PRESIDENT'S BIOGRAPHY

Ruth Umbel has been involved in grassroots politics since she was 12 years old when she campaigned door-to-door for President Eisenhower. Her father was a precinct chairman and drove voters to the polls.

During her tenure with the Maryland FRW, Ruth served under seven presidents as a regional chair, recording secretary and vice president. In addition, she served as president and vice president of her local club.

Ruth has held leadership roles on many campaigns, including Bush-Cheney and Ehrlich-Steele, and has sponsored Teen Age Republicans. She has been a sustaining member of the Republican National Committee and the Maryland Republican Party.

Ruth has been elected to public office twice on the State Central Committee. Once, she lost by one vote, so she understands that every vote counts.

Ruth taught high school government, U.S. history and world history for 20 years, and has degrees in education and reading specialization. In addition, she has been a business owner with 20 years in the business world.

Her community service includes serving as PTA president, a cheerleader sponsor, a Girl Scout leader and Business Professional Women leader. Recently she was appointed to the Garrett County Commission of Women. At her church, she serves as treasurer, pianist, choir director and Sunday School teacher.

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Maryland FRW.

FEDERATION PROFILE

The Maryland Federation was founded in 1920 and affiliated with the NFRW in 1938. MFRW is divided into six regions and has 46 clubs. The first club included a group of six activist women whose initial goals were organization, education and legislation to repeal many of the old English laws still on the books that discriminated against women.

That spirit of activism continues today. The clubs vigorously support literacy and advocacy programs, leadership development, free enterprise and outreach. Members volunteer for campaigns, recruit and train candidates, raise money, and assist with voter registration. MFRW participates in Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day parades, and provides community service to women and children's shelters. Members tutor special students and sponsor scholarships and essay contests.


Past presidents include:
Patt A. Parker, 2006-09
Mrs. Betty Jane Carroll, 2004-05
Mrs. Marilyn Dankner, 2000-03
Mrs. Ann Horner Granados, 1998-2000
Mrs. Frances "Bunny" Parish, 1996-98
Mrs. Barbara Powell, 1992-96
The Hon. Janet Greenip, 1990-92
Mrs. Janet Steed, 1987-90
Mrs. Irene Petterson, 1983-87
Mrs. Arlene Baybutt, 1981-83
Mrs. Fleur Bresler, 1977-81
Mrs. Joan Beck, 1975-77
Mrs. Jane Hank, 1971-75
Mrs. Lucille Potts, 1969-71
The Hon. Sylvia Hermann, 1965-69
Mrs. Katherine M. Rinehart, 1963-65
Mrs. William A. Hepburn, 1959-63
Rebecca Bowen Wright, 1921-25 (founding)

Publisher's Note: Text published as provided by Maryland FRW.

LOCAL CLUBS

Allegany County RW Anne Arundel County RW Antietam RW Baltimore County RW Bowie RWC Calvert County RW Caroline County RWC Carroll County RW Cecil County RWC Chesapeake RW Chevy Chase WRC DelMarVa RW Dorchester County RWC Filipino-American WRC Frederick County RWC Harford County RW Henson Valley RWC

Hopkins WRC Howard County RW Lower Eastern Shore RWC Marlboro RWC Mid-Montgomery County    WRC Mid-Shore League of RW Middletown Valley Club of    RW Montgomery County FRW North Garrett County RW Olney WRC Potomac WRC Rock Creek WRC Rockville RWC Rural WRC RBW of Anne Arundel County

RW at Maryland (College    Park) RW Leaders of Calvert RW of Charles County RW of Greater Frederick RW of Kent and Queen    Anne Counties RW of Southern Calvert RW of Wicomico Severna Park RWC South Garrett County RW St. Mary's RW Talbot County RW Taneytown RW Upper Montgomery RW Wicomico County RWC Worcester County RW