May 2003
The 2003 election of FMCA National Officers will be held July 16 and 17, 2003, at FMCA’s 70th International Convention in Buffalo, New York.
This year’s Nominating Committee was elected by the Governing Board in accordance with FMCA Bylaws. Its members are Chairman Nelson K. Stubbs, F107765; Royce Bishop, F62577; Frank Krystyniak, F102782; Eileen Miller, F121417; and Charles Rock, F230266.
FMCA’s Nominating Committee has submitted its slate of candidates recommended for national office for the 2003-2004 term.
Although balloting is restricted to National Directors and National Officers, we invite all FMCA members to review the candidates’ resumes and to communicate their preferences to their respective National Director. Doing so will help him or her better serve you on election day. Also, nominations can be made from the floor of the Governing Board meeting; however, committee members ask that this be done only with prior consent from the proposed nominee.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Jim Ammenheuser, F157201
FMCA Service:
National: National Vice President, South Central Area 1999-2003; Chairman Education Committee 2001-2003; Chairman Education Subcommittee 1999-2001; Member — Convention and Rally Committee 2000-2002; Member — Finance Committee 1999-2000; Member — Membership/Member Services Committee 1999-2001; Attended 13 International FMCA Conventions; Host Vice President Oklahoma City and Hutchinson Conventions; Membership Club 25+; Member FMCA since 1992.
South Central Area: President, Six-State Rally Association, Inc. 1999-2003; Senior Vice President, Six-State Rally Association 1997-1999; Rally Master, Six-State Rally – Shawnee 1997; Attended and assisted with 9 Six-State Rallies; Assisted the previous Area Vice President to establish the Six-State Rally Association.
Chapter: President, Texas Outlaws 1995; President, Gulf Coast Cruisers 1994; Established Gulf Coast Cruisers as an FMCA chapter 1994; Alternate National Director, Gulf Coast Cruisers 1997-1999; Hold chapter membership in Foretravel International and Mid-South chapter, Gulf Coast Cruisers, Texas Outlaws, Cruisin’ Cajuns, FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity®, Elk International.
Experience: Served in business, church, military and professional organizations; St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church – Vestry, Senior and Junior Warden; All Saints Episcopal School Board; United States Army – Ordnance and Chemical Corps, Supply Sergeant; United States Power Squadrons – Life Member, 34 years service; Beaumont Power Squadron – Squadron Commander, Treasurer, Instructor; United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – Flotilla Commander, Division Captain, Rear Commodore, many staff positions, 27 years service; Beaumont Yacht Club – Board of Governors; Lamar University, Industrial Advisory Council – Computer Science; Lamar Institute of Technology, Industrial Advisory Council; American Institute of Chemical Engineers – President Southeast Texas Section, National Membership Committee, Senior Member; Instrument Society of America – Life Member; Chesapeake Decisions Sciences – Executive Advisory Council; SAP/MIMI User Group – Inaugural Co-Chairman.
Education: Bachelor of Science Chemical Engineering – University of Florida; Numerous Continuing Education, Management Courses.
Employment: I was employed by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company from 1953 to my retirement in 1998. The last eight years I managed the Information Technology effort for the Chemical Division, a billion-dollar business. I coordinated the interaction between the corporate and division environments with staff at the major plant locations. With a multimillion-dollar annual budget and several major project budgets, I facilitated the implementation of a major e-business system and the integration of the operating systems to the business systems.
Personal: My wife, Kitty, and I have been married sixteen years. We have merged two families together and have adult children in Texas and Alabama with seven grandchildren. I grew up in Albany, New York, and Sarasota, Florida. Kitty (Lundhoy) was born in Kansas City and grew up in Marshall, Missouri. She completed college at Kirksville, Missouri. She has thirty-six years experience in the medical field. I served in the United States Army after college and was able to see a large portion of the United States courtesy of Uncle Sam. We were avid boaters having his, hers and our boats at one time. Since then we have migrated to motorhomes and found many old and new friends through FMCA.
