Elizabeth Farrell Society
Read about the history of Elizabeth Farrell and the Society in a blog post by CEC Past President, Dr. William K. Bogdan.
Elizabeth Farrell Society membership is extended to supporters who make or pledge a lifetime donation or legacy donation of $10,000 or more. The pledge can be honored through cumulative annual donations, one-time donations, or through a legacy gift/bequest.
In addition, members will receive the following benefits:
- Prominent recognition on a plaque located at the CEC headquarters;
- Annual invitation to an exclusive Elizabeth Farrell Society reception at the CEC Convention;
- Personal correspondence from the CEC executive director and president announcing new programs and initiatives;
- Recognition on the CEC website and other Society communication;
- Customized recognition and stewardship opportunities.
For more information on the Elizabeth Farrell Society, please contact:
giving@exceptionalchildren.org
(703) 264-9444
MEMBERS OF THE ELIZABETH FARRELL SOCIETY
BILL BOGDAN
Joined in 2022
Bill began his journey in special education as a teacher in the 1970s and became passionate about CEC as it defined its visionary leadership role in supporting the positive interpretation and implementation of the IDEA. Bill has served 30+ years in administrative leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels. While serving as CEC President (1999-2000), the organization underwent a radical governance transformation. From that experience to today, Bill has been enriched by CEC and its vision for advancing “High-quality education that is inclusive and equitable for individuals with disabilities.” Bill most recently served as chair of the Leadership Development Program Subcommittee, Leadership Development Committee and currently serves as chair of the CEC Fundraising and Development Committee.
CHRISTY CHAMBERS BURKE
Joined in 2022
As the Chair of the 100th Anniversary Planning Workgroup, Christy became even more familiar with the pioneering work of Elizabeth Ferrell and leapt at the opportunity to be a founding member of the Elizabeth Ferrell Society. She has been a member of CEC for over 50 years and a longtime supporter of CEC and the Yes I Can Program. Christy started her career as a middle school teacher of children with disabilities in her hometown, Spring Valley, Illinois before becoming a School Superintendent of large county special education agencies, and now coordinates programs for the oldest early childhood system in Hawaii. Christy is past president of CASE and was the 2013 President of CEC.
MARY RUTH COLEMAN
Joined in 2022
Mary Ruth Coleman, Ph.D., Senior Scientist Emeritus, FPG Child Development Institute, UNC-Chapel Hill, directs Project U-STAR~PLUS (Using Science, Talents and Abilities to Recognize Students – Promoting Learning in Underrepresented Students). She has numerous publications including “Educating Exceptional Children, 15th” with Samuel A. Kirk, and James J. Gallagher and “Implementing RtI with Gifted Students” with Susan Johnsen. She served three terms (9 years) on the Board of NAGC; two terms (6 years) on the Board of the Council for Exceptional Children, she was president of CEC in 2007. She was inducted into the 2017 “Hall of Fame Leaders in 2e Students.”
MARILYN FRIEND
Joined in 2022
Marilyn Friend has spent her career as a general education and special education teacher, researcher, professor, administrator, teacher educator, and staff developer. She was CEC President in 2011 and is Professor Emerita of Education in the Department of Specialized Education Services at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Dr. Friend is also a Fulbright scholar and has consulted with thousands of school professionals nationally and internationally. Her contributions to the field include five books as well as more than 90 articles, chapters, and other materials, and her work has been recognized with several lifetime achievement awards.
SUSAN FOWLER
Joined in 2022
Susan Fowler, PhD, joined CEC in 1975 as a graduate student at the University of Kansas while earning her doctorate in developmental and child psychology. From the beginning she found a cadre of friends and role models through her engagement at the state and division level and opportunities to present her research and demonstration work nationally in early childhood special education. She had the honor of serving as President of CEC in 2008, Division for Early Childhood in 1992 and Division of Leaders and Legacy in 2019. The Elizabeth Farrell Society represents the “kindred spirits” she has met over the years and a way to “give back” to her professional home.
THOMAS HARDMAN
Joined in 2022
Thomas Hardman passed away in 2020.
