The National Council is a group of elected volunteer leaders who direct our sorority, Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc. National Council members run for office and are elected to two-year terms. The election takes place at our biennial convention. Here’s a list of our current National Council members, a link to their official bios, and a few fun conversation starters for your next in-person or online encounter.

Marsha King Grady, National President Alpha Upsilon, University of Alabama Official Bio    Childhood ambition: Anything that required business suits Would like to dine with: Alpha Chi Omega’s seven founders Why: To learn about the challenges they faced and how in the world they got to remote places like Pullman, Washington to found new chapters in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Favorite quote: “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” ~Source unknown Not on her resume: Once had a pet pig named Henrietta.

Diane Wilson Blackwelder, National Vice President Omicron, Baker University Official Bio    Childhood ambition: Actress, French interpreter at the United Nations, teacher Would like to dine with: Amelia Earhart Why: She was ahead of the times, yet respected and admired for her quest and ability to look beyond what were customary expectations for women. Favorite quote: “More victories are won through planning and preparation than in the heat of the battle.” ~Ulysses S. Grant Not on her resume: Makes awesome yeast rolls from an old family recipe.

Angela Costley Harris, National Vice President Alpha Beta, Purdue University Official Bio    Childhood ambition: First Lady of the United States (all the perks of the presidency without having to wrestle with Congress!) Would like to dine with: Used to be: Eleanor Roosevelt. Now: Michelle Obama Why: See childhood ambition. Favorite quote: “Don’t get into long-term situations with short-term personalities.” ~ESPN Radio host Colin Cowherd Not on her resume: Distant cousin of Abraham Lincoln.

Jennifer Diederich Healy, National Vice President Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University Official Bio   Childhood ambition: President of the United States and army general. “I was very upset when my dad told me I’d have to resign my commission to be President.” Would like to dine with: Princess Diana Why: I so admired her sense of philanthropy, her daring, and the ‘real person’ face she brought to England and the Royal Family. Also, I’d want to talk her into alum initiation into Alpha Chi Omega! Favorite quote: “All that remains for the forces of evil to succeed is for one good man to do nothing.” ~Edmund Burke Not on her resume: Can imitate almost any accent.

Lee Bradford Lucas, National Vice President Gamma Chi, Stetson University Official Bio    Childhood ambition: Corporate attorney Would like to dine with: My maternal grandfather Why: He passed away when my mother was seven years old. Many people have told me he was an extremely intelligent, compassionate man that everyone loved and respected. Favorite quote: “Nothing that other people can do to you can harm you enough to cancel out the benefit you bestow on yourself by acting rightly.” ~Socrates Not on her resume: Her guacamole is to die for.

Mary McMurtry Winkler, National Vice President Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University Official Bio    Childhood ambition: Nurse Would like to dine with: Mother Teresa Why: I don’t know any person in modern times who has been so completely selfless. Favorite quote: “He is no fool to give up that which he can not keep to gain that which he can not lose.” ~Jim Elliot Not on her resume: The childhood ambition above is “really comical because I pass out at the sight of blood and have a phobia about going to any doctor or hospital!”