Delegation for Friendship Among Women
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Meet Our Board Members


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Dr. Carolyn Carpenter Moats

Co-President

Carolyn Carpenter Moats, MD, MS, BSN, residing in Arizona and Michigan, holds the prestigious role of Co-President within the Delegation. With a MD from Northwestern University and a 15-year tenure as a Mayo Clinic physician in Phoenix, her leadership shines through roles like Director of Grand Rounds and Mortality and Morbidity Conference.
 
Her career showcases dedication and excellence, evident in teaching at Mayo medical school, directing Clinical Reviews, and engaging with various committees. Recognized as a Top Doc in Phoenix magazine and a Patient Satisfaction award winner, she's proven her medical prowess.
 
Carolyn's volunteerism extends to crucial roles in the Delegation, infectious disease volunteering during COVID, and medical reserve work. Her background as a nursing professor prior to becoming a physician, coupled with her compassionate involvement with mentoring and helping abused women, enriches the Delegation's mission. Her past delegation trips include visits to Cuba, Mongolia, Republic of Georgia, and Armenia.

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Darlene Miller

Co-President

Darlene M. Miller, residing in Florida and Minnesota, is the Delegation’s Co-President. She
studied psychology and Spanish and is CEO of Permac Industries, honored as Entrepreneur of the Year,
and Small Business of the year. Notably, she served on President Obama’s Council on Jobs and
Competitiveness creating a Program named Right Skills Now being utilized in technical schools today.

As a leader in manufacturing associations along with being voted in by her peers as the first Woman
President of PMPA (Precision Machine Products Association) after 79 years of all male leadership,
Darlene’s impact is profound. She chaired the Small Business Delegation for the US Chamber of
Commerce and served on their Board of Directors, and engaged in global travel for multiple committees
and boards.
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Darlene's mentoring work, including Hope for Tomorrow, and partnerships with youth skills training showcase her commitment to empowerment. Her dynamic experiences enrich the Delegation.

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Barbara Pritchard Baker

First Vice President

Barbara Pritchard Baker, MA, BJ, resides across Connecticut and Arizona, boasting a distinguished career. She's Managing Partner at WentzMiller Global Services LLC and held key roles in prominent organizations like Intermedica, Advanstar, and Medical Economics. Her accolades include induction into the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame and recognition by Pharma Voice.
 
Barbara's volunteerism encompasses leadership as Vice President of Rio Verde Community Association, President of Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA), and more. A mentor to multiple HBA chapters, she's also a dedicated Steven Minister and prison visitation volunteer. Her extensive global travels, along with her mentorship of career women, prisoners, and those in need, contribute to the Delegation's diverse experiences.

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Pete Kubitz

Second Vice President

Pete Kubitz, a resident of Arizona and California, is a forward-thinking Dispute Resolution professional and C-Level Executive with a remarkable 30-year track record of corporate expansion and successful turnaround strategies. She excels in structuring attractive merger acquisitions and is renowned for her adept negotiation of cost-effective Technology Contracts domestically and in diverse international environments. Proficiency in Intellectual property
further enhances her skill set.

​With extensive experience spanning Financial Technology, Consumer goods, and Private Fund
Management, Pete brings a wealth of industry expertise to the table. She was recently appointed to the FINRA Arbitration Panel and Maricopa Judicial Court, Mediation Division.

Beyond her corporate achievements, Pete is deeply involved in nonprofits. Her diverse background and commitment to excellence make her a valuable asset to the Delegation.


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Cathleen Smith, MD

President Emeritus

Cathleen Smith, MD, BS, based in Arizona, holds the esteemed position of past president of the Delegation. Her career as a Family Medicine Physician at Mayo Clinic, Arizona,aunderscores her medical expertise.
 
Her volunteer work is commendable, serving as a dedicated physician at Hospice of the Valley and a three-term President for the Delegation for Friendship Among Women. Additionally, Cathleen has represented the Delegation in Washington D.C., showcasing her commitment.
 
With extensive international travel and a dedicated focus on women’s health, Cathleen brings valuable experience to the Delegation. Her journey includes visits to Cuba (twice), Venezuela, Argentina, Rwanda, Mongolia, Georgia, and Armenia.


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Kim Harms

Secretary / Immediate Past President

Kimberly Harms, D.D.S., a Minnesota resident, leads as the Delegation Secretary. With a rich career, including a U.S. Public Health Service role, Clinical Assistant Professorship, and 30 years as a private practice owner, her expertise shines. A dental consultant, mediator, and global speaker, she's a published award-winning author.
 