“Miss Kitty” and I have enjoyed our association with several FMCA chapters. In these I have served as president, vice president, alternate national director, rally master, editor and worker. Our enjoyment has continued as we have worked with both the National and Area Organizations. We enjoy meeting the members, visiting chapters, participating in and supporting the activities of the Family Motor Coach Association. We believe in getting involved with the organizations we support and contributing to their success with our time and talent. We have adjusted to our complete retirement, spending most of our time traveling and supporting FMCA. Therefore, we continue to offer our experience and expertise to the benefit of the membership.
FMCA Goals: My vision for FMCA is to be a premier organization and the leader for the motorhome lifestyle, while continuing to provide its members with outstanding benefits and opportunities. If elected, I will utilize my experiences to create an atmosphere where all our elected leadership can work in harmony and with consensus in its policy decisions and in partnership with our headquarters and member staff. As elected leaders, together, we must continue with the development of our strategic plan. Implementing the goals and strategies of the strategic plan should help to mold the business directions of FMCA as we progress into the future. The Association must continue to be financially responsible in its activities to provide our members the great benefits they are accustomed to while maintaining reserves, showing fairness to our dedicated staff.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL PRESIDENT
R.G. Wilson, F21025
Objective: I am a candidate for office of National President of Family Motor Coach Association. My primary goal is to continue to improve our great organization so our membership can enjoy traveling in their motorhomes and fellowshipping with others. I want to continue to use my business experience and skills to improve the operation of FMCA and see that our organization continues to provide good benefits and support to our membership.
FMCA History: My wife, Jeri, and I joined FMCA in the seventies. We have been very active in the Rollin’ Okies chapter and the South Central Six State Area. We are also members of Monaco International, Coaches for Christ, Heartland Execs., and Monaco Wan-Na-Go’s. I have served as vice president and national director in the Rollin’ Okies. My wife and I have served on many committees in our local chapters and the South Central Area. We have been very active in attending area rallies and international conventions of FMCA through the years. I served on the Finance Committee of FMCA four years and as chairman of the Finance Committee three years. I was elected National Treasurer at the International FMCA Convention in Ogden, Utah, in August 1998 and was re-elected in 1999 and 2000. During that three-year period the cash reserves and net assets of FMCA increased over $3 million.
I was elected to the office of National Senior Vice President of FMCA in Redmond, Oregon, in 2001 and re-elected in Hutchinson, Kansas, last year. As chairman of the Convention and Rally Committee I have worked closely with our convention director, Jerry Yeatts, in making improvements in our conventions. We are now offering electricity to our family members at our international conventions. We are negotiating better rental contracts for facilities, electric services for our vendors, golf cart rentals, and other outside services required in our convention activities. Our Commercial FMCA members are very important to our convention success, and I believe our working relationship with them has grown the past few years.
Work History: From July 1, 1964, to April 1, 1996, I was managing partner of my own public accounting practice in Clinton, Oklahoma. During those thirty-two years, I performed all types of public accounting work including business planning, auditing, tax preparation, compilation, and financial planning. After my retirement in 1996, I was asked and accepted an appointment to serve on the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. I currently serve on the finance committee of this organization, which oversees the annual operating budget for over 5,000 missionaries throughout the world. I am also serving on the Clinton Integris Hospital Board and the Integris Rural Hospital Board of Oklahoma. I have been a deacon in my church over thirty years and have served many terms on the finance committee. From 1981 to 1986, I served a five-year term on the Oklahoma State Board of Public Accountancy. Prior to my public accounting career I worked as an accountant for Williams Companies in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from 1957 to 1964.
Education: I received my BS degree from Southwestern State College in Weatherford, Oklahoma, in 1956. I received my MBA degree from Oklahoma University in Norman, Oklahoma, in 1957. I received my Certified Public Accountant Certificate in 1960. I still maintain and keep my CPA license current by completing in excess of the required forty hours of continuing education each year.
