Leadership at OLLI
Leadership at OLLI takes many forms.
OLLI at FSU is strengthened by members who choose to take an active role in our learning community. Leadership can begin by welcoming members as a Class Host, helping with an event, organizing an activity, or bringing people together around a shared interest.
Other members serve as club leaders, committee members and chairs, Member Representatives, or officers of the Advisory Council. Together, these volunteers bring member perspectives, ideas, talents and experience to the programs and activities that make OLLI possible.
A Message from Our President
2026-27 Academic Year
Greetings, fellow OLLI members and prospective members. I am very pleased and honored to have been chosen to serve as your President for the upcoming 2026-27 academic year.
Our OLLI chapter is in the midst of celebrating 35 years of service and carries with it a tradition of excellence that continues to this day. With our classes, activities, travel, social events, and more, we enrich the lives of our members and give back to our community, both directly and indirectly. Please consider giving some of your time to help make it happen. Volunteers are the engines that drive the OLLI train.
As we move forward through my term I look forward to meeting many of you, getting your feedback and input on our programs and hearing your suggestions on how we can make OLLI at FSU even better.
Kent Putnam
OLLI President 2026-27
Leadership Begins with Getting Involved
There are opportunities for every level of time, interest and experience.
Support a Class
Class Hosts welcome members, assist instructors, share announcements and help create a smooth and welcoming classroom experience.
Bring People Together
Organize an activity, lead a club, plan a field trip or create opportunities for members to connect around shared interests.
Serve on a Committee
Contribute your experience and ideas to curriculum, communications, philanthropy, member satisfaction, outreach, volunteering and other areas.
Help Guide OLLI
Member Representatives, committee chairs and Advisory Council officers provide member perspective and help support OLLI's continued growth and success.
OLLI leadership and volunteers at our annual appreciation luncheon. Photos by Bob O'Lary.
Leadership Grows Through Participation
OLLI is strongest when members bring their interests, experience and ideas to the program.
You don't have to begin with a title or a major commitment. Volunteer for an event, support a class, help with a project or join a committee. Many of OLLI's longtime leaders began simply by saying yes to something that interested them.
Member Representatives
Member Representatives help members feel connected to OLLI. They are available to answer questions, welcome and introduce members, share feedback and ideas, and help you make the most of your OLLI experience.
Representatives also serve members attending classes at select off-site locations, including Westminster Oaks and Red Hills Village.
If you see a Member Representative at a class or OLLI event, please introduce yourself. They are there to be a resource for you.
Your Member Representatives
Bob Bass
David Norman
Laura Morris
Red Hills Village
Leslie Cahn
Rose Goodson
Mary Anne Price
Westminster Oaks
How OLLI Leadership Is Structured
OLLI's leadership structure brings together elected and appointed member leaders, committee and program leaders, Member Representatives and professional staff. Each plays a different role in supporting programs, representing members and helping OLLI plan for the future.
Advisory Council Voting Members
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Kent Putnam | President |
| Vicki Holley | First Vice President; Co-Chair, Curriculum & Special Lectures Committee |
| Cindy Foster | Second Vice President; Chair, Scholarship Committee |
| Debbie Justice-Obley | Immediate Past President; Chair, Public Outreach Committee |
| David Norman | Member Representative |
| Rose Goodson | Member Representative |
| Bob Bass | Member Representative |
| Mary Anne Price | Member Representative, Westminster Oaks |
| Laura Morris | Member Representative, Red Hills Village |
| Leslie Cahn | Member Representative |
| Carroll Bewley | Chair, Philanthropy Committee |
| Harriet Waas | Philanthropy Committee; Co-Chair, Curriculum & Special Lectures Committee; Co-Chair, Member Satisfaction Committee |
| Cindy Foster | Chair, Scholarship Committee |
| Marsha VandenDooren | Chair, Volunteer Committee |
| Fran Conaway | Chair, Communications & Marketing Committee |
| Susan Yelton | Chair, Society of Past Presidents |
| Linda Fairbanks | Chair, Succession Planning Committee |
| Susan Yelton | Co-Chair, Member Satisfaction Committee |
Clubs, Activities & Program Leaders
| Name | Leadership Role |
|---|---|
| Lori Gormin | Co-Chair, Monday Book Club |
| Mary Stephenson | Co-Chair, Monday Book Club |
| Susan Barnes | Co-Chair, Wednesday Book Club |
| Carol de Jarnette | Co-Chair, Wednesday Book Club |
| Marie Clewis | Chair, Field Trips, Culture & Activities |
| Frank Alarcon | Co-Chair, Men's Group |
| Carroll Bewley | Co-Chair, Men's Group |
| Vicki Holley | Chair, Walking Club |
| Harriet Waas | Co-Chair, Travel Club |
| George Waas | Co-Chair, Travel Club |
| Laura Morris | Chair, Spanish Club |
| Margaret McColley | Chair, French Club |
| James Brown | Chair, Photography Club |
| Bill Bryant | Chair, Lunch Discussion Roundtable |
| Denise Zabelski-Sever | Co-Chair, Social Committee |
| Renae Mapstone | Co-Chair, Social Committee |
| Nancy Norman | Co-Chair, Social Committee |
OLLI Staff & Support Non-Voting Members
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Debra Herman | OLLI Executive Director |
| Sharon Larson | Recording Secretary |
| Stefanie Hartsfield | Program Coordinator |
| Mary Beth Trifiletti | OLLI Business Associate |
Interested in Getting More Involved?
You don't need previous leadership experience to make a meaningful contribution to OLLI.
Start with something that interests you. Support a class, help at an event, share an idea, join a committee, lead an activity or explore a larger leadership role.