Washington, D.C. (August 6, 2025) – Following a membership-wide election, seven individuals were elected or re-elected to Sister Cities International’s 24-member Board of Directors. The elections were held during Sister Cities International’s Annual Business Meeting on July 23, 2025, as part of the 2025 SCI Summer Leadership Meetings in Fort Worth, Texas.
Sister Cities International’s Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the strategic direction of the organization and advancing its mission of promoting peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation. Board members serve staggered terms to ensure continuity in leadership, with three-year terms for At-Large Members and two-year terms for Young Professional Representatives.
Newly elected At-Large Board Members include Mary Zunick of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Jonathan Quarles of Detroit, Michigan, and Freda Z. Hartman of Scottsdale, Arizona. Lee Guio of Milpitas, California, and Bill C. Littlejohn of Houston, Texas, were both re-elected to continue their service and leadership. Joe Blackman of Austin, Texas, was elected by SCI membership and chosen by the board to serve on the Executive Committee.
In addition, Tommis Meyer of Portland, Oregon, was elected as the Young Professional Representative. This position is designated for individuals between the ages of 21 and 34 who bring fresh perspectives and represent the interests of young citizen diplomats across the Sister Cities International network. Mr. Meyer will serve a two-year term.
Sister Cities International congratulates and warmly welcomes the new and returning Board Members. Their leadership and dedication will help ensure that the organization continues to strengthen global connections and build bridges of international friendship through its vibrant network of sister cities around the world.
About Sister Cities International – Founded as a Presidential Initiative by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for 465 U.S. communities with over 1,800 partnerships in more than 138 countries on six continents. The Sister City network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers who work tirelessly to promote the organizations’ mission of creating world peace and understanding through programs and projects focusing on arts and culture, youth and education, business and trade, and community development.