Nominations for the 2025-2027 Biennium

The Nominations Committee is happy to present the following slate of nominees for 2025-2027.
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Nominee for President
Cathy Fortunato (Lambda) has been nominated for the position of President of DKGNJ. Cathy currently serves as first vice-president and recently co-chaired the Rules and Bylaws Committee. In Lambda chapter, Cathy served as president, recording secretary and corresponding secretary. She has been awarded the Rose Award and the DKGNJ Rosebud Award.
 
Cathy retired after 37 years of teaching mathematics at Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School. Outside of school, she has been active in her church, The Boy Scouts of America and many other organizations.
 
Cathy’s statement on her application:
“The reasons I am applying for the position of the state president are twofold. Firstly, I have experience as a teacher, a leader, and education is a priority. I taught high school mathematics for thirty-seven years in a public school where I received the Teacher of the Year Award. After retirement, I worked part time for six years as a job coach with special needs adults from the ages of eighteen through twenty-one. I have served on many chapter and state positions as a committee chairperson and as an installed officer in various positions on executive boards. You may know me as your state First Vice President this biennium. Next, I am looking forward to working with the remarkable women on the new state leadership team. The members, given the opportunity to contribute their talents, are incredible. What is DKG?  There are many formal definitions. For me, it’s mainly you, the sisters and educators in our society. I take the responsibilities of office seriously and with joy.”
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Nominee for Second Vice-President
Christine Musick (Nu) has been nominated for DKGNJ second vice-president.
Chris currently serves as recording secretary. She has also served as State Motivator and tri-chair of the Induction Committee. In her chapter, she has served as president, first and second vice-president, parliamentarian and on various committees.

Chris is certified in both mathematics and special education. She has held many positions including Shawnee HS Math Department Coordinator, Adjunct Professor-RCBC Math Department and Sylvan Learning Center Educational Director.

In her application, Chris stated “I am interested in continuing to serve on the executive board at the State level because I enjoy the challenge
of leadership and because I believe that I can make a difference.  I feel strongly that those who can serve should serve.”
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Nominee for Corresponding Secretary
Cathy Cleenput (Alpha) is the nominee for DKGNJ corresponding secretary. She is presently our state motivator.  She has served as Alpha’s president, second vice-president and is currently chapter treasurer.

She is retired from Region V-Oradell as a Learning Consultant. She has also taught in various school districts as classroom teacher, computer teacher, gifted and talented coordinator and nongraded programs.  Cathy has received the Governor’s Award, awards with her gifted and talented students along with the Rose and Key Award in Alpha Chapter.

Cathy writes, “It has been an honor to be a DKG sister for these past 23 years. I have had the pleasure to serve in various positions in my Alpha Chapter to assist in keeping it vital. Throughout my years I have attend state meetings and have found them to be informative and interesting. This biennium I am thrilled to serve as State Motivator and participate at the state level. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the DKG International Convention in Maryland. It was a tremendous experience and sparked in me the desire to do more for my NJ State DKG sisters. So, with that in mind, it would be a privilege to serve as Corresponding Secretary during the next biennium.”
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Nominee for First Vice-President
Diane Roberts (Omicron) is the nominee for first-vice president of DKGNJ. Diane currently serves as second-vice president. Within her chapter, she has served as president for two biennia, newsletter letter editor, finance committee and nominations. Diane has been awarded the Rose and Key awards in her chapter and environmental and recycling awards, and Keep America Beautiful certificate of merit.
 
Outside her chapter , Diane is pianist & trumpeter in her church, active in Shore Talent Productions, Riddlesbrood Touring Theater Troupe and numerous music and theater groups.
 
In her application, Diane wrote:
 “ I understand that it is common for the 2nd vice president to move up into the 1st vice president position when terms have been completed.  I have worked with a great executive board team and feel that we mesh well together. Cathy Fortunato and I have some unfulfilled things to work on that we planned with Irene during our Texas training in 2023.  I think we’ve agreed to continue to work together and will take on the challenges of the upcoming years.  I’m not sure I’m ready for this new position but again have been encouraged to take it on.
I AM willing to try so that DKGNJ can continue to prosper and move forward.  I’m certain I will learn even more with this new challenge.”
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Nominee for Recording SecretaryElizabeth Monaghan (Epsilon) is DKGNJ’s nominee for recording secretary. Betty is immediate past president of Epsilon Chapter. She has served as first and second vice-president and corresponding secretary of Epsilon. Currently Betty is State Book Smiles Chair and is involved in the Special Project in Rhode Island.

Betty is retired from Newton HS as a science teacher. Currently she is second VP of the Sussex County Retired Educators .

In her application, she stated “I believe in the goals and mission of DKG.  Like no other, this organization supports and encourages women educators. Our members understand the struggles and the rewards of being a teacher during increasingly challenging times.  From the time I was inducted, in 2009, I have reaped the benefits of professional growth.  I found the yearly convention to be exhilarating, and I carried that enthusiasm back into my classroom.  Very soon, I took up service positions within Epsilon.  Leadership was not my wheelhouse, so I was somewhat reluctant to step up.  Every step of the way, however, my sisters were there with motivation, mentorship and encouragement in abundance.  My service to Epsilon has been so rewarding that I wanted to volunteer at the state level.  Last year, DKGNJ President, Irene Maskaly, gave me the opportunity to coordinate her Book Smiles project.  I have also been involved in a very exciting project to replant a DKG chapter in the state of Rhode Island.  I am very grateful  for these opportunities.  I have received so much from  DKG, and I hope that I can give something back by increasing my service at the state level as Recording Secretary.
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Nominee for Nominations Chair
Irene Maskaly (Iota) is the DKGNJ nominee for Nominations Chair. She is currently DKGNJ State President. Irene has also been State first vice-president, second vice president and corresponding secretary. She is the 2025 International Conference Advisory Committee and International Arts and Humanities Jury chair.

Irene states, “ It would be my pleasure to serve as DKGNJ Nominations Chair.”
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