East Lyme, Conn. (April 24, 2023) – Omega Phi Alpha, a leading national community service sorority, is pleased to announce the election of its 2023-2025 Board of Directors:
- National President – Brittany Thornton (Alpha Kappa)
- Vice President of Communications – Nanda Jayaseelan (Chi)
- Vice President of Finance – Alexa Tavasci (Alpha Alpha)
- Vice President of Lifetime Membership – Samantha Gillies (Alpha Nu)
- Vice President of Programs – Megan Sheppard (Alpha Iota)
The Board of Directors develops the strategic vision for the sorority and helps identify how the organization can thrive in the future, working very closely with the Managing Director to ensure the Operational Leadership Team is working toward their goals.
“Our Board of Directors is comprised of a dedicated team of volunteers who are committed to friendship, leadership, and service through strategic planning and support,” says Omega Phi Alpha’s Managing Director Alyssa Bernhardt. “I am excited to welcome Samantha Gillies to the Board and to channel her expertise and energy into furthering the mission of the sorority. I have no doubt that the four re-elected Board members and Samantha will continue to ensure that Omega Phi Alpha continues to make a meaningful impact through service and that our strategic plan creates a sustainable future for our sorority.”
Outgoing Board Member Alexandra Inglish (Alpha Kappa) has been a huge asset to the team and has played an important role in ensuring that all stages of lifetime membership are taken into consideration when establishing strategic goals for the sorority.
“Omega Phi Alpha is grateful for Aly’s service and dedication,” adds Bernhardt. “We look forward to how she will engage with the sorority in the future.”
The new Board of Directors will be sworn in for their terms in July by incumbent and newly re-elected national president, Brittany Thornton.
National President – Brittany Thornton (Alpha Kappa)
Brittany Thornton was re-elected to her second terms as National President of Omega Phi Alpha. She holds a B.A.S. in Graphic Design from the International Academy of Design & Technology. She is a licensed midwife, entrepreneur, strategic thinker and planner, and professional educator, mentor, and leader who works to advance out-of-hospital midwifery, respectful unbiased healthcare, and effective social change through her work as a traveling midwife and the Director of Operations for Midwifery Wisdom Collective. She is a Marine Corps veteran, and previously volunteered nationally as Convention Coordinator and served on the National Executive Board as Vice President of Programs.
Vice President of Communications – Nanda Jayaseelan (Chi)
Nanda Jayaseelan was re-elected to her second term as Vice President of Communications. She holds a B.A. in Marketing and an International MBA from the University of South Carolina. She is a founding member of Chi Chapter. Nanda is currently working as a strategic marketing consultant and has partnered with many notable consumer product brands across a 15+ year career in marketing. Nanda previously served nationally as Brand and Design Manager on the Omega Phi Alpha Communications Team.
Vice President of Finance – Alexa Tavasci (Alpha Alpha)
Alexa Tavasci was re-elected to her second term as Vice President of Finance. She holds a B.A. in Accounting from Northern Arizona University and is a Certified Public Accountant. She works as an Auditor for the State of Arizona. She is a former chapter treasurer and president and has served nationally as Reimbursement Director and Summit Coordinator
Vice President of Lifetime Membership – Samantha Gillies (Alpha Nu)
Samantha Gillies was elected to her first term on the Board of Directors and will be serving as Vice President of Lifetime Membership. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who holds a Master of Science Degree in Food Policy and Applied Nutrition and a Master of Public Health Degree in Behavioral Science and Health Communication; both from Tufts University in Boston, MA. Prior to starting her graduate education, Samantha completed a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems, also from Tufts University. Samantha was founding president of Alpha Nu Chapter at Texas State University and has previously served nationally as merchandise coordinator and a convention volunteer.
Vice President of Programs – Megan Sheppard (Alpha Iota)
Megan Sheppard was re-elected to her second term as Vice President of Programs. She holds a B.S. in Religious Studies and an M.A. Teaching from Notre Dame of Maryland University. Megan is a Special Education Teacher for Downe Township Elementary School and also serves her community as a volunteer firefighter for Mauricetown Fire Company. She is a former chapter president, membership director, service director and alumni liaison. Megan is the outgoing Convention Logistics Coordinator and previously volunteered nationally as a Traveling Leadership Consultant (today’s Chapter Success Coordinator). She has also served on the former National Executive Board as Vice President of Membership.
About Omega Phi Alpha
Omega Phi Alpha is a national community service sorority that aims to be an inclusive and diverse provider of lifelong, service-oriented leadership development through a community of dedicated sisters. The sorority strives to better the lives of others worldwide by collaborating with organizations and volunteering through a flexible service program. Founded in 1967 in Bowling Green, Ohio, Omega Phi Alpha has thousands of collegiate members and alumni who actively serve their communities. For more information, please visit www.omegaphialpha.org.
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Contact: Kasey Stevens
Title: Communications Director
Email: [email protected]