In June, Gov. Ralph Northam appointed three new members to the UMW Board of Visitors and reappointed R. Edward “Edd” Houck to the board. All will serve four-year terms expiring in 2022.
Martha G. Abbott ’72 of Alexandria, Virginia, is executive director of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. An educator for more than 30 years, she previously taught and coordinated language programs at all levels in Fairfax County schools. In 2016, Abbott was appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Security Education Board, an initiative designed to build a broader and more qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international skills.
Allida M. Black of Arlington, Virginia, is a scholar and human rights advocate who is managing director of the Allenswood Group LLC, an organization empowering individuals and strengthening democracy through civic engagement, grassroots activism, and education. She is a research professor of history and international affairs at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and is founding editor and chair of the editorial advisory board for the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project.
Leopoldo J. Martínez of McLean, Virginia, is a business owner, international lawyer, author, and former Venezuelan congressman. He has worked with international law and accounting firms and has advised Fortune 500 companies, international businesses, nonprofit organizations, and governments. He founded LMN Consulting LLC, a global strategic advisory and advocacy firm with experience in U.S.-Spain-Latin America affairs, business, and trade. He also founded the Center for Democracy and Development in the Americas.