The National Council is a group of elected volunteer leaders who direct our sorority, Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity, Inc. National Council members run for office and are elected to two-year terms. The election takes place at our biennial convention. Here’s a list of our current National Council members, a link to their official bios, and a few fun conversation starters for your next in-person or online encounter.

Diane Wilson Blackwelder, National President Omicron, Baker University Childhood ambition: Actress, French interpreter at the United Nations, teacher Would like to dine with: Amelia Earhart Why: She was ahead of the times, yet respected and admired for her quest and ability to look beyond what were customary expectations for women. Favorite quote: “More victories are won through planning and preparation than in the heat of the battle.” ~Ulysses S. Grant Not on her resume: Makes awesome yeast rolls from an old family recipe.

Angela Costley Harris, National Vice President Alpha Beta, Purdue University Childhood ambition: First Lady of the United States (all the perks of the presidency without having to wrestle with Congress!) Would like to dine with: Used to be: Eleanor Roosevelt. Now: Michelle Obama Why: See childhood ambition. Favorite quote: “Don’t get into long-term situations with short-term personalities.” ~ESPN Radio host Colin Cowherd Not on her resume: Distant cousin of Abraham Lincoln.

Jennifer Diederich Healy, National Vice President Alpha Omicron, The Ohio State University Childhood ambition: President of the United States and army general. “I was very upset when my dad told me I’d have to resign my commission to be President.” Would like to dine with: Princess Diana Why: I so admired her sense of philanthropy, her daring, and the ‘real person’ face she brought to England and the Royal Family. Also, I’d want to talk her into alum initiation into Alpha Chi Omega! Favorite quote: “All that remains for the forces of evil to succeed is for one good man to do nothing.” ~Edmund Burke Not on her resume: Can imitate almost any accent.

Lynne Biggio Herndon Alpha Upsilon, University of Alabama Childhood ambition: Federal judge Would like to dine with: Margaret Thatcher.  Why: She was a strong woman who had the courage and will to be the first woman in Parliament and the only woman to serve as Prime Minister. Favorite quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country."   ~John F. Kennedy Not on her resume: I love rock n roll music and go to 20 concerts a year!

Mary McMurtry Winkler, National Vice President Epsilon Zeta, Auburn University Childhood ambition: Nurse Would like to dine with: Mother Teresa Why: I don’t know any person in modern times who has been so completely selfless. Favorite quote: “He is no fool to give up that which he can not keep to gain that which he can not lose.” ~Jim Elliot Not on her resume: The childhood ambition above is “really comical because I pass out at the sight of blood and have a phobia about going to any doctor or hospital!”