Southern Section Chief Candidate Platform, January 1999

To: Southern Section Patrollers

Date: Fri, 29 Jan 1999 18:55:09 -0500

Subject: Section Chief Platform & History

I'm running for the office of Southern Section Chief of the Western Appalachian Region. For the past 25 years, I've been a member of the Hidden Valley Ski Patrol.

I joined the National Ski Patrol in 1974. I have been one of the Hidden Valley's shift supervisors as well as one of our OEC and S & T training officers. I've helped train other patrollers at OEC courses and S & T clinics through out the region for many years. In the past I have served as Patrol Director and member of the board of directors. I am currently registered as a Senior Alpine Patroller.

I like to ski at as many areas as possible during a season. It broadens your perspective to see how other patrols do things. I've skied Wisp (took my Senior test there), Canaan, and visited Canaan Nordic (when it was called Whitegrass Nordic). Each patrol has it's own needs and requirements. I can help there too. By being a voice on your behalf. To the Region. To the Division. To National.

Though I'm registered as a alpine patroller, I also enjoy cross country skiing; have tinkered with telemarking (or as I do it, "tumble-marking"); and have about killed myself on a snowboard. I've worked to improve my skills in teaching and leadership through various seminars. In fact, I went to Powderfall '97 in Park City, Utah.

I believe patrollers can grow by going to training clinics at other ski areas. It's easy to become bored skiing at your home area every season. Visiting other areas, meeting other patrollers, and improving your skills brings new energy to a patroller. And creates a more valuable asset for the patrol. As section chief, I would encourage all patrollers to go to senior clinics, even if they have no intention of becoming a senior. They are sure to improve their skills, and just might get the bug to really try for the senior program.

I am the advertising manager for my family business. We've been around for more than 60 years manufacturing drain cleaning snakes and custom designed springs. My business is communication. I believe that what a patrol director needs to do their job well is information. Through newsletters, telephone calls, e-mail, and personal visits I think I can help make your job easier. As your section chief, I will always be available to help in any way possible.

If you'd like to talk about the concerns of your patrol, call me at 800-245-6200 in the daytime or 412-687-4059 in the evening. Or e-mail me at mjs@sgi.net. I look forward to hearing from you.

Patrol History
Joined the patrol in 1974.
Completed Circle A and Circle M in 1975.
Became a Senior in 1985.
S & T Instructor.
OEC Instructor.
Head of candidate training for 8 years.
Patrol board member for 14 years serving as treasurer, vice president, president, and board member at large.
Elected patrol director in 1989 for two year term.
Member of OEC and S & T training committee.
Shift supervisor -- 1994 to 1998.