Interests: I have been married to my wife, Jeri, for fifty years. We have two daughters and four grandchildren. My wife and I are both in good health. We enjoy traveling, meeting people, and have a strong interest in FMCA activities and serving others.
Summary: I enjoyed serving as Treasurer of FMCA for three years and Senior Vice President the past two years. While treasurer, I believe I did a good job in watching over our family finances and reporting the results to you. As Senior Vice President, I brought good, sound business policies and procedures into the planning of our national conventions and performing the duties assigned by our President and Executive Committee. I have the knowledge and experience and I am the best qualified to serve as your President and lead our organization into the future. I want to serve as your National President. I ask you, “my extended family,” for your vote in July at Buffalo. Together we can accomplish greatness for Family Motor Coach Association.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Donald H. Crawford, F11012
It is with great pleasure that I am honored to be nominated to run for the office of National Senior Vice President, and I welcome this opportunity of continuing to serve you as a National Officer. If elected, I would be allowed to continue the work I have been involved with in the last two and one-half years. I have been National Great Lakes Area Vice President since taking office in Maine in August of 2000.
Kathy and I have been members of FMCA since 1973, and over the years have attended 25 International Conventions as well as several Area Rallies. We have been active in our home chapter, the Ontario Overlanders, and in fact are Charter Members. I have held offices in the Chapter, including President for three years, National Director, and Alternate National Director for a total of 16 years. We have hosted Chapter Rallies, both annual and mini.
We are also members of the Prevost Prouds and were Charter Members of the national Converted Coach Chapter, joining in Centreville, Michigan, in 1976. We are also Charter Members of the Great Lakes Converted Coaches Chapter that I helped start in 2002. This is one of the three Chapters I started in two years as National Vice President, Great Lakes Area. I served on the Legislative Advisory Committee for five years up to 1998, and was also a member of the President’s Council from October of 1997 to August of 2000. I was Chair of the Policy and Procedure Committee for two years, and helped draft the new Policies and Procedures that will be presented to the Governing Board prior to the annual meeting in Buffalo, New York, in July, 2003.
Other experiences include work in the community. I am Past President of our local Rotary Club, active in church work, and served for six years as a Commissioner of the London Transit Commission. Four of those years I served as Chair and oversaw a budget of approximately twenty million ($20,000,000) dollars and four hundred (400) employees.
Professionally I have been employed for over thirty-three (33) years as a Trial Lawyer and handled major cases both at a Trial and an Appeal level of both a Civil and Criminal nature. I have served on panels on Continuing Legal Education, including law school and police college programs. As such I have become acquainted with people from all walks of life and have attempted to become a facilitator to make sure that the proper results were obtained.
Our three children are all grown and have successfully completed various university degrees. Our one daughter is married, but as of yet we are not grandparents.
I have obvious interest in motorhoming, including the joys of pulling on the coveralls, rolling up my sleeves and getting grease on my hands trying to fix my converted coach, reading, enjoying people, and helping out our fellow citizens. There is nothing like the open road, the scenery, and the fellowship of the great members of FMCA. In summary, I have years of experience at both the Local and National Level to serve as your National Senior Vice President, to represent our members, and to support your objectives. We have the time to devote to the office and would enjoy having the opportunity to serve you.
As for the future goals of FMCA, it is my belief that we need strong leadership at the National Level in order that we might have orderly growth; expanded member benefits; strong, experienced representation from all Areas; and a voice not only from the Chapter Level but from the individual membership level as well. We also need a continued examination of our finances, especially as it relates to expenditures, and to obtain and maintain a voice in the motorhome and recreational vehicle industry and community. I would like to serve as your National Senior Vice President in the upcoming year, and have the interest, dedication and time to take a further leadership role.
