US Rowing Elections - RI Support

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RI supports James Dietz and Linda Muri

The 2013 USRowing Election is now underway.

Vote Here
https://eballot4.votenet.com/usrowing/login.cfm

Individual members are eligible to vote for the Male and Female Vice Chairs.

Organizational members in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions are eligible to vote for their respective regional representatives on the Board of Directors, Masters Committee and Youth Advisory Committee.

Referees in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions are eligible to vote for their respective Regional Referee Coordinator Positions.

Completed ballots must be submitted for receipt no later than February 1, 2013. The term shall commence on March 1, 2013. In order to vote, members must have been in good standing by December 1, 2012.


USRowing Board of Directors
* Please note that no more than 75 words are permitted to be included on the ballots. If
the word count exceeded 75 words, the responses were cut-off at 75 words.
Male Vice Chair
James Dietz
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?
I am running for a second term as vice-president of the Board. I believe that past national
team athletes have a responsibility to pay back and improve our sport on all levels. The
yardstick for this improvement needs to be growth of juniors/masters and the success of
our Elite National Team. For USRowing to succeed we need to provide services to ALL
members, and make this organization something that they all WANT to join!
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
History is what I can best offer the Board of Directors. I competed in high school/junior
national team and collegiate rowing. I represented the US on 7 World and 3 Olympic
teams during my competitive career. I have been a collegiate coach for 30 years, and
coached several World and Olympic teams. Understanding the difficulties faced by
athletes, coaches and administrators on all levels will help bring clarity and fairness in
decision making.
Nicholas Haley
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?
I have witnessed increased accountability and transparency from USRA in recent years.
I’d like to contribute to the process of creating a simpler, more effective governing body.
In particular I’d like to serve as an advocate for under-represented rowing communities;
our scholastic and junior programs as well as the collegiate athletes.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I have served on governing boards at the local, regional and national level. As a member
of the Portland/Vancouver Rowing Assn., I have helped foster a better working
relationship between all of the area rowing programs. I have served on the board of the
NW Regional Council and on the USRowing Youth Committee. My interest is in
promoting cooperation and more logical, efficient operating systems.Female Vice Chair
Linda Muri
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?
I see being the Female Vice Chair as an opportunity to help better position USRowing to
move forward in trying to serve the needs of its membership from Juniors to Masters, to
grow the membership and its visibility in both a sporting and non-sporting framework,
and to continue to support the needs of our National Team athletes at all levels.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
My work as a junior and masters coach, masters competitor, and refereeing combined
with prior experience as a national team athlete and continued involvement with the sport
as a collegiate coach help to keep me aware of the needs of the greater USRowing
constituency. My governance experience includes prior and current involvement as a
Director on boards such as Cambridge Boat Club, Boston Athletic Association, Friends
of MIT Crew, and the C.R.A.S.H.-B. Sprints.
Erin O’Connell
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?
I can contribute to USRowing for matters regarding collegiate rowing/racing. For the past 2 years
I have served on the USRowing BOD as the female at-large member. One initial goal I set out to
fulfill was to connect USRowing with the NCAA in order to enhance USRowing’s Referee
Education Program. This goal was fulfilled this past fall as USRowing is now the recipient of an
NCAA grant that will be used for the referee college…
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
• Female at-large board member, USRowing, Dec 2010 to present.
• Director of Athletics & Senior Woman Administrator, Seattle Pacific University July
2008 to present
• Committee member, NCAA DII Management Council, Jan 2010 to present
• Committee member, NCAA DII Membership Committee, Jan 2011 to present (present
vice-chair)
• Chair of Management Council, Great Northwest Athletic Conference, July 2008-Sept
2011
• Assistant Athletic Director & SWA, Seattle Pacific University, Sept 2003-June 2008
Leslie Pfeil
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?I hope to assist USRowing in its mission of achieving excellence in rowing in the United
States by developing innovative ways of supporting and growing the sport and by
ensuring responsible fiscal growth at the national level. A crucial component of the
successful expansion of rowing in the United States requires positively engaging the
membership of USRowing and increasing the inclusion of multiple segments of the
rowing community in the governance of USRowing.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I have 20 years of experience managing rowing teams, associations, and regattas. As
president of the Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association, I oversee the organization’s
logistical, fiscal, legal, business and volunteer operations. I have served on three
nonprofit boards, worked 22 years in the nonprofit sector, and have over 30 years
experience in communications and public relations. Success in these areas requires
expertise in strategic planning, leadership, and consensus building, skills I will bring to
USRowing.
Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative
Paul Horvat
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?
My goal is to help USRowing become a better organization, and I will work to find ways
to make it more effective in representing the needs and interests of the scholastic, college,
and club rowing communities. I am a firm believer in finding ways to increase support by
bringing more value and an increased understanding of the needs of the rowing
