2024 Elections - US Servas Board of Directors

Meet the Candidates

Below are key credentials for each candidate running for the US Servas board. Candidates are listed in alphabetic order. Use the information to help you decide your vote. Click the button below each summary to view the candidate's complete resumé, skills, and ideas they might have.  Email elections@usservas.org with any questions or concerns. Note: * denotes current interim board member.

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Voting Instructions

We have five candidates running for the US Servas board, and there are are five slots open... three three-year terms, and two two-year terms. We are using a Consensus-style voting system to differentiate among the nominees. Rate each person one to five stars, where 1 = unfavorable, 3 = no opinion, and 5 = highly favorable. The candidates receiving the lowest tally will receive the two-year seats. 

Deirdre Araujo*

Alameda, California

Education:  B.A. in Psychology from Wells College: Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude, USF Institute, studied Nonprofit Organization Management

Occupation:  Currently head of Volunteer Engagement at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA. Prior to this, worked for private operating foundations and in a research lab in London.

NGO Experience: See education and occupation above. Also, current interim US Servas Board since April 2024. 

Allison McCann

Smithtown, New York

Education:  BA, Psychology, MA, Public Policy, Stony Brook Univ. PMP, Project Management Institute.

Occupation:  Special Projects Coordina-tor, Suffolk County (NY). Regional Dir. of New York State Democratic Committee.

NGO Experience:  Treasurer, Society for Lending Comforts to the Sick. Board Mbr., Suffolk County LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. 

Vena Rainwater*

Portland, Oregon

Education:  

Occupation:  Ten years of experience as an Equity and Inclusion Business Partner, working to identify and eliminate barriers to employment for marginalized people.

NGO Experience: Leadership committees for several Portland organizations, including the Cully Boulevard Alliance, the city Tax Increment Financing Exploration Committee, and ArtZero

Effie D. Trihas

Trinity, Florida

Education:  B.A. in Psychology. Certified as a public science school teacher. Masters level classes and training in library and information science.

Occupation:  Retired High School and Middle School Teacher. Now pursuing dream job as a screenwriter. Previous experience as actor, director, casting assistant and videographer .

NGO Experience:  Chaired national events for church, Secretary on two other NGO boards.

Richard (Rick) Wolfe

San Luis Obispo, California

Education:  BA, Business Administration,  Eastern Michigan University.

Occupation:  Finance Director for a non-profit for 23 years (12 M. Budget). Treasurer for two other NGOs.

NGO Experience:  Volunteer with many non-profits and served on numerous Boards of Directors including the Board Chair.