from the February, 2014 issue of Kiai!

A Closer Look at the Thousand Waves
Board of Directors

 

By Jane Kollmer
Green Belt and New TW Board Member

Many of you are familiar with our co-executive directors, Sei Shihan Nancy Lanoue and Jun Shihan Sarah Ludden, but did you know that Thousand Waves is governed by a board of directors?


The Thousand Waves board of directors takes a photo break during their monthly meeting. Front, left to right: Pamela Robert, Todd Scales, Nancy Lanoue (co-executive director), Julie Palles, Shelley Fried (treasurer), Annie Gregory (chair), Ellen Gibbon, Michele Curley, Jane Kollmer, Ryan Libel (director of operations), Arturo Jauregui, Matt Birnholz (secretary). Back: Deirdra Baumstark, Sarah Ludden (co-executive director), Hope Robinson, Mary Wei, Lauren Schwendimann, Mike Mazzeo. Not pictured: Edward Flam.

This group of 16 people plays a vital role in ensuring that Thousand Waves, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, meets continued success by carrying out short- and long-term planning. Under the leadership of its chair, Annie Gregory, the board meets monthly along with the executive directors and director of operations, Ryan Libel, to review financial and business reports, as well as guide the strategy aligned with Thousand Waves’ vision. Many of the individuals serving terms on the board are students or parents of students, and they become involved with the board as a way to give back to the community that has enriched their lives. New board members are nominated and elected by the board to serve a term of three years.

In addition to attending monthly meetings, the board of directors actively volunteers and participates in major Thousand Waves events, such as Spirit Challenge, Punch-and-Kick-a-Thon, rank promotions, social gatherings, and fundraising activities. The board also has organized special committees that provide leadership for certain activities. The Fundraising Committee meets monthly and has been responsible for developing the Plum Blossom Society major donor program, as well as last year’s successful “30 more for 30 years” campaign, which raised $30,000 to celebrate Sei Shihan Nancy’s promotion and her 30 years as a Black Belt. The group is planning more exciting and creative activities for 2014 – in fact they just helped put on Thousand Waves first ever benefit concert, a big success!

The board also has an Executive Committee comprising board officers, the executive directors, and director of operations. This smaller group meets monthly to set board meeting agendas and discuss financial and operational issues in greater detail. Through close communication with the executive directors and director of operations, the board of directors is kept apprised of the financial and operational status of Thousand Waves and can use that information to measure how well the organization is doing and allow for sustainable growth in the future.

Other committees that have formed in the past include the Violence Prevention Committee, the Marketing Committee, and the Board Recruitment Committee.

If you are looking for more ways to get involved at Thousand Waves, please consider joining the fundraising committee, helping with biannual dojo clean-ups, becoming more engaged with the Spirit Challenge and Punch-and-Kick-a-Thon fundraisers, or assisting in the children’s classes, the Adapted Seido Karate program, or the Violence Prevention/Self Defense Programs. Through all of our efforts, we can make Thousand Waves a place that improves lives by fostering fitness, healing, empowerment, and peace-making for many years to come.

Current Thousand Waves Board of Directors:

Annie Gregory, Chair
Matt Birnholz, Board Secretary
Shelley Fried, Board Treasurer
Arturo Jauregui
Edward Flam
Ellen Gibbon
Julie Palles
Hope Robinson
Jane Kollmer
Deirdra Baumstark
Lauren Schwendimann
Mary Wei
Mike Mazzeo
Michele Curley
Pamela Robert
Todd Scales