I ask for your support in marking your ballots for me so I may play a leadership role with this great organization in the 21st Century. Thank you very much.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
Donald E. Moore, F154921
I was born and raised on a farm in Missouri with two older brothers. Darlene and I have been married for 50 years. We raised three boys, one deceased in 1996. We have two Grandsons and three Granddaughters, also 2 Great-granddaughters. I have been a deacon in our Church for several years. Darlene and I have been active volunteers in our community. I served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. I belong to the American Legion and served as an officer of the local Legion. I served as Boy Scout Master for six years and 4-H Club Leader when our children were involved in those activities. I also belong to the Masonic Lodge in Springfield, Illinois. I attended the University of Kansas and Chicago Institute of Technology.
I worked for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company for 38 years as a supervisor of technical services. After retiring I owned and operated my own business, where I was U.S. Government Certified to test and calibrate Industrial Gas meters in 6 states: Iowa, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Missouri, and Indiana.
1981 through 1985 I served as a City Councilman; I also served as Mayor of Chatham, Illinois, for four years, 1985 through 1989. When I took office the city was in financial trouble; when I finished my term there was a surplus of over a million dollars.
Darlene and I joined FMCA in the early 1990s. We both have been active in chapters, and at the area and national level. We belong to several chapters: Lincolnland Coachmen, Cenois Prairielanders, Lincoln Landers, Foothills Fire Side, Frustrated Maestros, and Newmar International of FMCA. I worked with several Midwest Area members to form the Midwest Area Co-op (MAC). I served as Security Chairman for MAC for two years and was serving as Vice President of MAC when I was elected as Midwest Area National Vice President.
During my 4-year term as National Midwest Area Vice President, and President of MAC, I have been responsible for four Area Rallies, in Madison, Wisconsin; Forest City, Iowa; Henry, Illinois; and Elkhorn, Wisconsin. I have also assisted with Chapter Rallies and with our National Conventions.
Currently I serve on the Executive Committee as National Vice President of the Midwest Area. This is my second year to serve as chairman of the Membership/Member Services Committee for FMCA. Other committees I have served on include the Education Committee and the Insurance and Risk Management Committee. I worked with the National Parking Layout Crew for two years. I have assisted with Member Benefit Seminars at the Western Area and International Area and conducted the same seminar for the Midwest Area Rally.
I’m a Candidate for the office of National Senior Vice President of Family Motor Coach Association. I understand what “bottom line” means. I will continue to use my business experience and skills to improve the operations of FMCA as your National Senior Vice President. I will continue to work for the best benefits for you, the owners of Family Motor Coach Association. Darlene and I both have been blessed with good health, and have the time and energy to serve as your Senior Vice President of FMCA. I would appreciate your support. Most of all, I would appreciate your vote. Please vote for me for Senior Vice President of FMCA.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL SECRETARY
Mary Lawler, F119890
National Office Held: I am presently serving my fourth year as National Vice President for the Southeast Area – FMCA. I was elected in June 1999 and I assumed office July 29, 1999, during the annual meeting in Ames, Iowa.
National Committees: I served in 2001-2002 on the Convention and Rally Committee and the Education Committee. As a member of the Convention and Rally Committee and the host Area Vice President for FMCA’s 27th annual Winter International Convention that was held in Perry, Georgia, on March 19, 20, 21, 2002, I had the responsibility of working with the volunteer Captains to recruit volunteers to work during the convention.
I was a member of the Education Committee working with RV Alliance America and RV Safety Education Foundation to enhance the Safe Driving Course, the Fire & Life Safety Course, and the Coach Weight & Tire Safety Program from November 1999 through October 2002. These programs are being offered at all area rallies and the international conventions and have been very successful.
I was a member of the Membership/Member Services Committee from November 1999 through 2001 and Chairman of the Membership/Member Services Committee from November 2000 through 2001.
I was elected to serve on the National Nominating Committee in 1999.
