Our Leadership

Delta Gamma provides volunteer opportunities for alumnae to continue their membership journey and guide the direction and future of the Fraternity and Foundation. Our Fraternity Council is elected by the Delta Gamma membership at each biennial Convention. The Foundation Board of Trustees is elected by voting members.

2024-26 Fraternity Council

Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Alpha Iota-Oklahoma

Fraternity President
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Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Alpha Iota-Oklahoma

Fraternity President

Dr. Amy Ayres serves as vice president for student affairs and Title IX coordinator at Oklahoma City University. With 28 years’ experience in higher education, Amy has made it her life work to support and develop college students through student success initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and connection. She received her Doctor of Education degree at the University of North Texas. Amy was elected to her second term as Fraternity President in 2024 and prior to being President, she served as Council Trustee: Collegians. In her role as Fraternity President, Amy also serves on the Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees and as the National Panhellenic Conference Delegate. She was collegiate chapter president at the University of Oklahoma and then traveled for two years as a Collegiate Development Consultant. Before serving on Fraternity Council, Amy served in a number of leadership roles for Delta Gamma. Amy currently lives in Oklahoma City with her dogs and cats. She enjoys going to concerts and supporting locally owned shops and restaurants.

Kristina Magovac

Kristina Magovac

Delta Eta-Cal State, Scramento

Council Trustee: Collegians
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Kristina Magovac

Kristina Magovac

Delta Eta-Cal State, Scramento

Council Trustee: Collegians

Kristina, an initiate of Delta Eta-Cal State, Sacramento, has held various volunteer roles, including Council Appointed Coordinator, Fraternity Director: Chapter Advancement, Region 8 Nominating Committee representative, Regional Collegiate Specialist, advisory team chair, among numerous collegiate advisory roles and collegiate chapter president. Over the past 15 years, she has participated in numerous committees and special projects. She is a proud recipient of the Cable Award and a member of Sacramento alumnae chapter. Kristina began her career as a professional makeup artist. As a licensed esthetician, she expanded her knowledge and offerings within the industry and has a passion for all things beauty. Over the past decade, Kristina has gained success within human capital management (HCM) sales organizations. She currently leads a northern California team as a sales director. She and her long-term boyfriend, Luis, live in Sacramento with their cat Leo. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, sporting events and working on her home.

Dr. Melissa Thompson

Dr. Melissa Thompson

Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State

Council Trustee: Alumnae
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Dr. Melissa Thompson

Dr. Melissa Thompson

Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State

Council Trustee: Alumnae

Dr. Melissa Thompson is a partner at a consulting firm, Success Labs, where she leverages her expertise in communication, strategic planning and leadership development for clients in industries including healthcare, manufacturing and higher education. Melissa currently serves as an organizer of TEDxBatonRouge and is an adjunct faculty member at the Louisiana State University E.J. Ourso College of Business. She received her bachelor’s degree in communication studies from LSU and her master’s and doctorate in communication theory from the University of Memphis. She is a board member of the Louisiana Art and Science Museum, a founding member of the Echo Alliance supporting Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and a sustaining member of the Junior League of Baton Rouge. Originally from Searcy, Arkansas, Melissa made Baton Rouge her permanent home in 2012. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, her boyfriend, Patrick, and their sweet pups, Tallulah and Freddie.

Shenea Stephenson Strader

Shenea Stephenson Strader

Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno

Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming
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Shenea Stephenson Strader

Shenea Stephenson Strader

Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno

Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming

Shenea hails from Reno, Nevada, where she lives with her husband, Chris, their five-year-old twins, Siena and Silas, and their two dogs, Cooper and Chloe. She is an establishing member of Eta Iota chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has delighted in volunteering for Delta Gamma at the local and regional levels for over 15 years. Shenea is an active volunteer with her alma mater, having served on the Alumni Council since 2017 in various capacities and currently as president. She is president and CEO of her family’s management service organization, Obviate, and has over a decade of experience in the corporate space. She enjoys traveling, treasures volunteering for Delta Gamma and her university and loves to spend time with her family.

