Arizona CEC Past Presidents
Arizona signed our initial state charter with the Council for Exceptional Children in 1966. We have been advocating for special educators, our students, and their families ever since.
Our long history was only possible due to the dedication and commitment of many people over the years. Each and every president listed below had one thing in common: the courage to step forward and stand up for special education. Likely, they were also very busy people with demanding careers, many responsibilities, and worried about juggling work and family life.
I’m guessing that makes them just, like, you.
If they could do it, so can you! See our contact info at the bottom of the website and join us. Let’s be courageous for special education together ❤️.
Arizona Federation Presidents
1955-56 William Hall
1957-64 ???
1965-66 Doris Gaffney
1966-67 Mildred Nash (Arizona charter signed with CEC)
1967-68 John Sullivan
1968-69 Glen Hamilton
1969-70 William Hall
1970-71 William Trewhitt
1971-72 John Nelson
1972-73 John Nelson
1973-74 Fred Smokoski
1974-75 Thomas Roberts
1975-76 Dave Roels
1976-77 Robert Rhoton
1977-78 Ellen Morrissey
1978-79 Elaine Petersen
1979-80 Steve Smith
1980-81 Mada Kay Morehead
1981-82 Dave Roels
1982-83 Suana Wessendorf
1983-84 Herbert Prehm
1984-85 Jim Lambert (Lambournie?)
1985-86 Mada Kay Morehead
1986-87 Robert Marsh
1987-88 Dean Petersen
1988-89 Mike Shelton
1989-90 Kathy Knowlton
1990-91 Donna Logan (Started incorporation?)
1991-92 Barbara Harris
1992-93 Joan McDonald
1993-94 Clare Jones (Incorporation?)
1994-95 Marcia Smith
1995-96 Teri Renfro
1996-97 Lorrane McPherson
1997-98 Laura Love
1998-99 Betsy Bounds
1999-00 Jane Mullins
2000-01 Jane Williams
Arizona CEC Unit Presidents
2001-02 Katie Barkley
2002-03 Mary Platner
2003-04 Lorie Gerkie
2004-05 Leila Williams
2005-06 Shelly Kilmer
2006-07 Kathy Porter
2007-08 Kathy Porter
2008-09 Diane Grayson
2009-10 Diane Grayson
2010-11 Maria Berecin-Rascon (Changed incorporation name and Bylaws)
2011-12 Becky Padilla
2012-13 Becky Padilla
2013-14 Kevin Viktor
2014-15 Kevin Viktor
2015-16 Carrie Brandon
2016-17 Carrie Brandon
2017-18 Daniel Gulchak
2018-19 Daniel Gulchak
2019-20 Jan Crawford
2020-21 Kim Peaslee
2021-22 Kim Peaslee
2022-23 Kim Peaslee
2023-24 Corey Montaño
Tribute to CEC's 100th Anniversary | 1922 – 2022
Enjoy a 30 minute video Tribute to CEC's 100th Anniversary from AzCEC past presidents here or watch the 4 min. video trailer below. Cheers to the next 100 years!