OCC Board Nominees

President Randi Jorgensen	I've been a member of OCC since @ 1998. I started volunteering that year, and assisted at national in Anaheim... and I was hooked. Since that time I've been surrounded by a warm, wonderful group of people who have put themselves out there; providing warm support, expert advice and solid friendships. Although I stepped away for a couple of years after going through a divorce, I was drawn back by the people who make up this organization, one hand reaching back to draw me along, one hand reaching forward to push the person before them into new and more exciting achievements. I look forward to serving as your president, and to having all of you join me as we work together to make Orange County the best chapter ever (and sell more books than ever before!)
President-Elect Jann Audiss	I first heard about OCC after reading a great newspaper article in the Orange County Register in 1992, attended one meeting and said, “WOW - this is where I need to be,” and joined. Volunteered and chaired the Orange Rose Contest for Unpublished Writers for two years. Joined the OCC Board for the first time in 1997, as Ways and Means Director and stayed for a second term in 1998. I was the on-site coordinator for the Literacy Autographing at the 1998 RWA National Conference held in Anaheim . Co-Chaired OCC’s first “Autumn Affaire” conference in 2000. Co-President in 2001 and 2002, while Co-Chairing the second “Autumn Affaire” conference held in 2002. I took a break from Board life for awhile until becoming Past Presidential Advisor for this year’s board. It has been great working again with amazing women, who have a wealth of knowledge and giving hearts that make OCC such a great chapter.
Secretary Cheryl Stevens	I have belonged to OCCRWA since 1994. Previously, I have been librarian, special events coordinator, secretary (three times), treasurer (twice), and co-membership coordinator.
Treasurer Laura Drake	Laura is a CFO by day, writer by night. She's finished her first contemporary romance, and is shopping agents, and hard at work on her second novel. Laura joined RWA in 2008, and is currently serving OCC as "A Slice of Orange" blog editor.
Programs Director Vicki Crum	A member of OCC since 1997, Vicki has volunteered on both the Ways and Means Committee and as a coordinator for special OCC author receptions. She writes contemporary romance, and has placed in several RWA contest over the past few years, including 2nd place in the 2005 Orange Rose Contest for Unpublished Writers. Vicki loves being a member of OCC.
Membership Director Marilee Crow	Marilee Crow writes romance novels as well as children's books. Her romance novel, MONTANA MADNESS will come to print in September 2008. Also a September release is her second children’s book, DOES HEAVEN GET MAIL? Marilee works as a PE teacher at a private school for children with social, emotional problems. Her passions include loving her husband and daughter, playing the guitar, crocheting and writing. Her strong belief is that life should be lived and love is what makes life possible.
Ways & Means Director Elizabeth Scott	A New York native in California for over 35 years, I've been a member of OCC/RWA for over two years and although I'm still unpublished, my WIP include a contemporary sensual romance and a series for the HQ Blaze or Desire lines, and an erotic romance. I received an honorable mention in a contest run by the Orange County Register a couple of years ago for a short story fiction piece. At this time I'm enjoying working the Ways and Means table, the “Write for the Money” goal-setting program, and also work as a moderator for the OCC/RWA On-line classes. My experience is in all areas of accounting and HR and I work part time at UC Irvine Medical Center. My favorite hobbies are reading romance, all genres, and too many other hobbies to list here. Married to my wonderful husband of almost twenty years, I am the mother of five wonderful kids, a great daughter-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren.
Communications (Web/Newsletter liaisons) Co-Directors Valerie Millette & Johna Machak	Valerie Millette joined OCC in 1994 and immediately became active in the chapter as Treasurer. From there she went on to serve as Secretary, Membership Director, Vice President and finally Co-President with Jann Audiss in 2001 and 2002. In addition, Val and Jann (and their great team) co-chaired OCC’s (first and second) highly successful “Autumn Affaire” conferences in 2000 and 2001. During those years Val (and her great team) coordinated OCC’s and RWA National’s appearances at the LA Times Festival of Books and in there somewhere was OCC’s HUGE 20th Anniversary Birthday Bash. After this, Val took a little break. This year she is volunteering as the Facilities Co-chair with Johna Machak and is ready to team up again as Communications Co-Directors.     Johna Machak joined RWA in 1988 and OCC in 1992. She worked on the Newsletter Committee, and was on the Board as Membership Director for two years. She was Vice-President, then Co-President for two years. This year she has served as Facilities Co-Coordinator, and looks forward to continuing as an OCC volunteer.
Media (PR) Director Tessa Dare	Eve Ortega writes historical romance under the pen name Tessa Dare. Her debut trilogy will release mid-2009, with Ballantine Books. She has a bachelor's degree in Journalism and a master's in Library Science. In addition to holding down the full-time jobs of "Author" and "Mommy", Eve has recent experience working as a public services librarian and e-book editor. She's been a resident of Orange County for seven years, and lives in a teeny-tiny bungalow with her husband, their two small children, and a long-suffering dog.
Media (PR) Director Debra Holland	I've been an OCC member since 1998, and I credit OCC for my much of my success as a writer--in both fiction and nonfiction. I'm a Golden Heart winner, and have recently sold a nonfiction book. For the last two years, I've studied marketing and PR in order to build my nonfiction "platform," as well as preparing to promote my fiction. I'm looking forward to applying some of my marketing ideas for the betterment of OCC and our members.
Media (PR) Director Ottilia Scherschel	I joined OCC in 1998 and volunteered that year at national in Anaheim. Since I recently retired, I would like to volunteer on an active basis rather than being “on call” as I’ve been in the past. In one of my past lives, I worked in corporate communications and enjoyed my contact with the media. I’m currently rewriting a Romantic Suspense and planning another with the help of some fellow OCC PRO authors. My future as a writer would be nowhere without the support of our OCC chapter.

 

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