LGRAW BOARD ELECTION

Candidates for the 2009

President:

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a runner. E.g., Are you a speedster or a back-of-the-packer? Do you prefer roads or trails? Why do you run? What is your greatest running accomplishment?

Long time runner (oldest running log is 1981) but ran some before that. I ran the 440 (what a ridiculous race; only thing worse was the 880) and mile relay at Mehlville High School (St. Louis....GO CARDINALS) with a personal best of 51.3. And won the intramural championship at Central Missouri State in college in the 440 (you would think I would have known better) and played a little baseball there. Not a "back-of-the packer" but I can easily see it from where I'm usually at.

Currently trying to return to previous form after a series of setbacks. I really like trails and need to get dirty more often. I've completed two marathons and based upon history I should do another in 2010 (Dallas 1992 3:35, Chicago 2001 3:57); at that rate I will need to live to 437 in order to begin to approach TOs total. Several years ago, I stepped up and organized LGRAW's participation in the 2001 "Flag Across America Run"; the movement of the US flag from Boston to Los Angeles following the events of 9/11. Afterward, I considered it an honor to have been able to carry the flag during part of the run here in Texas. I still get a feeling of pride and joy to have been involved remembering the outpouring of support from strangers along the route as the flag passed. It was not my longest run and it wasn't a PR but it was my most memorable run.

When you’re not running, what do you do for a living?

I have worked for IBM for 21 years currently managing the relationship with alliance partners CSC and Infosys in North America. With a little luck, I'll stay employed a couple of more years.

Why did you decide to run for the RAW Board?

I was previously President in 2001-2002 and there are some in the club that thought I should return. Bottom line, no one else wants the job. I think this is a terrific club and has been since its inception (I am one of the early members). It has been a solid contributor to the community through its volunteer work and our contributions to a variety of worthy causes.

What are your goals for RAW? What do you think the incoming board’s top priorities should be?

I would like to see the club grow our presence in northeast Tarrant county beyond Grapevine. A majority of our members are not Grapevine residents and I would like to reach out to the Colleyville, Southlake and Keller parks and recreation departments to see if we could create positive relationships similar to the one we have with Grapevine Parks & Rec. As far as priorities, we should be looking into 'housing' options for the club. The current clubhouse has been one of the big reasons the club has been able to prosper, however, there have been some trying times. We need to research options. The Board also needs to find a way to get more of our members more active and engaged on a regular basis.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would be honored to lead this great club over the next two years. I don't know how individually I could make it better but I will make sure it is at least as good at the conclusion of my term as when it was entrusted to me.

Vice-President:

Bridget Smith

Treasurer

Brad Liles

Secretary

Doug Noell (2 year term)

< Click on name for background information >

2010 Board

Directors Candidates:

Susan Barnett

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a runner. E.g., Are you a speedster or a back-of-the-packer? Do you prefer roads or trails? Why do you run? What is your greatest running accomplishment?

I began running 13 years ago when I took a leave of absence from my job because I didn’t want to get fat. I discovered RAW in 1999 and have been actively involved ever since, serving several times on the Board and as the Footprint editor for four years. I ran my first marathon at age 48 and ran my tenth this January. I run to fight the aging process (but I think I’m losing the battle) and so I can indulge in the four major food groups: Chocolate, cheese, bread and wine. The social aspect of RAW is a huge part of my life!

When you’re not running, what do you do for a living?

After twenty-two years at IBM at various sales and marketing management positions, I am now an independent consultant specializing in marketing for high-tech companies. I currently have clients in the web analytics and marketing optimization businesses. I run user conferences, manage PR and case studies, and drive many of the marketing processes.

Why did you decide to run for the RAW Board?

This club has given so much to me personally and I want to give back. As a long-time active member, I feel that I have a good perspective on both the historical roots of the club and the challenges that have come with growth. Plus, I think the board meetings are fun!

