
National Officers 2025-2027
Elected BOARD MEMBERS
-
Lovie West
PRESIDENT
Lovie West is a product of the Civil Rights Movement. She grew up in central Mississippi in a military family, witnessed the injustices that plagued people of color, and grew up under the influence of giants such as Fannie Lou Hamer, Georgia Clark, Hattie McClellan and many other Mississippi women of the movement.
-
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.
Appointed BOARD MEMBERS
-
Pamela Kelly Williams
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Pamela is an accomplished attorney and communications professional with over 20 years of legal experience and 25 years in media, marketing, and project management. A former host of “Let’s Talk Law” on WLOK-AM/FM and legal commentator on WHBQ-TV Fox 13, Pamela has also been featured in Prevention magazine for expertise in family law. With a decade of experience in education and a proven track record of strategic, high-impact results, Pamela is recognized for innovation, leadership, and strong communication skills.
-
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.
REGIONAL DIRECTORS
-
Susan Rutt
EASTERN RGIONAL DIRECTOR
-
Patty Farley
SOUTHER REGIONAL DIRECTOR
-
Jennifer Franklin
MIDWESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR
-
Gini Ballou
WESTERN REGIONAL DIRECTOR
PAST PRESIDENTS
-
Barbara Faison
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
-
Gail Buckner
PAST PRESIDENT
DNC MEMBERS
-
Virgie Rollins
DNC REPRESENTATIVE & BLACK CAUCUS CHAIR
-
Joanne Sullivan
DNC REPRESENTATIVE & WOMEN’S CAUCUS VP
-
Lovie West
DNC REPRESENTATIVE & NFDW PRESIDENT