Tag Archive for: at-large board member

20252-2026 Welcoming a New Board of Directors Katrina Voe Cotton Vice President Roderick Howard At-Large Member

Chelsea’s Hope Welcomes 2025-2026 Board of Directors

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Chelsea’s Hope is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 Board of Directors: Jenifer Merriam (President), Dr. Katrina Voe Cotton (Vice President), Sheila Barter (Treasurer), Meredith Williams (Secretary), Niki Markou (At-Large Member), Roderick Howard (At-Large Member), and Nadia Ismail (At-Large Member).

New to Chelsea’s Hope are Vice President Katrina Voe Cotton, MD, PhD, and At-Large Board Member Roderick Howard.

Headshot of Katrina Voe Cotton, MD PhD

Dr. Katrina Voe Cotton, Vice President

Dr. Cotton shared, “I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined the Lafora community at such an exciting time. With the safety study now underway at UT Southwestern, we are on the brink of a new era for Lafora patients. I’m eager to leverage my experience and knowledge to help navigate this exciting journey ahead.”

Headshot of Roderick Howard

Roderick Howard, At-Large Member

Roderick, a longtime nonprofit leader, also said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization that aligns with my interests in public health and children’s support.”

Dr. Cotton and Roderick bring a wealth of management and development skills along with a passion for making a difference in the Lafora community. We look forward to their guidance and expertise in advancing the mission of Chelsea’s Hope. You can read more about the Board of Directors on our Leadership Team page. 

Finally, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Frank Harris for his leadership as the previous President of the Board of Directors. He had a talent for making newly diagnosed families feel supported and devoted a decade to serving the Lafora community with Chelsea’s Hope. Many of our current board members credit Frank for welcoming them to the organization and encouraging them to join. While he stepped down from the board, he remains a steadfast member of our community.

Five members of the Chelsea's Hope Board of Directors smiling and standing together.

Apply to Join the Board of Directors!

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Apply to join our Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term!

Five members of the Chelsea's Hope Board of Directors smiling and standing together.

Chelsea’s Hope Board members at Symposium 2024.

The Board of Directors includes 5-9 individuals who meet monthly to review, plan, and distribute resources to further the organization’s mission. The mission of Chelsea’s Hope is to improve the lives of those affected by Lafora disease and help accelerate the development of treatments. The organization’s leadership team is fully remote, with some conference travel. Members of the Board of Directors may serve up to two consecutive terms in their respective positions. Each term is two years long and starts in January on odd-numbered years (i.e. the next term begins January 2025).

Members of the Board of Directors are expected to:

  • Attend the monthly board meetings (of which four are mandatory)
  • Serve on at least one committee for the organization
  • Be willing to assist with special events at the organization, including but not limited to our Annual Symposium, Family Q&A Sessions, conference presentations, and fundraising events.

The Board of Directors comprises a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and up to five At-Large Members. At-Large Members must fulfill the requirements described above.

Finally, you can find more details about the responsibilities and duties of the Board of Directors HERE.

Application requirements

Apply to join the Board by Friday, November 29th. The organization will contact applicants in December with more information. Please fill out our Google Form and include your CV or resumé.

Are you interested?

Yes, I’m interested!

Tag Archive for: at-large board member