What are your goals for RAW? What do you think the incoming board’s top priorities should be?

I believe with the growth that RAW has achieved, the board has a slightly different role from its early days. We now have over 500 members and manage a budget in the tens of thousands of dollars. We are fortunate to have a strong slate of officers and board members again this year, and I believe the club is well-positioned for a banner year. I believe our club’s goals should be to continue our growth, but without losing the warm, friendly and welcoming atmosphere that makes RAW unique. I believe our top priorities should be:

  1. Ensuring financial stability and accountability
  2. Establishing a race strategy for our future
  3. Fostering an atmosphere of inclusion

Is there anything you would like to add?

We have an amazing club, with a wealth of talent, both running and otherwise. I am grateful for the friendships, motivation and fun that RAW adds to my life.

Mike "Jersey Mike" Bassano

Cindy Lee

Anne Woods

Alan Walker

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a runner:

I run because I love being outdoors and it's a great way to de-stress, work through problems, etc - but mostly it's just plain fun! I've been running since I was young, but have never been part of a formal track team or similar organization. My pace is just fast enough to qualify for Boston. I've run all sorts of distances and also competed in triathlons. I grew up doing a number of other outdoor and adventure sports, and I'm quite active with the RAW Navy (kayak) and BRAW (bike) groups as well.

When you're not running, what do you do for a living:

Vice President at Sabre Holdings, responsible for the overall system architecture for running airline reservations. We serve 65+ airlines worldwide and deal with a wide range of business requirements, technical needs and multiple cultures. I manage a small team of technical experts, and work with other teams around the company to push the technology envelope and explore the business ramifications. Prior to that I was in Rearch and Development.

Why did you decide to run for the RAW board:

It's always fun to share something you're passionate about, like running. Serving on the board is a great opportunity to take the next step.

What are your goals for RAW? What do you think the incoming board's top priorities should be?

First, our club has been clearly successful and we've been growing our membership and putting on some great events - so, we must build on that base.

I'm personally interested in finding ways to get more direct feedback from the people that our club serves. While we are a not-for-profit organization, I'd like to bring in a little more business thinking and try to understand how to better serve our members and the people who come to our races. You all invest time and money with RAW. What do our members want? What do our runners want? Expect me to take an active role talking to people, surveying and evaluating new ideas.

I would also like to lobby congress that they change the statute mile to 5000 feet. It will make the math much easier, and you will all get a PR at most every distance

Scott Decker (2 year term)

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a runner. E.g., Are you a speedster or a back-of-the-packer? Do you prefer roads or trails? Why do you run? What is your greatest running accomplishment?

A chronic golf junkie, I lifted myself off the couch approximately 13 years and 40 pounds ago and started running. Having no background in endurance sports and being in terrible shape, I suffered through pain and injuries for 3 or 4 years before starting to gain 'enjoyment' from my exercise.

After running for a couple years, I introduced Triathlon into the mix. This changed everything for me as my mentality converted from 'having to go out for a run for exercise' to actually finding a lifestyle which I have become increasingly passionate about with every passing year. With the exception of a 2 year stint in the late nineties I have been a dedicated runner/triathlete.

I love to train and compete and for the past several years have put in 500-600 hours a year of training built around an annual Ironman of which I have now completed 7 around the world. I think I have a couple more years in me of chasing the dream of qualifying for the Hawaii Ironman (I am closing in on it) and then I think I perhaps need to find a little more 'balance' in my training/life commitment.

When you’re not running, what do you do for a living?

To 'pay the bills' I have been involved in the Healthcare Information Technology industry for my 20+ year working career. I spent the first 8 years of my career with IBM in sales & marketing based in San Antonio and Atlanta. I then worked at VHA in Irving for a couple years before spinning off a company called Healthvision where I served as Chairman and CEO for 8 years before selling the business in 2007. For the past year I have been working as Sr. VP of Marketing and Product Management for NextGen Healthcare based in Philadelphia...which is a great company but unfortunately puts me on the road 2-3 weeks per month.

