Candidate Profiles
Jake Brooker, Second Year
Military Affiliation: ROTC
Seeking Consideration for the Following Positions:
Treasurer
Why do you want to run for the listed positions?
I want to help support the VAI club and veterans, and I think the Treasurer position allows for a unique way to do so.
Please highlight any previous leadership experience in the VAI, other student organizations, or jobs you have held:
I am serving as the acting treasurer now, since March 2024.
Identify the strengths you will bring to this position:
I am good with money, from budgeting to collecting. I am easy to work with, and eager to help. I look forward to working with the other executives and members of the VAI club!
Madison Kelly, Second Year
Military Affiliation: Current Service Member
Seeking Consideration for the Following Positions:
President, Vice President
Why do you want to run for the listed positions?
The VAI has become my home away from home here at college. I feel very passionately about the success and future of the VAI and I want to be apart of those things. I think that I can make a positive change in the VAI through being on the exec team.
Please highlight any previous leadership experience in the VAI, other student organizations, or jobs you have held:
I've been the constituency senator for the VAI this past year. I've also been the vice-president this past semester. I think I've had a lot of success in both roles. I've learned a lot that I think would aid me if elected again.
Identify the strengths you will bring to this position:
I'm a hard working goal oriented person. Once I am passionate about something I give it my all. I'm passionate about the VAI and want to continue to make it a priority. I also have lots of experience serving in different student organizations and work well with others. I've been in the IANG as Military Police for the past three years and that has taught me more about leading and following than any other experience. I think I'd be a great fit as either because of my love for the VAI and dedication to bettering the student org.
Molly Lihs, Third Year
Candidate: Molly Lihs, Third Year
Military Affiliation: Dependent or Spouse of Veteran or current service members
Seeking Consideration for the Following Positions:
Secretary
Why do you want to run for the listed positions?
I am interested in running for the position of VAI Secretary as I believe it is the best way for me to support VAI and VMC students at Iowa. As the current Secretary, I have enjoyed working with VAI members in many ways such as organizing fun events, promoting awareness for veteran-related issues, and making memories as a group. I hope to continue with these activities while also finding new ways to engage more with VAI members and make the organization a place where everyone feels at home and has an active role in events and goals. As the Secretary, I will attend and contribute to Executive Team meetings, take meeting notes and use them to keep members informed about the VAI and upcoming opportunities for engagement.
Please highlight any previous leadership experience in the VAI, other student organizations, or jobs you have held:
If re-elected, this will be my third year in the Secretary position within the VAI. I am also involved with the Student Advancement Network (SAN), which requires leadership and collaboration.
Identify the strengths you will bring to this position:
Written and verbal communication, time management, creativity, organization, familiarity with VAI events and goals, as well as Executive Team responsibilities, and (most importantly) passion for advocating for VMC students at Iowa and creating a fun and productive space for everyone.
James McMurray, Second Year
Military Affiliation: Current Service Member
Seeking Consideration for the Following Positions:
Vice President, Treasurer
Why do you want to run for the listed positions?
I enjoy working with members of the UIVA and want to give back to the organization and people who have helped me succeed in college.
Please highlight any previous leadership experience in the VAI, other student organizations, or jobs you have held:
Team Leader for B-CO 1-113 during unit development from 2020-2021
Team Leader for B-CO 248th ASB 2023-current
Identify the strengths you will bring to this position:
I am good with money and making budgets.
I have extensive experience facilitating tasks given by supervisor's
Conner Ourth, Third Year
Military Affiliation: Current Service Member
Seeking Consideration for the Following Positions:
Director of Communications
Why do you want to run for the listed positions?
I have a passion for media and know how effective it can be.
Please highlight any previous leadership experience in the VAI, other student organizations, or jobs you have held:
I am very diverse in the leadership aspect. I have my soldier that I lead and now learning what it takes to become a more successful and professional leader.
Identify the strengths you will bring to this position:
I have great connections with multiple business around here based off of other jobs and other student organizations.
Austin Rogers, Third Year
Military Affiliation: Current Service Member
Seeking Consideration for the Following Positions:
President, Vice President, Director of Communications
Why do you want to run for the listed positions?
I want to continue the good work that we have been doing so far to bring out the best in the VAI and VMC communities.
Please highlight any previous leadership experience in the VAI, other student organizations, or jobs you have held:
I have been the Vice President or President of the VAI for the last two years, and I have been a team leader in the military since 2019.
Identify the strengths you will bring to this position:
I have given and will continue to give 110% for this organization. I will listen to the voices of the students in our organization and strive to make the VAI better every day.
Position Descriptions
- President: The duties of the Commanding Officer include calling and chairing all meetings, preparing the agendas, representing the official position of the organization to the University and all external individuals and groups, delegating responsibilities, and any other duties that the membership might assign
- Vice President: The Executive Officer shall fulfill the duties assigned by the President. In case of a vacancy in the President, the Vice President will assume the duties of the President until a special election can be held to fill the President position. The Vice President serves in an advisory role to the President. The Vice President shall be the oversee and manage all Committee Chairs.
- Treasurer: The Treasurer shall handle all financial transactions, keep the financial records of the organization, ensure the organization is meeting all University policies, and federal and state laws. The Treasurer will also make periodic reports to membership. The Treasurer shall fulfill other duties as assigned by the President, Vice President, or Secretary.
- Secretary: The Secretary shall fulfill duties assigned by the President or Vice President, manage tasks assigned to other executive Council members, and to assume the duties of Vice President in case of vacancy. The Secretary shall record and keep the minutes of all meetings and shall make those minutes available to any member upon request. The Secretary shall make and distribute copies of the minutes according to policy established by the elected officers. The Secretary shall be responsible for gathering, keeping, and reading all data collected about the organization.
- Director of Communications: The Director of Communications shall fulfill duties assigned by the President or Vice President, manage tasks assigned to other executive Council members. The Director of Communications shall be responsible for all marketing and strategic communications. Director of Communications shall be responsible for the maintenance and design of the organization’s website and social media accounts. Director of Communications will work closely with local media outlets to distribute media content for all of the organizations events.
- USG Liaison: The USG Liaison shall serve as a representative for the VAI to the USG and the USG Diversity Liaison. Must be able to attend weekly Tuesday meetings at the IMU.