community. I want to be part of the board to improve what USRowing accomplishes.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I have served as president of both Vesper Boat Club and Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing
Association, Vice Commodore of the Schuylkill Navy and for the last two years I have
been on the USRowing board. I have been rowing since high school and have raced in
every category of competition. I have a lifetime of experience and perspective about the
sport and have also proven to be an effective leader in many aspects of rowing
management.
John D. White III
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?I believe I can contribute to the positive advancement of USRowing objectives and
promote better communication with its membership. I am committed to seeing the
governing body for rowing meets the expectations and protects the interests of all rowing
communities – masters, elite, youth, scholastic, club. I have the time, the experience, the
knowledge, and the desire to devote effort and energy to see that USRowing moves
forward as its membership directs.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association
Booster Representative 1991-1996
Volunteer Coordinator 1993-1997
Trophy Coordinator 1999-2005
Information Tax Return Preparer 1998-present
Secretary 2005-2011
Vice President 2011-2012
President 2012-2013
USRowing Referee 1992-present
Worked all levels of regattas (novice to Elite National Championships)
Mid-Atlantic Referee Clinician responsible for referee recruiting and training
Member, USRowing Safety Committee
Director and Officer, Groves B. Smith Guardianship Corporation, Godfrey, Illinois
30-year Navy Veteran
H&R Block - 4 Years Management
Nonprofit tax return specialist
Midwest Regional Representative
Frances Mennone
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?
While participating in the growth of rowing for twenty years, many positive steps have
been made in making rowing more accessible and marketable. With the reinforced
foundations of governance in place, and historic growth driving on, rowing in the United
States is at a crossroads. Careful guidance is needed to fuel continued growth in new
markets. My goal is to provide energetic leadership to represent the Midwest and our
country’s youth population.2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
Established Great Miami Rowing Center, created LPJ Chicago & developed a rowing
facility, aided in the development of Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club. Served on
USRowing Jr. Women’s Committee & Youth Advisory Committee; licensed USRowing
Referee. Worked with Jr. National Team in 1997 & Jr. Development Camp in 1998.
President Midwest Junior Rowing Association, Board Member Ohio’s Great Corridor
Association, Action Team Member Cincinnati’s Green Umbrella, Member SOCHE’s
Dayton Water Round Table.
Matthew Previts
1. What is your reason for running for the Board of Directors?
The primary reason for running for the USRowing Board of Directors is the desire to
serve. The growth in rowing, especially in the scholastic / youth ranks, requires fresh
energy and thinking from people whom are close to the areas of growth. Over the last ten
years, it's been my privilege to work at the scholastic / youth, collegiate, and masters
levels. This experience has informed my thinking on how to best serve USRowing.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I've worked for 10+ years in scholastic / youth, collegiate, & masters levels. During that
time, it's been my privilege to have served on the board level, as a regatta director, head
coach, director of rowing, & director of coaching. These experiences have placed me in
contact with rowers of all ages & skill levels whom have unique views of rowing.
Combined with a business and information technology professional background, I'll bring
a broad skill...Youth Advisory Committee
Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative
Barb Grudt
1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
I continue to be dedicated to providing opportunities for young athletes to have a positive
early experience in the sport of rowing such that they develop a life-long appreciation for
and love of the sport. There is still more to be done to add value to a Junior USRowing
membership. Rowing rules need to be tweaked. Regional regattas need to be reviewed.
The Youth National Championship format needs revision.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
Over 30 years in the sport as an athlete and coach. Extensive involvement at the elite,
U23, collegiate and junior levels (18 years as a collegiate coach, 4 years as the U.S. Jr.
Women’s Coach, 2 years as U23 Coach and 6 years as Peddie School Coach). Current
member of the FISA Youth Commission. I bring a seemingly broad perspective to the
committee.
Megan Kennedy
1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
I believe that USRowing needs current, committed coaches with strong rowing
backgrounds for the Youth Committee; it is the responsibility of this Committee to
actively ensure honest, fair, competitive racing opportunities are available for all junior
athletes. I believe the Youth Committee must balance the “big picture” with the
individual experience of each athlete, as early rowing experiences can significantly
impact future rowing involvement and can leave lasting impressions.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
Head Rowing Coach for Mount Saint Joseph Academy since 1999; developed the
program in full, including educating administration; instituting governance for the
program aligned with the school; and creating clear precedents in all decisions relating to
the program. I served as Secretary of Philadelphia Scholastic Rowing Association during
its transition back to a coach-based organization; actively participated in revising PSRA
by-laws and rules; currently Chair Membership Committee; served on the Board of
Directors since 2004.
Midwest Regional RepresentativeGuy Weaser
1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
I seek to continue representing and serving the youth and high school rowing programs in
the Midwest. I seek the potential for a greater leadership role that the Youth Committee
could take on as rowing continues to grow across the country.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I have enjoyed coaching at the high school level for 30 years. I helped establish the
Midwest Scholastic Rowing Association in 1983. I have served on the Youth Committee
from its beginning as the High School Advisory Committee in 1989, except for a few
years. I have headed the committee’s Scholastic Honor Roll since its first year in 1992
through 2012, except for 2006.