Natalie Cooper Grindle

Natalie Cooper Grindle

Gamma Sigma-Houston

Council Trustee: Membership
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Natalie Cooper Grindle

Natalie Cooper Grindle

Gamma Sigma-Houston

Council Trustee: Membership

Natalie joined Gamma Sigma chapter through Continuous Open Bidding (COB) in spring 2004. As a collegian, she served as vp: Foundation, two terms as vp: membership and as a member of Honor Board. Upon graduation, Natalie traveled as a Collegiate Development Consultant. She considers her time traveling the country for our Fraternity to be instrumental in shaping her personality and leadership skills. As an alumna, Natalie has served as a membership adviser, Collegiate Recruitment Consultant, Panhellenic Support Specialist, Regional Collegiate Recruitment Specialist and a facilitator for Alcohol Skills Training Program (ASTP) and other programs in DG. Natalie most recently served the Fraternity as the Region 6 Regional Collegiate Specialist. She is a proud Texas native, growing up on the coast in a town called Bay City. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Houston with bachelor’s degrees in marketing and management and a minor in Spanish. She has worked in energy trading and marketing for fifteen years, including liquified natural gas, natural gas, power and environmental products. Natalie lives in Houston, Texas, with her son Cooper and three dogs, Lola, Teddy Rex and Vada. In her spare time, she enjoys watching Cooper play baseball, traveling with friends and family, enjoying live music and indulging in the arts when possible.

Samantha McQuaig Siffring

Samantha McQuaig Siffring

Epsilon Nu-James Madison

Council trustee: Communications
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Samantha McQuaig Siffring

Samantha McQuaig Siffring

Epsilon Nu-James Madison

Council trustee: Communications

Samantha is an initiate of Epsilon Nu chapter at James Madison University. She has a B.S. in psychology and marketing and an M.A. in counseling. Professionally, Samantha and her sister Brenna, Delta Kappa-South Florida, built and run a million-dollar business providing marketing coaching and consulting for women-owned small businesses. Samantha also hosts the Simple Online Business podcast and is the author of “Copy That Compels,” a guide to content creation for small businesses. As a volunteer for Delta Gamma, Samantha has served locally in nearly every adviser position, as alumnae chapter president and vp: communications, and as house corporation secretary. She has served region 7 as Regional Collegiate Recruitment Specialist and Nominating Committee Representative. Samantha most recently served as Director: Extension and as the volunteer lead of a subcommittee working to create a comprehensive communications plan for the Fraternity. She lives in Colorado with her husband, Stuart, their three children, Reid, Oliver and Lila, their dog, Chloe and their cat, Greta. Samantha loves traveling, reading (mostly romance novels), antiquing and cheering for the Denver Nuggets.

Susan Meyer Kornegay

Susan Meyer Kornegay

Eta-Akron

Fraternity Treasurer
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Susan Meyer Kornegay

Susan Meyer Kornegay

Eta-Akron

Fraternity Treasurer

Initiated at Eta-Akron in 1966, Susan has served as house corporation president and treasurer, chapter operations adviser, Regional Finance Specialist, Regional Director and currently as Fraternity Treasurer. She credits her election as a collegiate chapter treasurer for her decision to switch from teaching high school French and English to what became a 38-year career in financial services. She retired in 2022, closing the coaching and consulting business she and her son, Adam, started in 2009. Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Akron and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Covenant Seminary. She also completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Susan and her husband Jerry are active in their local church and enjoy University of Tennessee theatre productions, road trips in their campervan and family time with Adam, daughter-in-law Amy and grandchildren Abby and Ben.

