2009 Kentucky Association of the Deaf Board Officers
President Sharon White
Sharon D. White was born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. Currently, she resides in Frankfort, Kentucky. She is employed with the Kentucky's Education and Workforce Cabinet Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) as an Administrative Assistant to the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services Branch.
Sharon first became involved with Kentucky Association of the Deaf (KAD) in 2003. While working for the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH). Since 2003, Sharon has been the Secretary and the Treasurer for KAD and now the President. When Sharon first came on board in 2003, she was the first African- American to ever sit on the board in KAD history.
"As the first African-American Female to be part of this strong group of Advocates, I'm blessed to be here", Sharon said. "As your KAD President, my goals for KAD over the next two years will focus on improving the membership and providing more workshops to the community on a variety of issues. By working with other organizations; such as Hands and Voices, KY Adapt, KYRID those are just to name a few. I strongly believe in "Empowerment, Advocacy and Teamwork". As time moves on, so will KAD, we have to keep up with technology that is forever changing. I look forward to working with the new group of leaders within KAD and the future leaders of KAD!"
Sharon is also the newly Elected Secretary for National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA). Sharon first became involved with the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA) in 2003 working with an interest group on the establishment of a new chapter in Kentucky. Kentucky Black Deaf Advocates (KYBDA) became the Chapter #31 in 2005 and Sharon was elected as the first President. She is a member of the local Kentucky Black Deaf Advocates (KYBDA) chapter.
Obviously, Sharon is a woman of many talents doing all this in addition to her responsibilities for OVR, KAD and NBDA. Also, Sharon is the mother of 3 children and a grandmother of Lyric, London and Jamez!
--Sharon D. White
Vice President Arlen Finke
I was born and raised in Minnesota on a dairy farm. At the age of 4 or 5 my parents sold the farm to move to Minneapolis for my deaf education. I attended deaf oral school from kindergarten to 6th grade and then on to hearing school 7-12 grade (mainstreamed). I graduated from Gallaudet University majoring PE in 1967 and a M.A. in P.E. from Adelphi University in N.Y. My first job teaching P.E. was at Mill Neck Manor School for the Deaf in Long Island, NY. In 1973 I taught P.E. at KSD.
For a total of 34 years, I have taught P.E. and Health to deaf children and am now retired for 8 years. Running, biking, walking and volunteering are my interests.
As Vice President my goal would be to keep the deaf community informed and updated on KAD activities. Thank you for your trust in me.
--Arlen Finke
Secretary Rhonda Bodner
Hi, I'm Rhonda Bodner your Kentucky Association of the Deaf (KAD) Secretary. I was born in Danville, KY and attended KSD in 1965 and graduated KSD in 1978. During High School, I was involved with job experience and got a job at KSD. Work at KSD Outreach Department for 31 years. Mr. and Mrs. Garland Best encouraged me to join the KAD to be member. I've been a KAD member since 2004. Now I am the KAD Secretary. I would like to see KAD set up for the mini workshop and social for the people come and join the member. I also would like to see the middle age and young age people involve with KAD to continue for carry on from KAD's generations.
--Rhonda Bodner
Treasurer Bob Stuckey
Hi, I'm Robert "Bob" Stuckey. I am the new Treasurer for KAD and as the Treasurer I would like to expand fund raising ideas in order to keep KAD in a good financial shape for the future. I am from Louisville, KY with my wife Dawn, a cat and horse, not in our backyard. I work for Rauch, Inc. as a Community Support Specialist, I also teach ASL and GED with Jefferson County Adult Education Program.
--Bob Stuckey
Board Members:
Merry Jo Lewis
I want to "Thank you" all for your confidence in me. Voting for me as the Board Member is very special honor! I'll do my best to give my all to Kentucky Association of the Deaf (KAD) for the next two years. And also I want to send congratulations to all others as Board Members and Officers. I look forward to working with the new KAD Board for the next two years!
--Merry Jo
Rocky Smith
I'm from Wrigley at West Liberty, KY; I went attended both; public schools and Kentucky School for the Deaf (KSD). I've watched how the KAD Board and Officers do their work and I've been impressed!
This is my first time on the board, been a member for a few years. I have fresh ideas for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing of Kentucky and will do my very best to keep KAD on the run! I conserve everything the Deaf and Hard of Hearing need in their lives; whatever people need, I will share their ideas to the board and we'll work from there! I am a very outgoing person especially outdoors, I truly enjoy talking to people; old friends and making new friends -so if I see you, I will greet you! I look forward to meeting you!
--Rocky Smith
Cole Zulauf
D. Cole Zulauf, NAD and KAD member since 1977, had served several capacities within KAD organization, including President from 1995 to 2001. Also involved with USA Deaf Sports Federation (Deafylmpics) since 1958.
--Cole Zulauf
