Announcing Newly Elected Delta Gamma Fraternity Council and Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees  

For Immediate Release:  July 15, 2026
Email: media@deltagamma.org 

Columbus, Ohio [July 15, 2026]— Delta Gamma Fraternity and Delta Gamma Foundation are pleased to announce the 2026-28 Fraternity Council and 2026-27 Foundation Board of Trustees.   

Elected and installed at the 72nd Biennial Convention in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, Delta Gamma Fraternity announces the following members of the Fraternity Council.   

Fraternity President | Joanna Rosenow Shook, Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist 
Council Trustee: Collegians | Kristina Magovac, Delta Eta-Cal State, Sacramento 
Council Trustee: Alumnae | Dr. Melissa Thompson, Gamma Zeta-Louisiana State 
Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming | Leslie Jean Pedigo, Gamma Nu-North Texas
Council Trustee: Membership | Natalie Cooper Grindle, Gamma Sigma-Houston 
Council Trustee: Communications | Samantha McQuaig Siffring, Epsilon Nu-James Madison 
Fraternity Treasurer | Shenea Stephenson Strader, Eta Iota-Nevada, Reno  

“Our entire Council is honored to lead Delta Gamma during the next two years,” said Fraternity President Joanna Shook, Alpha Upsilon-Southern Methodist. “We are excited to listen, learn and respond to the needs of our members, ensuring our values of friendship, leadership and service come alive through meaningful experiences that move beyond participation to true belonging — for every member, in every season.”  

Delta Gamma Fraternity Council pictured left to right: Natalie Cooper Grindle, Samantha McQuaig Siffring, Kristina Magovac, Joanna Rosenow Shook, Dr. Melissa Thompson, Leslie Jean Pedigo and Shenea Stephenson Strader. 

The Delta Gamma Foundation voting members elected two Trustees to serve on the Board at the Foundation Annual Meeting, held during Delta Gamma’s 72nd Biennial Convention in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.   

Emily Poeschl, Kappa-Nebraska has been elected and Lee Deadwyler, Gamma Iota-DePauw was re-elected to serve as Trustees for the 2026-2029 term.   

Jennifer Surgalski, Zeta Sigma-Northern Kentucky, newly elected Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees Chair, said of the elected Trustees: “The Board of Trustees is delighted for Lee’s return to a second term, as well as welcome Emily as our newest Trustee. Both women have been dedicated Foundation leaders; Lee as a former Foundation staff member, seasoned Trustee and Board Secretary, and Emily as a Foundation Director. Each brings valuable professional experience to our Board. Lee is a passionate fundraising professional who has made a meaningful difference for over a decade across a variety of causes, and Emily has led marketing, communications, public affairs and partnership initiatives spanning business, higher education, non-profit and public service. The skills and passion of these women only strengthen our Board and the positive impact of our Foundation.” 

Poeschl and Deadwyler were elected and took their Oath of Office on June 26, 2026.  Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota, Mu-Missouri will continue to serve as Treasurer and Lee Deadwyler, Gamma Iota-DePauw will continue as Secretary. Heather Shirk Patrick, Gamma Sigma-Houston and Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Alpha Iota-Oklahoma continue as Trustees.   

Six elected members and three ex-officio members who serve concurrently in the roles of Delta Gamma Fraternity President, Fraternity Treasurer and Council Trustee: Fraternity Programming serve on the Foundation Board of Trustees to ensure the fulfillment of its philanthropic mission.  To learn more about the Delta Gamma Fraternity Council and Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees, click here.   

Delta Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees pictured left to right. Back row: Lee Deadwyler, Emily Poeschl, Shenea Stephenson Strader. Front row: Dr. Amy R. Ayres, Leslie Jean Pedigo, Jennifer Surgalski, Joanna Rosenow Shook, Heather Shirk Patrick, Dr. Cyndy Burroughs Cycyota.

About Delta Gamma: Delta Gamma Fraternity was founded in 1873 at Lewis School in Oxford, Mississippi. The Fraternity’s primary purpose is to foster high ideals of friendship, promote educational and cultural interests, create a true sense of social responsibility and develop the best qualities of character. Delta Gamma has more than 280,000 initiated members, 149 collegiate chapters and more than 170 alumnae groups. Delta Gamma Fraternity Executive Offices is in Columbus, Ohio. 

About Delta Gamma Foundation: Incorporated in 1951, the Delta Gamma Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed as a complement to the Delta Gamma Fraternity, creating a vehicle for members to promote the educational interests and social responsibility referenced in Article II of the Fraternity Constitution. The Delta Gamma Foundation fosters lifetime enrichment for members, promotes Service for Sight and partners with the Fraternity to ensure the future of our sisterhood.