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6 | InTouch WINTER 2023 AGM 2023 REPORT AGM election update 2023 MDANZ held its annual general meeting at the end of April, and we would like to introduce you to the National Council’s newest members. The 2023 MDANZ Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 28th April via Zoom. National Executive Chairperson Trevor Jenkin presented his report and spoke to MDANZ’s response to its values – sustainable, empowering, connected and proactive Nominations were called for Vice Chairperson and three Councillor positions. Two nominations were received for the Vice Chairperson vacancy and five nominations were received for the three Councillor vacancies. Rebecca Poad was elected as Vice Chairperson and Jessica Anderson, Joy Jenkin (Northern Region) and Kim Russell (South Island Region) were elected as Councillors. I feel it is essential to have experienced South Island representation on the National Council, as local branches have been unable to form committees to represent South Island members for some time now. I am passionate about supporting membership engagement, building connections within our MDA community, ensuring long-term sustainable services, and advocating for members in these changing times. at the University of Waikato and am working towards my Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Data Analytics. I also have Diplomas in Web Development and Software Engineering. I am hoping to be able to use my IT skills to help MDANZ, as well as be a voice for our younger members of the organisation. Rebecca Poad I have been a member of MDANZ for twelve years, joining after my twin sons were diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition at age 11. I have served on the Northern and Canterbury committee and been the chairperson for the Canterbury committee and Canterbury Branch representative on the National Council. I rejoined National Council shortly after the 2022 AGM filling a vacant position, after a few years’ break focusing on my son’s changing health needs. Jessica Anderson My name is Jessica, and I am 29 going on 30 in the next couple of months. I was diagnosed with Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) 1A about 11 years ago, right after I finished high school. I’m the fourth generation (third with a diagnosis) in my family, to have the condition that no one’s ever heard of. For the previous two years, I have been serving as a committee member of the Northern Branch. I have also previously served on the governance body of my local church that I used to attend when I lived in Christchurch. I’m originally from Christchurch but moved to Hamilton in 2019 for a job. This was where I discovered the love and fascination for all things Data! In 2021, I decided to return to study and work towards my degree. I am currently studying part-time Joy Jenkin I joined MDANZ after my son was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in 2001 and have been secretary for the Northern Branch for the past 14 years. During my time on the northern branch I have organised family camps, Mums retreats, xmas parties etc. I was elected on National Council in 2019 and then re elected in 2021 and 2023. I am very passionate about the Association and love meeting other members and offering my support wherever and whenever I can. In all my decision making on national council my first thought is always “how will the members feel about this decision? And how will it affect our members. Obviously I won’t be able to please everyone but I try to do the best I can for the members.