FMCA Background: My husband, Russ, and I have been members of FMCA since 1989. We have spent the past 13 years actively working as volunteers with the Florida Panhandlers chapter and all the Southeast Area Rallies since we joined FMCA.
The immediate four years prior to my election to Area Vice President were spent working in the family registration and vendor registration areas of the Southeast Area Rallies. I was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Southeast Area Rallies (1996-1998). I also served as a member of the Nominating Committee for the Southeast Area (1997-1999). Russ and I were instrumental in setting up the computer registration program that is being used, in conjunction with the National Office, for the Southeast Area registrations. I volunteered at the National level working with the Commercial Registration area at the International Conventions in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Ogden, Utah. I handled the Southeast Area Commercial Registrations for 1997-1999. I continue to actively work with the Commercial vendors in the Southeast Area.
Personal Background: Born and raised in Sigel, Pennsylvania. We have owned property in Panacea, Florida, since 1972 and still maintain a residence there. Worked as a Secretary and Administrative Assistant for 20+ years in government service. I owned and operated my own business for five years in Southern Maryland. Worked approximately three years with Talquin Electric Cooperative in the Tallahassee, Florida, area as Secretary, Cashier, Service Representative and Billing Representative.
Married to Russ for 31 years; we have 7 children and 7 grandchildren.
As an active FMCA volunteer for the past 13 years, and the Southeast Area Vice President for the past four years, I would enjoy the challenge of being the next National Secretary to FMCA. Having spent 20 years of my life in that role, I do understand the responsibilities and challenges that a secretary faces. If elected, I would strive to serve as your representative on the Executive Board and provide appropriate and timely communications and minutes.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL SECRETARY
Ginger Painter, F23514
My name is Ginger Painter and I am seeking the office of FMCA National Secretary. My husband, Charlie, and I joined FMCA in 1978. The first convention we attended was held in Syracuse, New York; since then we have attended over 50 conventions.
For the past 4 years I have served FMCA as International Area Vice President. At the time I became Vice President there was a very popular idea to divide the International Area into 2 areas. By developing the INTO Board to assist the Area Vice President we were able to give more assistance to the chapters, and the thought of dividing this area was tabled. I also started and developed the 1st annual area rally held by the International Area; this rally held in Quartzsite, Arizona, was very well attended and successful. The following two years I led the Area to two more successful rallies, one in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and the last one in San Antonio, Texas. The Board for the International Area, although new to all of this, was a great help.
Charlie and I have been active in 15 chapters. We were the founding President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Snowbirds SE, and charter members of the Parking Layout chapter. I was an officer in the Parking Layout chapter at the time I was elected to the Office of Area Vice President. Currently I am serving with great honor as President of FMCA’s chapter Coaches for Christ.
I served on several committees while in the office of Area Vice President. Along with the Membership/Member Services Committee, I have been a member of the Policy and Procedure Committee, and am presently a member of the combined Constitution and Bylaws/Policy and Procedure Committee. I am also at this time serving as Vice Chairman of the Member Recruitment Committee. In the past year as Vice Chair of this committee I requested permission from the Executive Board to head up FMCA’s 40th anniversary promotion. A price which had been agreed upon by a consulting firm would have a cost of around $70,000; I felt that we could save at least $40,000. With all the plans complete, with the help of the committee and the FMCA staff we have saved over that amount.
I have with Charlie spent several years in the business world, many as a Corporate Secretary. We owned and operated a fleet of 100 buses, having 125 employees. Coordinating, bidding, setting up routes, along with doing payroll, payroll taxes and bookkeeping were part of my job description. At this time I served on our local zoning board. This board helped plan local land development. In 1978 we purchased an RV Park in Florida and continued to develop a 300-space park. During this time I also had a successful Real Estate Career.
Charlie and I are members of the Asbury Methodist Church. We have 3 children and 7 grandchildren, with one blessing of a very special great-grandchild. We have made our home on the West Coast of Florida for the past 25 years.
