Marilyn Swierk Named President-Elect
of the
American Association of
Family & Consumer Sciences
(Alexandria, Va. - October 27, 2008) — Marilyn R. Swierk, MS, CFCS, CFLE, president of MS Innovations, consultant, author, and speaker, was named president-elect of the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) at the AAFCS 99th Annual Conference & Expo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in June. In a formal installation ceremony, Swierk 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.
“AAFCS is a unique, synergistic, and research-based association that supports the work of professionals who improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. As we celebrate the AAFCS Centennial next June and begin our second century with professional pride, we realize that our work has and will always be universally relevant and far reaching, especially during these trying economic times,” said Swierk.
A long-time AAFCS member and strong advocate for family and consumer sciences (FCS) education, Swierk has previously served on the AAFCS Board of Directors and in many other national leadership roles for AAFCS and education-related organizations. Most recently, she was director-at-large on the AAFCS Board and chair of the AAFCS Elementary, Secondary, and Adult Education Section. She currently serves as vice president of programming for Prepare Tomorrow’s Parents.
Prior to starting MS Innovations and consulting, Swierk taught family and consumer sciences at the secondary school level for 29 years in Rhode Island. She has been recognized for her innovative educational programs, service, and leadership with numerous awards and honors, including the AAFCS National Teacher of the Year Award, AAFCS Leaders Award, Senator Claiborne Pell Award as Rhode Island’s Outstanding Home Economics Teacher, Presidential Service Award, and University of Rhode Island Alumni Excellence Award in Education.
Swierk has authored a number of publications, such as Nurturing Brain Development, Parent and Home Involvement, A Guide to Service Learning, and The Boy Scouts of America Family Life Guide. She also regularly contributes to textbooks, professional magazines, and journals.
Other officers for the 2008-2009 fiscal year are Shelly Nickols-Richardson, president; Jean Hanson Knaak, CFCS, treasurer; 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’ more than 6,000 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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