Education | CA | 2025 |
| Jessica Bass, M.Ed. | Education Consultant, J & A Bass Consulting, LLC | DE | 2026 |
| Megan Purcell, Ph.D. | Clinical Associate Professor and ECEEN Program Coordinator, Purdue University | IN | 2026 |
| Midge Simmons | Assistant to the Dean, School of Education & Behavioral Sciences, Wayne State College | TX | 2026 |
| Ashley Barkel, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Practice, University of Arizona | AZ | 2027 |
| Alex Keesling, M.A. | ASD Teacher Consultant, Genesee Intermediate School District | MI | 2027 |
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
Committee Charge
Journals
- Recommend editorial policy of CEC’s two journals to the CEC Board of Directors
- Oversee journal editor selection (for approval by CEC Board of Directors)
- Provide feedback on annual reports of editors
- Provide general oversight and support for the editors
- Ensure the high quality of CEC journals as a trusted source of research findings that support and enhance advances in the field and facilitate putting research into practice
- Ensure equity in editor and reviewer selection, as well as in published authors
Publications and Products
- General oversight of books other publications published and sold by CEC
- Direct a regular needs assessment, market research and product evaluation to set publishing priorities
- Recommend strategies for solicitation, review, and approval of new publications, as well as ongoing review of current publications’ viability
- Monitor the relationships between CEC publications; specifically, potential issues of overlap, competition, and/or, redundancy
- Promote equity and engagement of diverse members in publications-related activities
- Incorporate input from subject matter experts as needed to ensure diversity of ideas and topics in publications
Members
- Meredith Walling (Co-Chair)
- Charmion Rush
- Sandy White
- Chris Bernick
- Elizabeth Harkins
- Marcus Fuller
- Patricia Hampshire
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
The Student and Early Career Committee advises the Board of Directors on ways to recruit, mentor, and support individuals entering the profession, especially those from diverse backgrounds, and enhance the experience of student and early-career CEC members. It also plans and conducts a Student and Early Career Special Educator Forum and/or other events relevant to students and early-career teachers at the annual CEC Convention & Expo, providing opportunities for student attendees to engage with CEC in order to improve their practice, network with peers, and maximize their experience.
(PS) = Pre-service; (EC) = Early Career
| Name | Professional Role | State/Province | Term Expiration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shasta Brooks (EC) | Special Education Teacher, Nine Mile Falls School District | WA | 2025 |
| Christina Fligner, Co-Chair (PS) | Intervention Specialist, New Albany-Plain Local Schools; Graduate Student, Miami University | OH | 2025 |
| Abby Camara (PS) | Undergraduate Student, Central Michigan University | MI | 2026 |
| Sarah Hornback, B.S. (EC) | Special Education Teacher, Avon Community School Corporation | IN | 2026 |
| Anna Ballard (EC) | Special Education Teacher, Lone Grove Public Schools; Graduate Student, Southeastern Oklahoma State University | OK | 2027 |
| Lucy Chu (PS) | Undergraduate Student, Northwest Missouri State University | MO | 2027 |
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
“Serving on the Student and Early Career Committee has provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with passionate educators across the country to support preservice and early career teachers in special education. Through this work, I have been able to exchange ideas, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and empower new teachers to thrive in their roles.”
- Christina Fligner, Graduate Student
The Yes I Can Committee publicizes the Yes I Can Awards to ensure outstanding entries; seeks and solicits nominations; evaluates the nominees for each category; select recipients; and periodically reviews award categories and criteria.
Name Professional Role State/Province Term Expiration Emily Hardeman, Co-Chair Graduate Student, University of Texas TX 2025 Michelle Buchanan, Co-Chair Clinical Instructor, University of Central Arkansas AR 2025 Acer Pitas-Pilo Resource Teacher/Consultant MT 2026 Nakia Cotton Educational Leader & Consultant GA 2026 Keishana Barnes Assistant Professor of Special Education, University Of Memphis TN 2027 René Salyer Doctoral Student Pennsylvania State University PA 2027
View the Committee Job Description
Contact the committee staff liaison with questions or for more information.