Kimberly's pioneering roles as First Woman President of Minnesota Dental Assn., President of Upper Midwest Section of American College of Dentists, and spokesperson for American Dental Assn., highlight her influence. She's chaired ADA's Council on Communications and Governmental Affairs. Beyond, she's led Farmington MN School Board, co-founded Eric Harms Memorial Libraries, and is Vice-chair at Union Gospel Mission.
 
Her extensive insights span public health, dentistry, conflict management, and acclaimed authorship, seen in 2023's "Are You Ready? How to Build a Legacy to Die For".

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Susan McCraw Helms

Board Member

Susan Ellen McCraw Helms is a resident of Arizona with a rich personal and professional background.
Armed with an Master’s in Public Health and a Master of Arts in Teaching, her professional path includes
positions as the Health Director for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Senior Program
Associate for Health Policy for Children’s Action Alliance, independent social marketing consultant in the United States and abroad, and more. She also has a lifetime of working in the arts in painting, fiber art,
printmaking, and most recently, silversmithing.
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Susan's volunteer roles are as diverse as her career. As Board Secretary and Newsletter Editor for the
Delegation, she's deeply engaged.  Her rich travel experiences, expertise in social marketing, teaching,
curriculum development, and leadership make Susan a valuable asset to the Delegation's endeavors.
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Jill Pomeroy Christensen

Treasurer

Jill Christiansen is a resident of both Illinois and Arizona. With a BS in business, her career journey includes roles as a computer programmer, systems analyst, and college teacher of computer languages. She's also made her mark as the Owner/President of a fitness club and a skilled participant in 13 USGA tournaments, securing victories in various Chicago tournaments.
 
Jill's commitment extends to volunteerism, where she serves as Secretary/Treasurer and past President of the Delegation. Her impactful initiatives range from launching the Red Barrel Program with Greater Chicago Food Depository to her role as a board member of C.P.S., a recruiting firm.
 
With her extensive travel background and deep engagement with the Delegation, Jill brings a wealth of experience. Her involvement includes hosting a Delegation from South Africa to Chicago. Having journeyed through numerous countries, Jill's unique insights enrich the Delegation's endeavors.

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Ashley O'Connor

Board Member

Ashley O'Connor is a resident of Kansas City, Missouri.  She studied Political Science at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and then attended law school at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Upon graduation in 2011, Ashley clerked for a District Judge in Kansas City, Missouri, after which she began working at the Jackson County Prosecutor's office in the Cold Case Unit.  Ashley currently specializes in doing legal work for Dentists. 
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Ashley is a mother of 3 young children: Eric (9), Catherine (7), and Elizabeth (5). In the very limited free time that comes with having three young children, Ashley loves to spend time with her husband, play tennis (she is the co-captain of her tencap team this season), do yoga, run, travel, explore Kansas City, and attend various musical events, from the Kansas City Symphony to herself hogging the karaoke microphone.  She joined the Delegation for Friendship Among Women after joining the group on the 2024 Poland trip".


Jennifer Magione

Board Member


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Brenda Dominici Johnson

Board Member

Brenda has spent 20 years in financial analysis, planning and reporting in international consumer packaged goods, mostly in the food industry and mostly focused on Latin America. In retirement she is active in the League of Women Voters and has pursued her passions of gardening for wildlife (with native plant focus) and environmental stewardship. Most recently she has taken on ownership of an 11 room historic inn.

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Mary Byl

Board Member

Mary Byl is a Michigan resident with a rich background. Armed with a BA, she co-owned Herkner Foods and played key roles in private banking at Northern Bank and Trust as well as First National Bank in Chicago.
 
Dedicated to volunteering, Mary serves as a board member for Food Rescue of Northern Michigan and co-executive of the Tucker Byl Memorial Scholarship Fund. Her contributions extend to organizations like Generations Ahead, Big Brother/Big Sister mentoring, and co-chairing the Three Generations of Women’s Giving Circle.
 
With a strong aptitude for communication, Mary's experiences bring a valuable dynamic to the Delegation. Her previous trips include Armenia and Georgia, showcasing her global engagement and perspective.

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  • About
    • Leadership
    • Our Story
  • Trips
  • Mary Pomeroy Award
    • Acknowledgements
  • Women of Influence
  • News
  • Donate
  • Contact