In Ohio, members of the OEA-R Advisory Council guide a group of thousands of retirees. They are among the most active in the work of the Ohio Education Association – whether in support of political activity, professional development or advocacy to preserve economic security and retirement benefits.

Membership in OEA-Retired offers the opportunity for retired educators to keep informed about education and retirement issues, and to continue to be involved in OEA and NEA activities at the level the individual chooses.

The members of OEA-R elect by ballot: officers, district representatives, an ESP representative, a higher education representative, at-large representative and a representative to the OEA Board of Directors. This group, along with a newsletter editor and a representative to the Fund for Children and Public Education, comprises the OEA-R Advisory Council, which directs activities.

One of the main objectives of the organization is to promote district retirement organizations so that members can participate in programs closer to home.

Retired members also elect members to represent them at the OEA Representative Assembly and the NEA Representative Assembly.

OEA-R activities each year include a fall conference in Columbus and a spring conference held in one of the five OEA regions. The Spring OEA-Retired Spring Regional Conference was held May 18 at Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio.

You can join OEA-Retired online at www.nea.org/JoinNea. For more information about joining, contact the OEA Membership department, PO Box 2550, Columbus, OH 43216 or call 1-800-282-1500, ext. 4056.

President - David Bowen, Southeastern

Past President - Homer Adams, Northeastern

Vice President - John Hoyes, Eastern

Secretary - Marti Huss, Southwestern

Capital Rep - Marilyn Allen

Central Rep - Lee Schreiner

East Central Rep - Kathleen Purdy

Eastern Rep - Jack Boyd

North Central Rep - Mary Jane Schlairet

Northeastern Rep - Beryl Burkle

Northwestern Rep - Marjorie Castanien

Southeastern Rep - Christine McVicker

Southwestern Rep - Bob Beers

Western Rep - Jane Rahn

Educational Support Rep - Elaine Spondike

High Education Rep - Bonnie Harris

At-Large Rep - Carol Kinsey

OEA Director - Bill Sears

--------------------------------------------------------

NON-VOTING POSITIONS

Legislative - Chris Swank

Newsletter Editor - Bill Sears

FCPE - Carol Kinsey

Staff Liaison - Bill Otten

--------------------------------------------------------

Contact the Advisory Council at:  oearac@gmail.com