June 2, 2010
Update: Greetings!
As many of you might already be aware, Lorene Boyd has stepped down as regional president, due to the illness of her mother. In consultation with the four District Vice Presidents and with International staff, pursuant to the bylaws of the Greater Northwest Region, I have appointed Rebecca Zeff, current District II Vice President, as the interim president of the region. Her position must be confirmed by a vote of the chapters present at summer conference in Coeur d’Alene, ID 31 July – 1 August. Her elevation will also open up the District II vice presidency. Thus we would also like to invite nominations for this position, also to be voted on at summer conference.
We will follow the same guidelines as during the regular election cycle, with interested candidates filling out the proper paperwork (Declaration of Candidacy, Chapter nomination, letter of recommendation and letter of interest), and mailing or faxing the packet to me by no later than FRIDAY 23 JULY at 5pm. All candidates will also prepare and present a speech to the members at the summer conference.
We are looking forward to a smooth transition in the leadership team, and hope for the support of the region as we move forward in this most exciting and busy of years. Please let me know if you have any questions. And I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible this summer at North Idaho College.
Jody Peterson
May 26, 2010
Dear Greater Northwest Region,
It is with deepest regret that I must inform you that I am stepping down from my position as the 2010-2011 Regional President, effective immediately. My mother has been battling cancer in her head for several years, and over the last year and a half I have been her primary care provider. Her treatment and illness was at a manageable level that allowed me to balance my duties to the region, the chapter, and my personal life. Within the last month, my family and I found out that my mother’s tumor is growing again, and her illness presents unique challenges to treatment. She is now experiencing some pretty harsh symptoms and requires more assistance and as she moves forward in her treatment, she will require even more assistance.
I feel that if I continue to reside in my office, I will be doing a disservice to the region because I will not be able to give the region the attention that it deserves. I am stepping down from Phi Theta Kappa in addition to taking a break from my educational pursuits so that I can concentrate on taking care of my mother and my family. It has been my pleasure serving as your Regional President and I deeply apologize for any inconveniences this presents to the region. I hope to continue to be a resource to the region. At this time, I do plan on being at the Summer Conference, and the 2011 International Convention in Seattle to help out and participate in any way the region may need.
I am so proud of how strong and driven the 2010-2011 Regional Officers have been. I am fully confident that they will all be able to continue on and prepare this region to host one of the best International Conventions in Phi Theta Kappa history.
The Regional Officers are discussing the plans for addressing this vacancy and will be notifying the region shortly about how they wish to handle the situation. If you have any questions please feel free to contact your District Vice President or Jody Peterson.
Thank you,
Lorene Boyd | 