Masters Committee
Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative
Loretta McCarthy
1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
Serving prior terms in this capacity, I’ve had the opportunity to share my knowledge and
love of rowing, as well as the benefits of rowing to many individuals, young/old,
competitive/novice, juniors/masters. It is my goal to continue to learn, to increase
awareness of this sport, and to hopefully participate in administrative duties locally and
nationally.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
My personal involvement goes beyond Masters Committee meetings. I have participated
in masters seminars and meetings with other clubs discussing solutions for a variety of
masters rowing issues. Having served my club’s Board of Trustees for many years, I’m
also involved with aspects of racing and regatta participation. I served on the USRowing
Grievance Panel. I remain very active within the competitive arena. My passion for
rowing shows no signs of dwindling.
Bonnie Mueller
1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
As a university rower through to my current status as Masters racer, I’ve prioritized
providing service to rowing. As examples, I serve as a referee, Board member of two
clubs, consistent volunteer for LOCs and scholastic rowing, and mentor for youth rowing.
I believe Masters are a critical constituency for USRA’s success and have a strong desire
to help this committee take a more active role in serving their needs and ensuring their
enthusiasm/ideas...
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
In my “day job” (that I do to support my rowing habit!), I serve as a senior leader for a
global management consultancy that specializes in board/organizational governance,
team effectiveness, and strategy execution. My specific expertise focuses on helping
leaders and teams diagnose current challenges and uncover opportunities for
improvement/action. To my client work as to the volunteer roles above, I bring a bias for
listening to needs/concerns and ensuring that actions/decisions are executed.
Midwest Regional Representative
No CandidatesRegional Referee Coordinators
Mid-Atlantic Regional Referee Coordinator
John Musial
1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
I am running for the position of Referee Coordinator for the Mid-Atlantic Region because
I believe I can build upon the foundations laid in recent years. The issues facing the
Region and the Referee Corps in general are well known to me. I can and will represent
the views of our region to USRowing and the Referee Committee. I will also advocate for
standards of performance and training across the region and the corps.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I have been a USRowing Referee for 17 years and FISA Umpire for 4 years. I have
worked with many of the referees throughout the region; I have become very familiar
with the issues referees in this region face. My experience as a referee spans from early
season local races to major national and international championships. As a result of that
experience I have come to understand the issues facing the region on all levels.
Paul Phillips
1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
I believe that I can make a difference. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative must be
a person that is committed to rowing and supporting the athletes. I firmly believe that I
can initiate new ideas, support USRowing, and improve the skills of our regional
referees. I will promote and improve rowing within the region, and ensure the
recruitment, training, and retention of qualified referees. Additionally, our referees need
my voice at the national level.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I have served as a Referee/Clinician in the Mid-Atlantic region for over 14 years. I rowed
at the scholastic/collegiate and club levels. I have been coaching the Mount Vernon High
School women’s crew team for the past 10 years. I served/retired as a military engineer
officer and educator. I have been “Chief Referee” at the national level. I have strongly
supported rowing throughout the Mid-Atlantic and will continue to do so.
Midwest Regional Referee Coordinator
Roger Frederick1. What is your reason for running for this committee position?
I submit my name for nomination to continue as the Midwest Regional Representative. I
have 40 years experience as a rower and in LOC management, and over 15 years
experience as a referee. I recently retired from John Deere with 35 years in
engineering/management. I have developed several programs in the MW including a
newly created Candidate Training program for referee recruitment. My goal is to
continue expanding training and educational opportunities for referees.
2. What particular qualifications and experience do you bring to the position that you
seek?
I have been the Midwest Representative for the past four years. In those four years we
expanded the number of clinicians, increased our referee corp. by 34 referees and
advanced 11 to full referee. I have worked to create consistent training tools for our
Clinicians, and have directly contributed to the development of standardized clinics so
that our MW Referee Corp. can continue to excel. I ask for your continued support and
vote for re-election.