Jean Hanson Knaak Named Treasurer
of the
American Association of
Family & Consumer Sciences
(Alexandria, Va. - July 14, 2008) — Jean Hanson Knaak, CFCS, president of Convergent Systems, Inc., was named treasurer of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) at the recent AAFCS 99th Annual Conference & Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In a formal installation ceremony, Knaak and other AAFCS officers for the fiscal year 2008-2009 were officially sworn in by Past President Bonnie Braun, CFCS, before an audience of nearly 900 members and other conference participants.
“It is a privilege to serve AAFCS during its 100th anniversary, which marks the recognition of home economics as a field of study that has made significant contributions to homes, families, and society,” said Knaak.
A long-time, active member of AAFCS, Knaak has served in numerous leadership roles, including chair of the AAFCS Annual Conference Committee and president of the Minnesota Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (MAFCS). She has also been a member of the AAFCS Development Committee and Communications Committee.
For seven years, she was also very involved at the national level with the American Vocational Association (now the Association for Career and Technical Education). She served as a regional vice-president and a three-year term of president-elect, president, and past president.
During Knaak’s more than 30 years of professional experience, she taught family and consumer sciences, was an area vocational director, and served in her current position as president of Convergent Systems, Inc. She has worked with vocational curriculum projects in Jamaica, Honduras, and Zimbabwe, as well as other consulting work.
In recognition of her service and accomplishments, Knaak has received many honors and awards. In 2003, Knaak was recognized as MAFCS’ Outstanding Professional. She has also received the Leaders Award from AAFCS and was honored as a Bush Leadership Fellow.
Knaak earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in home economics education from North Dakota State University and a doctoral degree in vocational education from the University of Minnesota.
Other officers for the 2008-2009 fiscal year are Shelly Nickols-Richardson, president; Marilyn R. Swierk, CFCS, president-elect; Susan S. Shockey, CFCS, director of affiliates; Sue Buck, CFCS, director-at-large; M. Virginia Richards, CFCS, director-at-large; Kay M. Wilder, CFCS, director-at-large; Megan L. Pritchett, Student Unit chair; Bonnie Braun, CFCS, past president; and Carolyn W. Jackson, CFCS, ex-officio, executive director.
About AAFCS
Founded in 1909, AAFCS is the only national not-for-profit
501 (c)(3) organization providing leadership and support
to FCS students and professionals in multiple practice
settings. FCS professionals help individuals, families,
and communities make informed decisions about their
well-being, relationships, and resources to achieve
optimal quality of life. AAFCS’ 7,000 members are
elementary, secondary, and post-secondary educators,
researchers, and administrators; Cooperative Extension
educators; and other professionals in business and
industry, not-for-profit organizations, and government.
With national headquarters based in Alexandria, Va.,
AAFCS has 52 affiliates located across the United
States and Puerto Rico.
Interviews/Quotes
For more information or to schedule an interview,
contact Gwynn Mason at 703-706-4600, ext. 4621, or
gmason@aafcs.org.
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