​Candidate Bios and Position Statements

(Presented in alphabetical order)

 

Nick Carswell

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Nick Carswell is originally from Limerick, Ireland. He has studied music, maths and philosophy at University College Dublin, sound engineering in Temple Bar’s Sound Training Centre and an M.Phil in Music and Media Technologies in Trinity College Dublin. Nick has also made award-winning short films, produced radio programs, and created large scale public art projects in Lawrence and Kansas City.

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Nick has wide experience with arts & cultural non-profits, community organizing, public art and professional development. He is currently program manager for the Audio-Reader Network, an audio information service for individuals with print-disabilities.

 

"I am interested in serving on the IAAIS board in order to support audio information services as we continue to serve our listeners and patrons amidst changing landscapes in technology, media and accessibility. I believe that audio information services offer a unique opportunity to keep underserved individuals connected and informed, to add value to their lives and to advocate for the individuals and audiences we serve."

 

Bekah Jerde

 

Bekah Jerde is a nonprofit leader, an advocate, a woman in recovery, an artist and photographer.  As the Executive Director of Radio Talking Book Service, she ensures equal access to print media for Nebraskans who are blind or print impaired.  She provides audio description for live theater events in Omaha, Lincoln, and surrounding areas.  Bekah has served on the IAAIS board since 2018 in the roles of Treasurer and Vice President. 

"Service is one of my core values, and I am grateful to work for an organization that impacts so many. Audio information services enable our listeners to remain engaged in their communities and lead productive, self-directed lives. Additionally, the companionship provided by our organizations is invaluable. With the challenges that our industry, from funding to technology, having access to the support, resources, and guidance provided by the IAAIS is key in remaining viable and relevant. Much like our services alleviate isolation for our listeners, the sense of community fostered by IAAIS membership is beneficial to building organizational camaraderie and confidence." 

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Mark Jividen

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Mark Jividen is a central Ohio native. He grew up near Lancaster and graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in broadcasting and business. He began his commercial broadcasting career in 1971 and has been associated with several broadcasting and media companies. From 1982 through 2011, Mr. Jividen managed the North American Broadcasting radio station group in Columbus, Ohio. Since 2014, he has served as executive director of VOICEcorps, a nonprofit network of six broadcast signals covering two-thirds of Ohio which serves people with low vision, blindness or other conditions that prevent reading printed materials. He is president of Ohio Radio Reading Services and secretary-treasurer of The Ohio Alliance for Public Broadcasting representing Ohio’s public television (PBS), public radio (NPR) and reading services (ORRS) broadcasters. Among his community activities, Mark has served as a board trustee of the 18-county Central Ohio Chapter of the Leukemia Society of America, as board member and president of the VOICEcorps Radio Reading Service, an advisor to the Ohio State University School of Journalism and to the Columbus Public Schools Fort Hayes Career Center. Among other recognition, he received the Columbus Sertoma Club “Service to Mankind Award,” the “Columbus Dispatch Community Service Award” and was named “CORRS Volunteer of the Year.” He is certified in emergency communication by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA.

 

Katharine Mussio

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Katharine Mussio runs Radio Reading Services (RRS) at the Cincinnati Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI) where she has been working since August 2022, after volunteering for a few months. She represents CABVI’s RRS at IAAIS and ORRS (Ohio Radio Reading Services) and currently serves as ORRS Secretary. “I first learned of IAAIS while volunteering at InTouch Networks (NYC) where I read THE NEW YORK TIMES live each Wednesday for many years. Connecting with IAAIS members these past few years has enriched my experience in our field. I hope to give back to help us expand and market our audio information services amid changing times.”

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Kim Ann Wardlow

 

Kim is the Executive Director of Aftersight in Boulder.  She began her association with AINC as a volunteer reader then joined the staff as the Director of Marketing in 2001. Kim became the Executive Director in November of 2018.  She has found participating in IAAIS to be beneficial for Aftersight and its staff. Directors of other reading services have been very helpful and willing to discuss issues that are somewhat unique to our industry. She is interested to hear how IAAIS can better meet member needs and in the process become a stronger organization. Before joining AINC, she served as a Business Development Manager for GE Access, a Senior Marketing Coordinator for the URS Corporation and a Marketing Specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. A Colorado native, Kim grew up in Lamar.  Outside of work, she enjoys reading, knitting, and going for long walks with her husband Doug and their dog, CeCe.​​​​​​​

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Ballots must be received by

May 15, 2026

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CLICK HERE TO VOTE!