The General Federation of Women's Clubs is pleased to announce that Suellen Brazil, an active community leader and resident of Daphne, will serve as the 2016-2018 GFWC secretary. Over 80,000 members strong and with volunteer clubs in every U.S. state and several countries, GFWC is the world's largest nonpartisan, nondenominational, international women's organization.

A GFWC member for 43 years, Brazil is a leader truly committed to GFWC's mission of enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. She served for 40 years on the GFWC Alabama Board, holding every appointed/elected office, including GFWC Alabama state president from 1998-2000, where policy improvements she championed continue to impact Alabama today. She has served as GFWC Alabama director of Junior Clubs and GFWC Junior Education chairman.

After serving as state president, Brazil successfully led the GFWC safety program, Credentials Committee and GFWC Southern Region as treasurer, secretary, vice president and president. As president, she visited the Woman's Club of Aruba to welcome them to Southern Region. As chair of the GFWC Leadership Committee in 2012-14, she oversaw a 73 percent increase in GFWC State LEADS programs.

In 1985, Brazil became HOBY International Leadership Seminar National Volunteer chairman and then region director. These roles led to 12 years of national service to - accompanied by extensive growth within - the Hugh O'Brian Youth Foundation.

In 2014, Brazil retired from Baldwin County Schools after 44 years - her final position being executive elementary administrator supervising 28 elementary schools and 18,000 students. Working with domestic violence prevention, Honor Flight Alabama and GFWC local keeps her closely connected to grassroots service.

"As GFWC International president and chief executive officer, I am honored and excited to work with Suellen as our secretary as she brings a unique and visionary style of leadership and keen sense of business and administration to our Executive Committee and its deliberations," said Sheila Shea, 2016-2018 GFWC International president.

The General Federation of Women's Clubs is a unifying force, bringing together local women's clubs, with members dedicated to strengthening their communities and enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. With over 80,000 members in affiliated clubs in every state and more than a dozen countries, GFWC members are community leaders who work locally to create global change by supporting the arts, preserving natural resources, advancing education, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging civic involvement and working toward world peace and understanding.