National Officers 2025-2027

Elected BOARD MEMBERS

Lovie West

PRESIDENT
Lovie West’s road to the presidency was built upon a lifetime commitment to the Democratic Party. President's West's journey began as a child raised under the volatile Civil Rights Movement. Under the guidance of her parents, President West spent her life navigating the political landscape. President West continued to hone her skills in the political arena by advocating for social justice and women rights in legislative halls from Mississippi to Washington, D.C. President West eventually founded the DeSoto County Federation of Democratic Women under the NFDW banner. During her many years of service as a NFDW member, President West served on many committees and chaired even more. She recently served as NFDW 4th Vice-President for two years.
Christine Pelosi

1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Christine Pelosi is a nationally recognized Democratic strategist, attorney, and grassroots organizer with a lifelong commitment to public service and progressive leadership. Her career has been defined by her dedication to empowering others — especially women — to lead boldly and with purpose.
Inez James

2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Inez James is a Democratic leader and lifelong public servant with over 29 years of experience in civic leadership, political engagement, and organizational advancement. She has a proven ability to mobilize communities, manage grassroots campaigns, train emerging leaders, and build consensus across diverse groups. She is a unifying voice dedicated to empowering women, advancing policy priorities, and defending democratic ideals through action, advocacy, and education.
Joyce Petteway

3RD VICE PRESIDENT
Joyce Petteway has been at the forefront of change for more than 20 years. Serving in various leadership roles has made her realize that the struggle continues not only for women, but for everyone who does not have a voice. She has devoted her career to serving others in her community and for the Democratic Party.
Rt. Lt. Col. Telise Ezell-Turner

4TH VICE PRESIDENT
Lieutenant Colonel Telise Ezell-Turner., ANC Retired, is a proven Leader. She is a former President and Vice President of the Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women, Member and former Executive Council and grassroots member of Shelby County Democratic Party.
She is an active member of the Democratic Women of Shelby County Club. She is also chair of the Rotary Club of Memphis Central Charitable Foundation. She is Vice President and a Board member of the Frayser Community Development Corporation.
She has demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication to support and encourage democratic women to run and win seats in all levels of government. She is the voice for the voiceless .She holds a Bachelor in Nursing( BSN) and a Master in Health Administration (MS). She is a true leader.
Irmgard Pagan

5TH VICE PRESIDENT
Irmgard Pagan holds a Master’s Degree in International Law from New York University, a Juris Doctor Degree of the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico Law School in San Juan, Puerto Rico and has offices in Puerto Rico and the Washington, DC area. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in political science and Drama from the University of Puerto Rico.
Kim Savage

RECORDING SECRETARY
Kim Savage is dedicated to public service. She has more than 40 years of progressive administrative and management experience in 5 institutions of higher education. She has served as Co-President of Illinois Democratic Women since 2016. Prior to that she served as the founding President of the Democratic Women of DuPage County.
Mary Kuehler

TREASURER
Mary Kuehler is a Healthcare Professional who works remotely from her home in Idaho. She is an experienced treasurer who has been trusted by peers to manage and oversee political campaign finances, ensuring transparency, and effective budget allocation. Her experiences have strengthened her connection to the Federation’s mission.

DNC MEMBERS

Virgie Rollins

DNC REPRESENTATIVE & BLACK CAUCUS CHAIR
Joanne Sullivan

DNC REPRESENTATIVE & WOMEN’S CAUCUS VICE PRESIDENT
Lovie West

DNC REPRESENTATIVE & NFDW PRESIDENT

Appointed BOARD MEMBERS

Pamela Williams Kelly

PARLIAMENTARIAN
Attorney Pamela Williams Kelly was appointed NFDW Parliamentarian for the 2025-2027 biennium. Attorney Kelly is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Association of Parliamentarians and chairs its Nominations Committee. Attorney Kelly is currently serving in her second year as President of the award-winning Tennessee Beta Unit of Parliamentarians.
Attorney Kelly served for two years as the Parliamentarian for the Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women and served as the former Parliamentarian for the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association.
Attorney Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications (Public Relations emphasis) from Mississippi State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.) in the study of law from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. Attorney Kelly resides in Tennessee.
R. Denise Everson

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY
With over 20 years of experience in architecture, policy, and sustainability, R. Denise is a passionate and innovative leader dedicated to engaging, educating, and empowering communities through strategic connections. As an entrepreneur, R. Denise specializes in community development, green building, and policy analysis, designing and implementing campaigns that reach diverse and underserved audiences. Through close collaboration with stakeholders, R. Denise works to address community challenges and align engagement strategies with broader social and environmental goals.