Dear Circle Members, It’s that time of year again when we vote for our new leadership. Please review the candidate statements below and make your voice heard by sending us your ballot. The Circle thrives because of the efforts of our members and board. Please familiarize yourself with the candidate statements provided below and cast your selections from November 19 to December 10, 2025.
There are two ways to vote:
1) Print the ballot, fill it out, and mail it to the Circle at the address shown below.
New York Circle of Translators
PO Box 4051
Grand Central Station
New York, NY 10163-4051
2) Print the ballot, fill it out, scan it and send it as an email to nycirclemanager14@gmail.com
(All ballots must be postmarked or received via e-mail by December 10, 2025. Ballots received after that date will not be valid. Only one vote per member)
MEET OUR CANDIDATES
CANDIDATE (S) FOR TREASURER POSITION:
Randal Gernaat
My name is Randal Gernaat and I am pleased to be running to be your treasurer for an additional term.
I currently work as a freelance German-to-English translator focusing on economics, business, and financial translations. I have been a member of the New York Circle of Translators and ATA since 2021. Prior to becoming a freelance translator, I worked in the field of economics and finance for nearly 20 years in New York. I worked for Haver Analytics and Bloomberg LP where I was involved in international and European economic research, economic and financial translations from German and French into English, and the development of economic software products for global financial markets.
I appreciate the support that organizations such as NYCT can provide to language professionals and am happy to volunteer to help keep our organization strong both now and in the future.
During my previous term, I worked to get our investments and savings in higher paying CDs helping to generate additional funds for Stern Fund Awards and for regular NYCT events. I have also been working to get all of our files and procedures electronically organized and digitized so that management of our accounts and financials are centrally located and easily accessible for future board members.
If I am elected treasurer, I look forward to continuing to find ways to make sure our costs remain reasonable and to responsibly use NYCT resources to support our members. Thank you for your consideration.
CANDIDATE (S) FOR PROGRAM DIRECTOR POSITION:
Anthony Alencar
It has been a true honor to serve as Program Director of the New York Circle of Translators. Over the past term, our community has come together through an exciting series of courses, webinars, and in-person gatherings — all made possible thanks to the collaboration and support of our current board. These initiatives have strengthened our professional connections, enhanced our skills, and reminded us that we are part of a vibrant, growing network of language professionals.
As I seek a second term, my focus is to continue building on that momentum. This year, I want to place an even greater emphasis on our members — creating more opportunities to learn, network, and grow together. Expect new and engaging events, practical resources to support your professional journey, and more ways to share experiences in translation and interpretation.
I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me, and I look forward to another term. Together, we’ll continue making the New York Circle of Translators a space where language professionals thrive, always with a focus in building connection with one another.
CANDIDATE (S) FOR SECRETARY POSITION:
Laura O’Dwyer
Laura A. Rodriguez O’Dwyer
I am a court interpreter for English and Spanish and a translator for German, English, and Portuguese into Spanish.
I am happy to announce my candidacy for a second term as Secretary of the New York Circle of Translators. Serving in this role has been both meaningful and motivating, and I am grateful for the trust you placed in me during my first term. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to familiarize myself with the members of the Circle and admire the wealth of knowledge that our members offer.
By the end of my M.A. in Translation and Interpreting, it became clear to me how necessary it is for recent graduates to receive orientation and guidance as they step into the job market. This led me to design—together with the other board members—our mentorship program. I would like NYCT to grow and help new generations of translators and interpreters develop professionally, while increasing our membership and creating a collaborative environment that fosters both professional and personal fulfillment.
As I seek a second term, I do so with renewed enthusiasm and a clear intention to continue building on what we have started together. My goals include strengthening our internal communication, offering even more support to our initiatives, and ensuring that every member feels valued. I hope to continue serving you with dedication, transparency, and heart. Thank you for considering my candidacy.