Why did you decide to run for the RAW Board?

I have been a member of RAW for longer then I can remember...maybe 10 years now. Most weekends you can find me getting in a long run out on the RAW trails. With that said, I have not done much to give back to the club. After some encouragement from a few current RAW members, I decided that it was time to change that and felt that BOD participation would be a great avenue to 'give back'.

What are your goals for RAW? What do you think the incoming board’s top priorities should be?

I think the top priority for the BOD is to not screw up a great club! The formula has worked for 10+ years in building a thriving and truly unique club in the DFW metroplex. With that said hopefully there is always room to make things even better. The US population is increasingly suffering from an obesity epidemic. RAW has a great message of hope and a lifestlye for battling the epidemic. A message that combines fitness and camaraderie in a truly non-threatening environment...maybe there is an even greater calling for our club that we can untap...or maybe we just keep a great club great.

Is there anything you would like to add?

For a slightly Type A personality, it is entirely too easy to get wrapped up in my little world of work and training. I am blessed to have a group of women in my life to keep everything balanced and in perspective...Pauline and our daughters Hailey (10) and Alea (22).

Tony Flesch (2 year term)

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a runner. E.g., Are you a speedster or a back-of-the-packer? Do you prefer roads or trails? Why do you run? What is your greatest running accomplishment?

That depends on what Pack I am running with, and how far the pack is running, but generally, a middle-of-the-packer. I like both roads and trails. Having lost a lot of weight, and not started running until 2004, I consider lots of events among my greatest running accomplishments, my 1st 5k, my 1st Marathon. But I guess if I had to list my greatest running accomplishment I would borrow a John the Penguin Bingham quote: "The miracle isn't that I finished, the miracle is that I had the courage to start".

When you’re not running, what do you do for a living?

Telecommunications Technology Forecasting Consulting; Running Coach; Working on completing the Road Runner Club of America RRCA Running Coach Certification; and a CPT Certified Personal Trainer Certification.

Why did you decide to run for the RAW Board?

To give back to the Club and to represent the views of the membership. I have always been active in RAW and now have even more time to devote since I recently retired from my full time job of 32 years, and have a very flexible semi-retired Consulting schedule. I really enjoy helping people achieve their goals.

What are your goals for RAW? What do you think the incoming board’s top priorities should be?

Ensuring that our Club remains dedicated to All levels of runners.

Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility with our Budget and Expenditures.

Developing a Long Term Strategic Direction

Community Support and Charitable Contribution Levels.

Ensuring we have Race Directors for our Club Races and explore developmental opportunities such as chip timing and results.

Ensuring that we continue the Social and Fun aspects of our Club that make RAW special and unique.

Is there anything you would like to add?

The camaraderie of RAW is what makes it special. When I first joined RAW in 2004, I found much more than a running club, now my best friends are RAW.

Emily Johnston (2 year term)

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a runner. E.g., Are you a speedster or a back-of-the-packer? Do you prefer roads or trails? Why do you run? What is your greatest running accomplishment?

I'm somewhat new to running consistently after being "off and on" for much of my life, and excited to finally have made it a priority. I gave Couch to 5K a try about a year ago and have never looked back. I've completed a few 5Ks and 10Ks and am training for my first half marathon, to take place in mid-July. I would consider the half to be my greatest running accomplishment so far (even though it's still in progress) because it is part of a fundraiser for Crohn's & Colitis Foundation and since my husband suffers from Crohn's disease, this cause is very near and dear to my heart. It was my motivation to step it up and attempt a greater distance than I ever thought I would want to run. Hopefully this half will be the first of many.

I'm not a sprinter and will probably never win a race, but what's important to me in a race is finishing, enjoying each one for the unique experience that it is, and having the chance to better my own time for that distance. I race against myself, much more than against others. It's amazing to me how many different ways there are to enjoy the sport and how many different and great people are a part of it.