My hopes for FMCA for the future are to see our great Association remain a viable member-owned association, with the leadership of the Executive Board and help of a very remarkable and efficient staff. With the voice of an informed Governing Board, and trust on all sides directing this organization to a successful future, we can attain the goals as set out for us in our Long Range Plan.
With all these hopes and goals, it would be an honor to serve this organization as your Secretary.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL TREASURER
Judith (Judy) Czarsty, F79148
Community Service/Professional Organization Offices Held: I served 3 terms as Treasurer of Fredericksburg, Virginia, chapter of Altrusa International; 3 terms as a Director and Chapter Secretary of the 1,500-member Washington (D.C.) chapter of the Association of Government Accountants; 2 terms on the Administrative Board of Fredericksburg United Methodist Church.
FMCA Offices/Committee Assignments: Currently I am Senior Vice President of the Eastern Area Motorhome Association; Eastern Area Program Director for the 2003 FMCA-wide campaign to recruit non-chapter members to join chapters.
Previously I was Co-chair of the FMCA Youth Committee 3 years (during which time the numbers of youth attending FMCA National Conventions were at an all-time high); National Director for the Dogwood chapter 7 years; Chapter Newsletter editor for two Eastern Area chapters.
At the request of FMCA President Jim Ballentine, prepared a chapter treasurer’s guide for inclusion in the Chapter President’s Handbook.
At the request of FMCA President Jim Ballentine, co-authored the FMCA Policy regarding reimbursements – Policy and Procedure #102.
Personal Background: Received a B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting from George Mason University. I was elected to Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities and to Beta Epsilon Phi Scholastic Honor Society. I also served as President of the Business Honor Society at George Mason University.
Completed graduate courses in accounting, University of Houston.
Am a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
Am the recipient of numerous awards by the Air Force and the United States General Accounting Office (GAO).
Twice was the recipient of one of the highest awards given by the Comptroller General of the United States; I received this award from two different Comptroller Generals.
I served almost 33 years in federal service. Initially I worked as a secretary until I obtained my B.S. degree. I spent 26 years at GAO in both auditor and operational positions. My audit experience, for example, included audits which resulted in more than $100 million in savings to the Medicare Program, the return of millions of dollars to the Civil Service Retirement Fund and legislation to prevent future losses to the fund. My operational experience included directing non-payroll financial operations of GAO; developing, implementing, and reviewing financial programs such as the agency’s travel credit card program; issuing travel regulations; auditing the financial operations in the agency’s 10 regional offices; and reviewing the structure of GAO’s administrative operations and recommending ways to better align services.
Served as an Instructor on Internal Controls (that is, developing and implementing controls to prevent waste and abuse in the financial and operational areas of an organization). I presented this course to senior international auditors participating in GAO’s International Fellows Program. I also presented this course to auditors working for the State of Hawaii.
My husband, Steve, and I have been married 29 years. We have one son, Steve Jr., who was TATS President for six years. As the wife of a former Eastern Area Vice President, I have an understanding of how FMCA operates in Cincinnati and how the Executive Board functions.
FMCA Goals: My overriding goal is to ensure the continued financial viability of FMCA. I believe that the Treasurer should rely on the Executive Director and his staff to provide the financial information needed by the Treasurer and Finance Committee to develop a budget that keeps FMCA “in the black.” The Governing Board and the Executive Board set the financial policies and initiatives for FMCA, and the Treasurer and Finance Committee must see that these are put into action in the budget. The Treasurer should also work with and support the Executive Director in efforts to keep day-to-day expenses at a minimum and to ensure that adequate controls are in place to prevent waste and abuse in our operations. The Treasurer and Finance Committee should also act as liaison with our external auditors.
My non-financial goals include supporting and implementing the strategic plan goals and following the recommendations of the Bostrom Report to reach consensus decision making within the Executive Board. In following the Bostrom Report recommendations, I will support full and open debate within the Executive Board, respecting the opinions of those with whom I may disagree and fully supporting the decisions of the Executive Board. Further, I will strive to develop harmonious relationships within the Executive Board — after all, we are the Family Motor Coach Association.