KURT HULETT
Joined in 2023
Dr. Hulett is the author of the best-selling text “Legal Aspects of Special Education”, which was released in 2009. As well, in 2021, he published the text, “Miles to Equity” with Dr. Jim Terry. He has extensive experience in many aspects of school administration including over ten years as a school principal, work in psychometric assessment as Vice President for Triumph Learning in New York, New York, and Vice President of Research and Development for Pearson Assessment in San Antonio, TX, Special Education Director of Legal Compliance for Henrico County Public Schools in Richmond, Virginia, and Governor-Appointed Officer for the Office of the Secretary of Education in Virginia. Dr. Hulett has a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration and Special Education from James Madison University, a Master’s of Education in Special Education from the University of Virginia, and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision, also from the University of Virginia. Dr. Hulett is the proud husband of H. Jennings Sheffield (Baylor University Professor) and father of two rambunctious boys, Kael and Gaige.
DANIELLE & MIKE KOVACH
Joined in 2022
Danielle Kovach began her teaching career in 1997 and taught general and special education in various settings. She is currently a third-grade special education teacher and adjunct professor of special education at Centenary University. Danielle was the 2022 President of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the 2011 New Jersey State Teacher of the Year, and the 2014 CEC Teacher of the Year. Mike Kovach is a Partner Success Manager for Bridgepointe Technologies. He is also a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician, serving his community proudly for over 20 years. Together with their son Ryan, Mike owns Dad and Ryan's Birch Beer, LLC. Their company teaches others how to lead fulfilling lives by doing what they love, regardless of their challenges. Mike and Danielle are the proud parents of three boys. Their experiences with individuals with disabilities have taught them how to praise the process, challenge the impossible, and celebrate every victory. Mike and Danielle's personal and professional experiences inspired them to advocate for children with exceptionalities.
JENNIFER LESH
Joined in 2023
Jennifer Lesh is an associate professor at the Ross College of Education at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Before becoming a professor at Lynn University, Jennifer worked in the School District of Palm Beach County, where she held several positions within the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) field. Dr. Lesh has over 20 years of special education practical experience ranging from classroom special education teacher working with students with emotional and behavioral disorders to ESE compliance at the district level, to Response to Intervention/Multi-Tiered System of Supports Professional Development Specialist to a high school dean. She is currently the coordinator of the ESE master’s program and teaches the research and methodology in the doctoral program. Jennifer is active in CEC at the local, state, and national/international levels. She has been CEC president at the local and state level and is the 2020 President of CEC International. Jennifer is currently the CEC Treasurer.
CHAD RUMMEL
Joined in 2022
Chad is currently Executive Director of CEC. Chad came to CEC from the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP), where he had been executive director since 2013. Prior to that, Chad served as a Management, Communications, and Meetings Consultant at the American Psychological Association; held positions at the National Scholastic Press Association and Herff Jones Yearbooks; and co-taught with special educators in Journalism, Business, and Computer electives at public high schools. Chad received his Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Business and Journalism from Emporia State University and his Master of Education degree in Education Leadership from George Mason University.
KAREEM THOMPSON
Joined in 2023
Kareem L. Thompson, Ed.D., serves as Assistant Principal for Curriculum at Congress Middle School in Boynton Beach, FL. He also serves as adjunct Professor at both Palm Beach State College and Lynn University. He earned his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the prestigious Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) at Lynn University. His professional interests include teacher evaluation systems, professional development, teacher education prep, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, middle school special education programming, and transition. Dr. Thompson is a well-known community, civic and religious leader, often requested to host, sing, teach, and speak at various local, state and national programs. Most notably, Dr. Thompson has been a featured speaker for the Nate King Cole Generation Hope Music Educators Conference and the Kennedy Center for the Arts Special Education Webinar Series. He is a national advocate for individuals with unique abilities, talents, and gifts. Dr. Thompson was a special education teacher for ten years in Palm Beach County and currently in his eleventh year as an administrator.
MITCHELL YELL
Joined in 2023
Mitchell L. Yell, Ph.D., is the Fred and Francis Lester Palmetto Chair in Teacher Education and a Professor in Special Education at the University of South Carolina. He earned his Ph.D. in special education from the University of Minnesota. His professional interests include special education law, IEP development, progress monitoring, and parent involvement in special education. Dr. Yell has published 132 journal articles, 6 textbooks, 36 book chapters, and has conducted numerous workshops on various aspects of special education law, classroom management, and progress monitoring. His textbook, Special Education and the Law, is in its 5th edition. He also had been awarded almost $16 million in grants. Dr. Yell also serves as a State-level due process review officer in South Carolina. Prior to working in higher education, Dr. Yell was a special education teacher in Minnesota for 14 years.
Last Updated:
1 June, 2023