Meet the Candidates for the KAECE Annual Election December 2025

Derek Holmes
Nov 12
3 min read

The KAECE annual election is approaching, scheduled from December 1 to December 14, 2025. This event is a key moment for all members to participate in shaping the leadership that will guide the organization in the coming year. Voting is open to all members, and your voice matters. This year’s ballot includes three important positions: Vice President, Vice President of Programs, and Secretary. Each candidate brings unique experience and dedication to their role, even though all are running unopposed.

Vice President Candidate: Karen Thompson

Karen Thompson is the sole candidate for Vice President this year. Her commitment to KAECE and its mission has been evident through her active involvement in various committees and initiatives. Karen has a strong background in community engagement and leadership development, which she plans to bring to the Vice President role.

Karen’s vision focuses on strengthening member connections and expanding outreach programs. She believes that by fostering collaboration among members, KAECE can achieve greater impact in its projects and advocacy efforts.

Her experience includes:

Leading & Directing the Appalachian Early Childhood Network .
Coordinating volunteer efforts that supported local education programs.
Nearly 40 years of involvement in Early Childhood Education.

Karen’s approach is hands-on and inclusive, aiming to build a supportive environment where every member feels valued and heard.

Vice President of Programs Candidate: Susan Allen

Susan Allen is running unopposed for the Vice President of Programs position. Susan is currently the program director for the IECE department of Jefferson Community & Technical College in Louisville. She has a proven track record in program management and development, making her a natural fit for this role. Susan’s focus is on creating engaging, educational, and impactful programs that align with KAECE’s goals.

Her key priorities include:

Expanding professional development opportunities for members.
Introducing new workshops that address current challenges in the community.
Serving as the Project Manager for the annual KAECECON Conference.

Susan has successfully served one term in this position. Her ability to organize and execute complex projects ensures that KAECE’s programs will continue to grow and serve members effectively.

Secretary Candidate: Jean Schirtzinger

A recent graduate of Northern Kentucky University, Jean Schirtzinger is the candidate for Secretary, also running unopposed. Jean brings meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills to the position. The Secretary role is crucial for maintaining accurate records, managing communications, and supporting the smooth operation of the organization.

Jean’s qualifications include:

A great attention to detail and proper organization.
Skilled in managing meeting minutes, official documents, and member communications.
A commitment to transparency and timely information sharing.

Jean has been a wonderful addition to KAECE in recent years and has exhibited exemplary service in many areas since her arrival. Her goal as Secretary is to ensure that all members have clear access to meeting outcomes and organizational updates, fostering trust and engagement throughout KAECE.

Why Your Vote Matters

Even though these candidates are running unopposed, casting your ballot is essential. Voting demonstrates your support for the leadership team and your commitment to KAECE’s future. It also helps validate the election process and encourages continued member involvement.

By participating, you contribute to:

Confirming the leadership team’s mandate.
Showing appreciation for the candidates’ dedication.
Strengthening the democratic process within the organization.

How to Cast Your Ballot

Voting will be open from December 1 through December 14, 2025. Members will receive instructions via email on how to access the ballot online. Voting is reserved for members only, so now is a wonderful time to consider joining KAECE or ensuring your membership is current and up to date. New members can take advantage of the current membership discount ($45.00) running now through the end of the year. Go to mykaece.org/membership to begin your membership application.

Make sure to:

Check your email for the voting link as the election window draws closer.
Review candidate information carefully before voting.
Submit your ballot before the deadline to ensure it counts.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming leadership team has a clear path to build on KAECE’s successes and address new challenges. With Karen Thompson, Susan Allen, and Jean Schirtzinger serving in these positions, members can expect focused efforts on engagement, program growth, and organizational efficiency.

Your participation in this election helps set the tone for a productive year ahead. Take a few minutes to vote and support the leaders ready to serve you.