CANDIDATE FOR NATIONAL TREASURER
Connie Pool, F140306
FMCA Experience: Re-elected as National Treasurer in Hutchinson, Kansas, in September 2002 and currently serving my second year as a member of the Executive Board. As National Treasurer, I serve as chairperson of the Finance Committee. My husband, Corbett, and I served on the Youth Activities Committee for six years through the summer convention of 1999, the last year as co-chairmen. We were reappointed as the co-chairmen of the Youth Activities Committee in 2001 and continue to serve as co-chairmen.
We purchased our first coach in June 1990, joined FMCA in January 1991, and attended our first International Convention that summer at the University of Notre Dame. We have attended a total of 21 conventions since joining FMCA. We have also attended 20 area rallies, at least one in each of the 10 areas.
Prior to my election as National Treasurer, I served two years as National Director for the Friends of Children Chapter and Corbett has been a member of the Governing Board for eight years. We are also members of the Travelin’ Tarheels, Tennessee Ridge Runners, Foretravel International, FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity®, and Parking Layout chapters. We are charter members of the Friends of Children and FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity® chapters.
Personal Background: Born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, and graduated from the University of South Florida in 1970. I entered the United States Marine Corps in June 1971 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in August 1971. I continued to serve on active duty until July 1993 when I retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Corbett, who is also a retired Marine Corps Officer, and I met while stationed in Hawaii and have been married for 23 years. Our 21-year-old daughter, Kelly, who in her teen years served as an FMCA TATs officer for five years, is completing her senior year at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Tennessee. I also have four stepchildren and four step-grandchildren. We are active members of Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Crossville, Tennessee.
I received my BA (Accounting) degree from University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida, in 1970. I became a Certified Public Accountant in 1981. My Masters of Accounting degree was completed at the University of Hawaii, in 1988. During my 22-year Marine Corps career I served as a Personnel Officer, Area Auditor, Analysis and Review Officer, Camp (base) Comptroller, Budget Officer and Deputy Comptroller. My last assignment was Assistant Chief of Staff, Comptroller, Fleet Marine Forces, Atlantic, with combined aviation and ground annual operating budgets of over $450 million. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps I established an accounting practice in York County, Virginia, where I specialized in small, not-for-profit organizations. I closed my practice in June 1999 when we moved to Tennessee.
Upon my retirement from the Marine Corps, Corbett and I pursued a ministry of working with and feeding the homeless (during the winter months) in our former parish in Hampton, Virginia, and with an organization called Hampton Ecumenical Lodging and Provisioning (H.E.L.P.), an interfaith group of over 60 churches. We also spent 19 months serving as general contractors and volunteer coordinators for the rebuilding of the H.E.L.P. Center, which received Hampton, Virginia’s 1999 Mayor’s Civic Improvement Award. Our move to Tennessee and the formation of the FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity® presented an entirely new opportunity for us to share our talents. Since joining the chapter we have participated in eight builds, four as build team leaders. Our interest continues to grow and in 2003 we will participate in four more FMCA Chapter builds, one as build team leaders.
FMCA Goals: Continue the National Treasurer’s Forums I introduced at national conventions and area rallies that provide me invaluable information and an opportunity for open and frank discussions with chapter representatives. Complete a Chapter and Area Association Treasurer’s Handbook as recommended at a previous Treasurer’s Forum.
The Finance Committee will complete and maintain a 5-year budget, a working document, to support the goals of the Strategic Plan, and continue to recommend a program of fiscal restraints in our current operations and in our future budgets.
Devote the time and energy to do the job to the best of my ability and attend as many of the area rallies as possible to provide in-person updates on FMCA’s financial status. Maintain openness of the financial records and provide the Governing Board the financial statements required for the financial management of FMCA.