October 22, 2006 - At the Annual Meetings of the Ohio Patient Network and its sister organization the Ohio Patient Action Network, the following members were elected to serve on the respective Boards:

Ohio Patient Network

President: Mary Jane Borden, Westerville
Nominated by Eleanor Ahrens (9/18/06). I have had the honor of working with Mary Jane when the organization was first getting on its feet. And through the years have seen her grow, the dedication and determination of the project at hand. She is such an asset to this organization and many times has been the glue that holds this organization together. I feel she would be an excellent leader - she is always able to keep us informed and has personal ties with all the other major MMJ organizations throughout this country. Even with her other projects at hand - and there are many- she manages to keep OPN a respectable and knowledgeable organization. MJ also has the appearance, which is needed to assert herself when visiting the statehouse. If anyone is not familiar with her work simply google her name Mary Jane Borden and you will be quite impressed with her accomplishments.

Vice President: Eleanor Ahrens, McConnelsville
Nominated by Mary Jane Borden (9/27/06). One of OPN's co-founders, Eleanor's involvement with the medical marijuana movement goes back to 1997, when she along with John Precup and others testified before the legislature against the repeal of the short-lived Affirmative Defense. Eleanor understands the patient's plight, having not only suffered from a number of conditions, but also having been arrested for treating them with cannabis. Eleanor now lives about half way between Zanesville and Marietta. She has a passion for animals and works in the field of pet education, pet therapy, and animal rescue. Please note that Eleanor also holds the distinction of being OPN's very first Vice President.

Secretary: Brandy Zink, Columbus 
Nominated by Mary Jane Borden (9/27/06). Brandy has served admirably as OPAN Executive Director. She is both well written and well spoken, but it is the former, which qualifies her for this position. Through her job as OPAN Executive Director, Brandy has proven that she is detail oriented and time sensitive, both good predictors of success in this important position. Brandy is also a well-known Columbus activist having worked on the Backbone Campaign and for a number of political candidates. As both a patient and an activist, Brandy has been with OPN since 2001.

Treasurer: Ed Sisson, Columbus 
Nominated by Brandy Zink (10/13/06). Ed has a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Ohio Dominican University. He has previous experience serving on the board of a non-profit organization including Tompkins Courtland Co-Housing, Founding member of the Organization for a Livable World (Eco Village) and State Campaign Director for AURA. He has training in mediation/conflict resolution and extensive experience in forensic accounting. Ed is also a musician and photographer who enjoys the great outdoors. Member of ACLU and Sierra Club, Ed is a long time activist.

Director of Patient Advocacy: Dee Dee Zoretic, Lakewood 
Nominated by Mary Jane Borden (9/27/06). Dee Dee currently holds this position and takes this work to heart. She might tell you that it has become part of her personal mission. Dee Dee's is the voice that one hears when they call the OPN toll free number. She has not only fielded these calls, she has responded to them with scientific research, clear action steps, or simply a shoulder to cry on. One of OPN's trustees, Dee Dee has been active with OPN from the very first day she joined us. She is largely responsible for the first medical marijuana bill introduced to the Ohio legislature by Representative Ken Carano after OPN's formation in 2001. She has worked steadily ever since forging relationships not only with legislators, but also with patients, building a bridge between the two.

Director of Public Health: Dr. Norman Jentner, Akron 
Nominated by Mary Jane Borden (9/27/06). Norman has held this position the last two years. As a practicing clinical psychologist, he continues to advocate for the medicinal use of marijuana in the very important field of public health. Norman has brought to the OPN board the balance of a mental health professional, so necessary amongst a group of patients. His insights and understanding have guided OPN's board through some turbulent waters, and his connections and standing in his own community make him a valued voice for medicinal cannabis.

Director of Development: open

Ohio Patient Action Network

President: Brandy Zink, Columbus 
Nominated by Mary Jane Borden (10/10/06). Brandy has served admirably as OPAN Executive Director as well as Vice President and President. She is well spoken and has gained experience being in the public eye. Through her work with OPAN, she has lobbied extensively for Senate Bill 74, the Ohio Medical Marijuana Act, by writing letters, visiting with State Senators/Reps and others, and educating through speaking engagements, public events, etc. Brandy is a great organizer who is detail oriented and able to conduct meetings in a timely manner. She is a gifted problem solver, peacemaker, and strategist with a team approach towards leadership. Brandy is also a Licensed massage therapist and well-known Columbus activist having worked for various groups including the Community Festival, the Progressive Ohio Backbone Campaign, the Columbus Free Press, and for a number of political candidates. As both a patient and an activist, Brandy has been with OPN since 2001.

Vice President: Joe Zoretic, Lakewood 
Nominated by Erica Griffis (10/5/06). Co-founder of OPAN. Has served as both Executive Director and President of OPAN.

Secretary: Mary Jane Borden, Westerville 
Nominated by Brandy Zink (10/13/06). Mary Jane is a writer, artist, and activist in drug policy reform from Westerville, Ohio. She is Co-Founder, Treasurer, Director of Public Relations and acting Secretary of the Ohio Patient Network from 2001 to the present. She also works for DrugSense/MAP. She is an accomplished communications and information professional in graphic design, copy writing, research, and public relations. Mary Jane has served admirably as Secretary of OPAN. She is articulate, well organized and detail oriented with excellent, versatile communication skills.

Treasurer: Interim Treasurer Rob Ryan, Cincinnati

Legal Advisor: Dennis Day, Columbus 
Nominated by Brandy Zink (10/11/06). Dennis Day is a Columbus attorney who has appealed the conviction of medical marijuana patient, Randy Brush, for growing three marijuana plants.