When you’re not running, what do you do for a living?

I'm a CPA and currently work for Ernst & Young in global tax outsourcing. I've been very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with people in our offices worldwide and have the chance to see many different cultures and business practices firsthand. I love to travel, and have a long list of places in the world I want to visit. When I travel for work, I try to squeeze in a few days' vacation as part of the trip if I can because there is always something interesting to see. I also love to cook and spending all day in the kitchen getting ready for a big gathering of friends at our house is truly my idea of fun.

Why did you decide to run for the RAW Board?

I get the most out of my involvement with any organization when I invest time in giving back to it. I would love the chance to take on more responsibility and having the chance to serve with any of the great people currently running for the board would be a privilege.

What are your goals for RAW? What do you think the incoming board’s top priorities should be?

My goals are to improve on what we already have and take it even farther. When I first joined, I was really impressed with the welcoming attitude of other members, the great support everyone has for each other, and the rate at which the club gives back to the community. If this continues, membership should continue to grow, since first impressions are so important and RAW truly has a great first impression. I would like to see the three annual races be even better attended and become higher-profile events, something I think there is huge potential for.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I would be honored to serve on the board and am prepared to devote the time and energy needed to do my part and make a difference.

Terry Marcott (2 year term)

Tell us a little bit about yourself as a runner. E.g., Are you a speedster or a back-of-the-packer? Do you prefer roads or trails? Why do you run? What is your greatest running accomplishment?

Everything is relative, I would consider myself as competitive in my age group. Many years ago I would have considered myself a speedster. One thing that I learned early on in our sport was that each of us has an "X" on our back and that someone is wanting a piece of the "X". By far the greatest accomplishment that I consider having accomplished is to have ran over thirty marathons under 3:00. I still am amazed that I remained healthy enough to finish that many marathons.

When you’re not running, what do you do for a living?

I have been in sales for most of my adult life. I currently work at Varel International in Carrollton as the North American Sales Manager for our Mining Division.

Why did you decide to run for the RAW Board?

I recently moved back and this is an excellent opportunity to get involved with the people I have fostered great relationships with. I also want to ensure that I do my part to further our sport in the DFW area.

What are your goals for RAW? What do you think the incoming board’s top priorities should be?

Hopefully my ideas will match the 2-3 year plan already in place at RAW. Any new board member should analyze the current environment and take a pulse of membership and design leadership that delivers a good balance to existing membership which also encourages growth in the club.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I wanted to add that in the five year absence, the club has morphed into something better than when I left. Like any other organization, we should never forget why we started or where we are going. I have a strong passion for running and I want to help all levels of our club. I share my vision with anyone that will listen, :) and will try to stay abreast with innovative ideas to stay competitive.

Election Guidlines

Voting Rules
A member in good standing is entitled to vote for (4) officer and (7) directors positions. Each individual membership is entitled to one (1) voting ballot and each family membership is entitled to two (2) voting ballots.

How to vote
Members can vote by proxy before June 26th or by ballot at the annual meeting. Election ballots will be distributed and votes collected from members attending the annual meeting on July 4th. Obtain an election proxy ballots starting June 4th by contacting the club secretary.

Proxy ballots returned by email must be sent directly by the Member casting the vote to the club Secretary. This email address is kathryng@runnersandwalkers.com. .

Proxy ballots returned by mail must be signed by the Member casting the vote and then mailed to: Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers Club Attn. Kathryn Gleghorn, Secretary P.O.Box 2982, Grapevine, TX. 76099

All correctly completed proxy ballots must be postmarked by June 29th.

Election FAQs
A member in good standing is eligible to vote regardless of their age. Election results will be tabulated and results made public at the annual meeting on July 4th. Contact Kathryn Gleghorn, Secretary with any questions. kathryng@RunnersAndWalkers.com