2025-26 Foundation Board of Trustees

Jennifer (Jenn) Stuart Ragusa

Jennifer (Jenn) Stuart Ragusa

Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside

Chair
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Jennifer (Jenn) Stuart Ragusa

Jennifer (Jenn) Stuart Ragusa

Zeta Lambda-UC Riverside

Chair

Jenn’s journey within Delta Gamma has been marked by various leadership roles, from serving as a Delta Gamma PRO, Foundation Ambassador, Regional Director, Regional Collegiate Specialist, advisory team chair, Collegiate Recruitment Consultant, and Collegiate Development Consultant, reflecting her deep connection to Delta Gamma. Professionally, she thrives in real estate, where she and her husband, Dave, lead an award-winning team serving San Diego and La Jolla, CA. As a passionate volunteer in numerous San Diego organizations, she was honored as San Diego’s Volunteer of the Year for her commitment to the community. Jenn loves cheering on her teenagers in sports and life. Spreading joy is important to Jenn and serving on the BOT allows her to achieve this goal as well as amplify Delta Gamma’s impact. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the Do Good Sisterhood and for her family’s support.

Lee C. Deadwyler

Lee C. Deadwyler

Gamma Iota-DePauw

Secretary
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Lee C. Deadwyler

Lee C. Deadwyler

Gamma Iota-DePauw

Secretary

Lee Deadwyler is a fundraising professional whose career began at the DG Foundation working with young alumnae and collegiate donors, as well as Service for Sight . Lee is currently the mid-level giving manager for the Center for Reproductive Rights, where she manages fundraising and stewardship for the Center’s Advocates Council. Lee has been a volunteer within DG for the Delta Zeta House Corporation, the Columbus alumnae chapter, and as the Region 2 Regional Housing Specialist. She has received many opportunities through the Foundation, including scholarships, LeaderShape and the 2020 Hope Serving trip to Marrakech. She is excited for the opportunity to give back to our Fraternity and Foundation, which she credits for much of her personal and professional leadership development.

Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota

Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota

Mu-Missouri

Treasurer
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Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota

Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota

Mu-Missouri

Treasurer

Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota, Mu ’76, is a professor emerita of strategic management at the United States Air Force Academy. Before academia, she was a CPA manager with two international accounting firms and a bank vice president. Cyndy has been very involved in community service, serving on several local and national non-profit boards and several Delta Gamma positions, including the Service for Sight Grants committee, ASTP facilitator, and CFA for Beta Chapter at the University of Washington. Cyndy and her family strongly believe in supporting organizations that develop young people as engaged citizens. Cyndy, her husband Tom, a past president of Delta Sigma Phi, and their border collie, Gus, split their time between Breckenridge and Seattle.

Jennifer Surgalski

Jennifer Surgalski

Zeta Sigma-Northern Kentucky

Trustee
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Jennifer Surgalski

Jennifer Surgalski

Zeta Sigma-Northern Kentucky

Trustee

Jennifer is at the forefront of innovative Dallas Cowboys business partnerships and strategic projects, including stadium naming rights, its headquarters and training facility, record-breaking sponsorship revenue, and expansive stadium enhancements – as well as unique ventures in co-working, esports, fitness, luxury residential, private hospitality and restaurant/retail. As Chief of Strategy for the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation, she helped establish a museum and leadership institute to perpetuate the legacy of our nation’s highest military recognition. Her contributions span business strategy, brand development and experience, architectural and exhibition design, fundraising strategy and milestone events. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Northern Kentucky University, and both a Master of Business Administration and Master of Sports Administration from Ohio University.

Catherine (Kim) Schmoker Hunnewell

Catherine (Kim) Schmoker Hunnewell

Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist

Trustee
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Catherine (Kim) Schmoker Hunnewell

Catherine (Kim) Schmoker Hunnewell

Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist

Trustee

Kim is currently serving her second term on the Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees. She previously served Delta Gamma as Regional Foundation Coordinator for Region 5 and in local advisory team positions. Kim also served on the Board of Trustees at Saint Thomas Academy, co-chairing their capital campaign and as president of the Junior League of Minneapolis (JLM). Kim comes from a family of dedicated Delta Gammas. She is the granddaughter of Helen Catherine Davis Stuart (H.K. Stuart Spirit of Service Award), the daughter of Catherine “Kit” Stuart Schmoker (Schmoker Principled Alumna Leadership Award) and the proud aunt of DG nieces Maggie and Katie. She and husband Willard live in Minneapolis, MN and have four boys.

