Patricia Grodner

I have enjoyed being an active member of OrigamiUSA by being on the board and volunteering in many ways. I have been a member for over 30 years. I was a founding member of the Origami Connect committee 8 years ago which I feel helped us in our transition to online content during the COVID pandemic. I continue to co-chair that committee. I was a founding member of the Scholarship Committee which has brought many young paperfolders to convention. I am the chairperson for the Pacific Coast OrigamiUSA Convention Committee (PCOC). I hope that I can continue to make positive contributions to the organization. I would like to offer my candidacy as an incumbent for the 2024 OrigamiUSA Board of Directors.

David Kandel

I am nearing the end of my fourth term on the board, and would like to be considered for another term. I have a strong background as a mathematics educator, and in that context have developed courses in middle and high school focusing on origami. I have also given numerous workshops for kindergarten through graduate school over the years to teach either very general origami folding or highly specific forms, such as modulars, tessellations, and corrugations. I have extensive experience teaching origami at the Baltimore Waldorf School, Maryland Institute of Art College, Common Grounds summer arts festival, Baltimore County afterschool arts programs, and many other places and opportunities of all ages and levels of experience.

I also have many decades experience in the general advocacy and non-profit world, specifically with fundraising, volunteer coordination, leadership and board development, strategic planning, and organizational culture.

Origami USA has a terrific board of directors which is leading the organization in new and exciting directions. I hope to be a part of this leadership in the years to come.

Marc Kirschenbaum

It's an honor to present my candidacy as an incumbent for the 2024 OrigamiUSA Board of Directors election. Since the organization's inception, I've been deeply engaged, witnessing its growth with enthusiasm and actively participating in its journey. Over the past two decades, I've played a pivotal role in the Publications Committee, serving as one of the managing editors. Recognizing the evolving landscape, I advocate for more inclusive programs and broader access to our publications through digital and electronic printing techniques. My vision involves a hybrid approach, maintaining and expanding our in-person programs while embracing virtual offerings. Serving on the board has been immensely rewarding, and I'm eager to continue contributing to OrigamiUSA's mission if reelected.

Michael Montebello

I've been a member of OrigamiUSA for more than twenty years and am an avid convention-goer albeit as a staff volunteer. I enjoyed my time as an OUSA Board member and believe that I am familiar with the overall operations of OUSA.

For those that do not know who I am; I can “simple” fold but would say I’m a non-folder for all practical purposes. In addition to my convention volunteering, where I would categorize myself as “I can do anything so let me”, I have assisted with foreign travelers to Convention, and help keep up with and fix problems. As the current Board Treasurer, I can address budget and financial issues, and manage people.

I would like to continue my efforts to keep OrigamiUSA relevant and important to its many members by supporting innovation. I still retain a different perspective or alternative thought process on decisions that affect every member. I would appreciate your vote in this year's election.

Jason Schneider

I am interested in serving another term on the Board of OrigamiUSA. Origami has been a lifelong passion for me. I have been folding for over 20 years, and a book of my own designs, "Origami Memories," was published as part of the Origami Shop's Standalone collection.

I am a Senior Accountant for a large membership-based non-profit organization in Michigan, USA. I obtained my CPA license seven years ago with a firm providing audit and tax services to local nonprofits and construction companies. For five years I have also been on the Finance Committee for a non-profit local to me that focuses on youth and family outreach. My year on the board has been exciting as I've learned more about its operations, and I look forward to being able to continue providing the financial guidance that nonprofits need to carry out their missions.

Art and community go hand in hand, and I would love to continue to serve an organization that exemplifies that relationship. Thank you for your consideration!