Joyce Steingass – President: I respectfully self nominate for a second term as President. My commitment to collaboration and advocacy drives me to create an environment where members feel connected and energized. Working with others in leadership has shown me the importance of listening, embracing change, and partnering on initiatives that benefit our community. As President, I will focus on strengthening connections, inspiring involvement, and ensuring ACSED fulfills its mission. I am ready to dedicate time and energy to ACSED in 2026. Thank you for your support.

Nick Stack – Vice President: Nick Stack (he/they) has served for the past year as the Vice-President of ACSED and is employed by the Office of the State Public Defender (OSPD) as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Analyst.

Karen Chesmore – Treasurer: ACSED member since 2022, serving as both Assistant Treasurer and Treasurer. Currently the EEO Officer (SSMII) at the California Conservation Corps, previous DAC Chair & Co-Chair. I came to state employment utilizing the LEAP program and want to give back to those organizations and programs who have assisted me in my career path with the state, such as ACSED. If re-elected for my final term as Treasurer allowed under the bylaws, I will ensure that our financial information is kept orderly and protected, that spending is both necessary and within our budget. I would appreciate your vote. Thank you.

Karen Taylor – Assistant Treasurer: I would like to support ACSED by continuing to be the Assistant Treasurer. I have learned a lot in this position but feel I have more to contribute.

Virginia Hartley – Secretary: I serve as a Specialist in the Office of Access and Functional Needs at CalOES, supporting statewide inclusion for people with disabilities. My work is grounded in lived experience advocating for friends and family members with disabilities and chronic health conditions. I have been an ACSED member since 2018 and a longtime supporter of the Statewide Disability Advisory Council, regularly attending meetings and amplifying its guidance. I am running for Secretary to help strengthen our association’s impact and effectiveness. If elected, I will ensure accurate, compliant governance and record-keeping. I will continue to build on the good work of ACSED to advance our mission and service.

At-large Board Member Candidates:

Catherine Campisi
My lived and career experience align closely with ACSED’s mission. Accordingly, I have been active in ACSED for an extended period of time and have served in various offices. I would like to continue to help lead Education and Training efforts and work on key disability employment policy issues.

Alex Pineda
I have disabilities and both advocate and advise on disability matters. I also have over 10 years of state service. I advance disability work culture as an ACSED At-large Board Member, SDAC Co-Chair, and a DAC Chair.
My public sector career includes being a clerk at a county office, an engineer at the Energy Commission, and a regulatory analyst at CPUC. My private sector experiences include entry-level retail work and regional leadership in the energy industry. I humbly request your vote to continue serving ACSED, with my experience and passion to empower and educate.

Ralph Black
I have served on the ACSED Board for a number of years in various positions. If elected to serve an additional term as an At-Large member, I will devote my attention to providing training and support for new leaders within ACSED, after which I intend to step down from the Board.

Regina DeAngelis
I have been an active ACSED member for several years. I have also served on the Board. I am committed to supporting people with disabilities find employment, especially in state service. I believe everyone should have the opportunity for a good job because jobs provides financial independence and social engagement, which are fundamental to a rewarding life. As an At-Large Board Member, I intend to participate in all Board meetings and volunteer to co-chair the Legal & Policy Committee. I also intend to volunteer to create updates to the membership. All my past service to ACSED has been extremely rewarding.