Heather Shirk Patrick

Heather Shirk Patrick

Gamma Pi-Roanoke

Trustee
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Heather Shirk Patrick

Heather Shirk Patrick

Gamma Pi-Roanoke

Trustee

Heather has spent twenty years in the non-profit community serving at the local, regional, and national levels of healthcare non-profits. A versatile and strategic leader, she has a keen ability to leverage insights and analysis to build mission programs with maximum impact performing at elevated levels of effectiveness and efficiency. Heather is currently the President and CEO of Prevent Blindness Texas. She is focused on leading a team across Texas to elevate vision care, educate individuals about risk, and advocate for improved access to care for clients. In 2019, Heather was awarded the Women Who Mean Business Award by the Houston Business Journal for outstanding leadership and excellence in the Nonprofit Industry, and in 2025, she was recognized by the Houston Business Journal as one of the Most Admired CEOs in the Greater Houston area. She has been a part of the Fraternity since 1993 and has served in leadership roles throughout of the 20+ years she has been in Delta Gamma.

Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Alpha Iota-Oklahoma

Fraternity President
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Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Dr. Amy R. Ayres

Alpha Iota-Oklahoma

Fraternity President

Dr. Amy Ayres serves as vice president for student affairs and Title IX coordinator at Oklahoma City University. With 28 years’ experience in higher education, Amy has made it her life work to support and develop college students through student success initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and connection. She received her Doctor of Education degree at the University of North Texas. Amy was elected to her second term as Fraternity President in 2024 and prior to being President, she served as Council Trustee: Collegians. In her role as Fraternity President, Amy also serves on the Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees and as the National Panhellenic Conference Delegate. She was collegiate chapter president at the University of Oklahoma and then traveled for two years as a Collegiate Development Consultant. Before serving on Fraternity Council, Amy served in a number of leadership roles for Delta Gamma. Amy currently lives in Oklahoma City with her dogs and cats. She enjoys going to concerts and supporting locally owned shops and restaurants.

Shenea Stephenson Strader

Shenea Stephenson Strader

Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno

Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming
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Shenea Stephenson Strader

Shenea Stephenson Strader

Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno

Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming

Shenea hails from Reno, Nevada, where she lives with her husband, Chris, their five-year-old twins, Siena and Silas, and their two dogs, Cooper and Chloe. She is an establishing member of Eta Iota chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has delighted in volunteering for Delta Gamma at the local and regional levels for over 15 years. Shenea is an active volunteer with her alma mater, having served on the Alumni Council since 2017 in various capacities and currently as president. She is president and CEO of her family’s management service organization, Obviate, and has over a decade of experience in the corporate space. She enjoys traveling, treasures volunteering for Delta Gamma and her university and loves to spend time with her family.

Susan Meyer Kornegay

Susan Meyer Kornegay

Eta-Akron

Fraternity Treasurer
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Susan Meyer Kornegay

Susan Meyer Kornegay

Eta-Akron

Fraternity Treasurer

Initiated at Eta-Akron in 1966, Susan has served as house corporation president and treasurer, chapter operations adviser, Regional Finance Specialist, Regional Director and currently as Fraternity Treasurer. She credits her election as a collegiate chapter treasurer for her decision to switch from teaching high school French and English to what became a 38-year career in financial services. She retired in 2022, closing the coaching and consulting business she and her son, Adam, started in 2009. Susan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Akron and a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Covenant Seminary. She also completed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification. Susan and her husband Jerry are active in their local church and enjoy University of Tennessee theatre productions, road trips in their campervan and family time with Adam, daughter-in-law Amy and grandchildren Abby and Ben.

Delta Gamma Executive Offices

Delta Gamma Executive Offices’ mission is to advance the values of Delta Gamma Fraternity by providing professional expertise, purpose-driven support and passionate commitment to members, friends and colleagues in the interest of doing good. Learn more about Executive Offices.