Washington, D.C. – Today, the Voter Participation Center (VPC) and Center for Voter Information (CVI) announce that their Boards of Directors have elected Denise Juneau and Gail Leftwich Kich to serve as the new board chairs for the Voter Participation Center and the Center for Voter Information, respectively. This is the first time that two women of color have concurrently served as the chairs for both organizations. 

“I’m thrilled to announce that Denise Juneau and Gail Leftwich Kich were elected as our organizations’ newest board chairs,” said Tom Lopach, President and CEO of VPC and CVI. “I know that VPC/CVI are in good hands under the skilled and principled leadership of Denise and Gail. I’m looking forward to continuing tested, proven, and innovative voter registration, education and turnout programs focused on ensuring the New American Majority is voting – especially in light of continuing efforts to reduce access to voting for key communities.”

“I’m honored to serve as the Voter Participation Center’s newest Board Chair,” said Denise Juneau. “I bring my passion for voting rights, experience in public service, and dedication to ensuring historically underserved communities have access to voting. By working together, I know we can push back against the nationwide assault on voting rights and help engage the New American Majority.” 

“I’m proud to be elected as the next board chair for the Center for Voter Information,” said Gail Leftwich Kitch. “Through my work in the voting rights space and my long history with the organizations, I have gained knowledge and experience to serve CVI. There’s never been a more perilous time for the right to vote in our country and I’m glad I’ll be able to help lead the fight to ensure every American can make their voice heard.”

Denise Juneau has witnessed firsthand the powerful impact that quality education and political activism can make in historically underrepresented communities. Her career includes many historic “firsts”: she is the first Native woman elected to serve as Superintendent of Public Instruction for the State of Montana, the first Native superintendent in Seattle, and the first “out” LGBTQIA federal candidate in Montana. Juneau also worked as an attorney and classroom teacher.

Gail Leftwich Kitch previously served as the Executive Vice President, Communications and Finance, at the Voter Participation Center. She was previously Executive Director of By the People, an initiative founded by MacNeil/Lehrer Productions that utilized public television to encourage and support informed non-contentious citizen dialogue around policy issues. Prior to assuming that position, Mrs. Kitch was President of the Federation of State Humanities Councils, the national membership organization of the state affiliates of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Among other activities, she currently serves on the board of the National Conference on Citizenship in Washington. Gail also has a law degree from the University of Chicago.