Saturday morning started early (7:30 am) with voting for a new President to replace Pat St. Peters, and for to replace our own Justin Dillon as head of the Athlete Services Group Coordinator. The nominating committee presented Sam Auxier from the Midwestern region as their choice, and via the prescribed route, another person, Ronald Pfenning was nominated for President. The nominating committee also presented Robert Rosenbluth as their candidate for the Athlete Services Group Coordinator, and again, through the channels, another person, Doug Williams was also nominated.
That previous evening there was a question and answer forum for all candidates and that was helpful in decision making.
The votes were cast and during the morning session, the results were announced that Sam Auxier was elected as USFS 31st President, and Doug Williams was elected as the Athlete Services Group Coordinator.
The delegates voted on a number of bylaw changes, or sent them back to committee due to the issues raised during the discussions.
The Various Committee Chairpersons and their leaders gave reports on
- Membership Development items
- Technical Group activities
- Administrative and Legal Group
- Athlete Services
A representative from the PSA also addressed the assembly with thanks for a great year and hopes that the partnership will become even stronger. PSA's leadership in Safe Sport was recognized by ISU and will be the template for the other national governing bodies. That was a testament to their hard work on this issue.
There were many heartfelt thanks given to Justin for all his work with the Athletes. Each subgroup had many kind things to say about him and his leadership, and he was given a rousing ovation. Doug will have some tall shoes to fill.
The headquarters group was also recognized by all committees for their behind the scenes work and help. It sounds like weekly calls or even more frequently was the norm rather than exception for most committees and more frequently for the board members.
There was a time of remembering those who passed during the year. A touching video and music played while names were listed. Susan Stokes and Marcella May Willis (both from St Moritz) were listed. Afterwords, a number of people went to the microphones to announce others who had passed that year.
The out going President, Pat St. Peters made her final remarks, and received several standing ovations for all her work in the past 5 years. The headquarters staff put together gifts and a video that was fun. The Executive Director, David Raith, praised her accomplishments, as did the other board members who made reports. Clearly she will be missed, but they hope to continue with her help as USFS strengthens it
We adjourned just as it was time for the coffee break and cookies to be served. It was a celebratory mood. As people were streaming out (probably around 500) the music playing was Pharrell Williams "Happy" and people were swaying/tapping/dancing to the music. It was a great way to end the meeting.
Later on that evening there was a reception where Ms. St Peters last official act was to invite everyone to be happy and have a drink.
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