All members of Democrats Abroad can vote and participate, either by attending the meeting or by sending in your vote by email to lemonaid@earthlink.net.
(Are you a member? If you voted in the Democrats Abroad primary you surely are. If you get this email directly from Democrats Abroad you surely are. If somebody forwards you this email there may be some question — and please feel free to pass this on to fellow Democrats in Panama. If you are unsure, join Democrats Abroad before the meeting through the international level’s website, at htttp://www.democratsabroad.org/join.)
There is a slate recommended by the Nominations Committee, but nominations from the floor are proper under our bylaws.
The slate of nominees, and their brief biographies are as follows:
Board Candidates (7)
Democrats Abroad Panama Chair
Phil Edmonston, lemonaid@earthlink.net
Army Infantry Medic (1961-64) in Panama attached to the 193rd Infantry Brigade and 508th Airborne; ambulance driver transported wounded during the January 9th 1964 Panama protests, freshman graduate of Canal Zone College (1964); graduate, Bowie State College, Bowie, Maryland (1968); founder and President of the national, non-profit, Canadian Automobile Protection Association (1970-87); elected Member of the Canadian Parliament in Ottawa as MP for Quebec (1990-93); Member, Constitution Reform Committee; former Board Member of the Quebec Bar, Consumers Union; and The American Society of Panama. Board Member—Director of Missions, Balboa Union Church (2008-13) and five-year Board member of Democrats Abroad (2010-16). More details at Google “Phil Edmonston”. A writer, teacher, and broadcaster. “I believe the best leadership is teaching others to do your job, and then you move on.”
Democrats Abroad Panama Vice-Chair
Ligia Burkett, (donaldburkett59@gmail.com)
Currently, I am the Senior Financial Analyst for the Caribbean Region with The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). I am presently working with the Ecuadorian people to give aid to the many persons devastated by the recent earthquake. I have worked for over 20 years in the finance field, mostly for non-profits in Phoenix, Arizona. I believe that voting is a right and a duty and I would like to help with my capacity to build and administer a strong and transparent organization.
Democrats Abroad Panama Secretary
José Bonilla, bonilla.360@hotmail.com
Jose started his major education in the University of Louisville Panama Campus, where he belonged to the student government association serving as Class President. Transferred to Louisville’s main campus to pursue his bachelor in business administration emphasizing in Marketing. Thanks to his permanent resident status Jose successfully worked and studied all his time in the US. He worked in different areas: from restaurants, student housing, to website sales and banking. His last job as international debt collector. Jose became a US citizen on 2015 right before he returned to Panama to try something new. Jose is currently one of the three national team administrators at the Panama Soccer Federation where he handles all the administrative side of the national soccer teams and represents the country internationally as head of delegation.
Democrats Abroad Panama Treasurer
Eunice A. Greaves (panaeac@gmail.com)
I was born in the Republic of Panama. In 1956 I migrated to the United States to join my husband who was a member of the US Military. EDUCATION: Primary Studies Panama Rep of Panama; Secondary/High School Panama Rep of Panama; New York University Business School, Computer Sciences; and Canal Zone College Computer Programming (COBOL). ORGANIZATIONS: I have been a very active member of the American Society of Panama (AMSOC) since June 1986. I have served on the
Board of Directors as Secretary, Treasurer, and Events Coordinator. I also worked on John F. Kennedy School and Escuela Estados Unidos projects, acquiring office, kitchen and school supplies. I also chaired the Publicity and Membership Committees. A few years later, I resumed my community involvements, adding the senior citizen’s organization: “3a Edad de Betania” where I served 2 years as Treasurer. Subsequently, I was Treasurer of AMSOC for about 5 years, until 2010, then again in 2012. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The American Society of Panama being legally recognized as a non-profit organization by two Panamanian government agencies. I currently work very closely with our accountant to ensure we are updated in the DGI.
I am an accomplished Administrator having served over 35 years as a civilian employee with the US Army in various capacities such as Statistical Analyst, Systems Analyst, Computer Programmer, Computer Technician, and several other positions. Working in these capacities, I received numerous awards, commendations and certificates of accomplishment. I am currently serving on the Membership Committee of the American Society of Panama and have been involved with Democrats Abroad Panama for almost nine years.
