The LDC operates independently of the Board and other committees and has 3 primary roles:
- to prepare a diverse, inclusive, and representative candidate list of congregation members for election of Board and LDC members
- to identify members with leadership potential and both encourage and support their skills and involvement in congregational affairs
- to develop an annual leadership training plan
Current Members of the LDC:
Martha Nicoloff has been a member of OUUC since 2010. She has participated in and facilitated several Soul Matters groups (formerly Circles of the Spirit), served as member and chair of the Adult Education committee, taught in the Spirit Play classroom, and served on the Board of Trustees. She is currently a member of the Healthy Congregations Team. Martha shares her home with her husband and two cats, and her yard with deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds and other partners in our interdependent web of life.
Nancy Curtiss is a retired educator and high school counselor. An OUUC member since 2008, she moved to Olympia from Arlington, WA, where she and her husband Denys belonged to Evergreen UU Fellowship. She served on the Share the Plate, Social Action, and Stewardship committees. She is currently co-leading a Soul Matters Group, preparing Meals for the Shelter, and is a member of the Welcome Team and the OUUC Buddhist group. She is a co-leader of the local chapter of RESULTS, an advocacy movement committed to influencing political decisions that will bring an end to poverty. She believes each of us is a leader in our own right with gifts to develop and share in covenant with one another.
Josie Solseng joined OUUC in 2014. The UU principle of the inherent worth and dignity of every person inspires and touches her deeply. Josie served on the Pastoral Care Team for 8 years and designed its brochure. She has also been part of the Books, Brownies, and Beans committee, serving for 5 years as the Internal Communications Lead. She has participated in worship services as a musician and guest presenter. Currently, she participates in the Sewing Ministry, the Auction, Caring Friends, Community Dinners, and the Buddhist Sangha.
Des McGahern, a native of Ireland, has been living in Olympia for 26 years. Des and his wife Martha have been members of OUUC since 1999. He has a background in leadership development and operations management. He served as a member of the Board of Trustees as well as on other committees throughout his time at OUUC.
Cheryl Tafejian joined OUUC in 2007. She has been a member of the Pastoral Care and Welcome teams and has helped with both the auction and Books, Brownies, and Beans. Since retiring as an elementary school teacher, Cheryl has more time for swimming, yoga, and square dancing, and she enjoys traveling, especially to California and New York to visit family.
