Step Up to Leadership at the League
By Laura Williamson, Nominating Committee Chair
The Nominating Committee has begun its work to develop a slate of Officers and Board members to present to the membership at the April 18, 2026 Annual Meeting (save the date!) At each Annual Meeting, the President, two Vice Presidents, and three Nominating Committee members are elected to one-year terms. The Secretary, Treasurer, and five Directors each serve for two years with staggered terms. In 2026, the membership will elect a Treasurer and two Board members to new two-year terms.
Sue Castleman is the LWVSPA Treasurer. I talked with her about her role.
Laura: Sue, what drew you to League leadership?
Sue: I joined LWVSPA in 2020 and was enjoying my work with the Membership Committee when the Treasurer role opened up. I was a leader in education in my professional career and in that role, and with other nonprofit organizations, had managed a sizable budget. I was eager to deepen my involvement in the League, and the strength of the Board inspired me to stay in the role for a second term.
Laura: You were first elected in 2022. What are you most proud of during your tenure?
Sue: First and foremost, the League is financially sound. We operate with a balanced budget. This fact is a tribute to the care and attention of our League leaders and our Membership. Our Membership supports the league by volunteering their time and energy and by contributing financially. League Leaders work closely with me to ensure our budget, and spending, have integrity.
An aspect of our operation that I focused on in my first term was scrutinizing our professional providers. We have a bookkeeper, a CPA, a financial manager, and financial institutions that are a good fit for the League’s needs. As the CFO for the organization, I focus on the League and oversee these experts in providing their services.
Laura: After 4 years in the role, you’ve decided to pass the baton to a successor. What advice do you have for members who are considering a role like Treasurer?
Sue: My advice is to jump in and get involved. A member doesn’t need to be an accountant to be a good Treasurer. The job requires good communication and organization skills, a penchant for process, and knowledge about nonprofit governance. My experience as an administrator and managing a budget helped a lot at the start, but some of the skills I learned on the job. Curiosity and a thirst for learning are important.
Laura: What’s next for you?
Sue: I’m co-chairing the Education Committee and will continue to do that while supporting the new Treasurer. I have great passion for the League’s work and will absolutely continue to be an active contributor.
Laura: Thank you for sharing your experience, Sue, and for your service. We’ve been in great hands under your leadership and you’ll be a great resource to your successor and the League for years to come.
Interested in a leadership role, or know a member that the Nominating Committee should consider?
View role descriptions and complete our leadership interest form below.