Democrats Abroad Panama Board Member-at-Large, Chiriqui
James Audlin, jaudlin@gmail.com
I’m a retired pastor of churches and university professor and career journalist (most notably Opinion page editor for the Poughkeepsie Journal), and here in Panama I work full-time on writing more books carefully designed never to sell enough copies to make a profit. If it’s useful, I speak Spanish fluently, live in the Volcan, Chiriqui region, and am married to a monolingual Panamanian. I admit to being a Sanders supporter, but if y’all put me on the board I would exercise that position with utter disinterest between Bernie and Hillary as candidates. And, to be frank, I have so many publishing deadlines that I need to be on the board like a hole in the head. By the way, they are incorporating our local village of Paso Ancho, and I got elected to the first government thereof, as secretary. So you can mention if you wish that I am technically now a Panamanian government bureaucrat, with incredible power and influence over my pet cat.
Democrats Abroad Panama Board Member-at-Large
Jan Woolford Carles, jan_woolford@hotmail.com
I am a young Panamanian/American who believes in bridges, not walls. Truth, not talking points, and transparency in all things. VISION: To increase value and maximize efficiency and profit by improving operational efficiencies and maximum utilization of available resources. OBJECTIVE: To obtain a position where my analytical, technical and bilingual skills can lead to success and enhance my abilities to meet any challenge. KEY FOR SUCCESS: I believe in: Personal integrity and strong leadership through training, teamwork, sharing, and recognizing the worth of others. I realize this requires continual improvement and enhanced communication skills. EDUCATION; Law and political science 2015
USMA, Panama City Panama, Ramos Generales, Insurance course 2014; INTEC, Panama City Panama; Bachelor of Arts, Communications. 2013 University of Louisville, Louisville, KY; Bachelor of Arts and science 1996-2008; Colegio de la Salle, Panama city; EXPERIENCE: Grupo Melo (094) 2014-2015. New projects: Executive, Loteria Nacional, Panama City, Panama 2010-2013, Information technology/ Web management IMA Panama City, Panama 2009, information technology support; Grupo PRO, Panama City, Panama 2008. Construction Assistant; Bicicletas Rali, Panama City, Panama 2008
Sales Associate; Empresas Carretero,Panama City, Panama Summer 2007
Manager Assistant; Rali Sports , Panama City, Panama Summer 2006, Sales Associate: HONORS & ACTIVITIEs: WTO Ministerial Conference 2007
Panama International Forum; Speed-Reading & Comprehension Course 2003
Panama City, Panama; LANGUAGES: Spanish (native speaker), English (fluent); SKILLS: Marketing, Communications, professional sales, consumer behavior , Microsoft Office Proficiency, technology, and strong leadership
Democrats Abroad Board Member-at-Large
Donald Burkett, donaldburkett59@gmail.com
Retail Sales Administrator. Ten years of retail sales experience demonstrating track record of outstanding sales, merchandising and customer service results. Equally strong qualifications in all areas of convenient store: inventory control, training, security and other functions. Effective communicator, leader and problem solver who builds teamwork and possesses the initiative to exceed goals. Able to perform well under stress.
Substitute Teacher/Teacher. Followed the instructions left by the teachers or alert the administrator if there are no plans to follow. Carried out the instructions of the regular teacher, including grading daily papers and leaving a summary of work covered. Maintain a positive learning atmosphere in the classroom. Employed kinesthetic (tactile learning), visual, and auditory approach to make lessons interesting and interactive. Utilized relevant equipment and organized student-led group sharing. Enhanced student academic and social growth by using varied teaching strategies and techniques to provide solid academic foundation.
Assistant Camp Director. Responsible for camp operations and scheduled camp instructors during session. Taught and develop a lesson plan on daily living and financial responsibilities. Facilitated reality therapy counseling in wilderness program for serious juvenile delinquents. Coordinated instructions on outdoor skills such as overnight backpacking and wilderness survival. Coordinated and facilitated the logistics of extra-curricular activities, such as boot camp training, rock climbing, swimming, paintballing, arts and crafts. Coordinated counseling/problem-solving session for adolescent issues. Mediator for camp personnel disagreements. Coordinated camp emergencies.
Child Support Enforcement Officer. Analyzed and interpreted financial data used to calculate debts owed and payments applied; interpret court orders and worked independently.
Examined new and existing data for accuracy; made financial adjustments as needed for maintenance of fiscal records and assist to ensure accurate disbursement and distribution of child support payments.
Applied law, policy, procedures, regulations and rules to work assignments, built and maintained interpersonal relationships.
Master in Arts /Elementary Education – Partially completed, University of Phoenix, Phoenix AZ;
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of Phoenix, Phoenix AZ;
Substitute Teaching Certificate, AZ Department of Education;
Accredited Foster Family Home, AZ Department of Economic Security.
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