This year’s club election will be conducted online from Wednesday, November 1st until Thursday, November 9th at 5 p.m. Each club member will receive an email with instructions for how to vote. If you are a club remember and did not receive such an email on November 1st, please reach out to Matt Brophy at Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com.
Below are the candidates running for elected positions this year.
candidate for president
STEVE VIDA: I joined the Pagoda Pacers about 10 years ago. I had been running for a few years – but always alone. Then I went to my first Wednesday Night Run and knew I’d be coming back every week. I love running with the group and meeting new runners. Even 10 years later, I don’t often miss a WNR.
I am now asking for your vote in the election for President of the Pagoda Pacers. These would be my priorities as President: 1. Maintain good governance of the club’s resources. 2. Support our race directors and event coordinators. These leaders take on a great deal of responsibility and make things happen for the club. When they have issues, I want to help resolve them. 3. Listen to club members – being open to complaints and new ideas. 4. There is a lot going on in the running community in Berks County. I want to ensure the club remains central to this activity. We need to be engaged, responsive and accessible.
CANDIDATES for board of directors
JASON KARPINSKI: My time with the club began well before I was ever a member. I first had interactions with the club when I attempted my first Blues Cruise in 2006. Since 2006 I have had the fortune to run (if my math is correct) sixteen 50k, three 100k, and two 100-milers, with plans to run many, many more. Running has become an incredibly large part of my life and without a doubt it is the community of running that draws me in over and over again. I have been able to get a taste for the hard work that our members and race directors put into our events and I take pride in knowing how much our active member base cares for each other and the greater Reading area. As a Board of Directors member I would work to further the reach of the PPAC within the community through increased volunteer opportunities, and my own engagement in community events. It is my belief that the impact made by this club, although already large, can become something unimaginable.
SUE JACKSON: I’ve been an active member of the Pacers since 1987. Over the years I have volunteered at numerous races and events – way too many to count. I’ve been a race director of Shiver by the River since 1998; served as president of the Pacers; and have been on the scholarship committed for about 15 years, including several years as chair of the scholarship committee. This club and people I have met have become a big part of my life. I’ve seen the club grow not only in numbers, but also in technology, activities for our members, and community outreach. I want us to continue to become a real welcoming part of the running community, constantly bringing in new and younger members. I’m asking for your vote so that I can actively help guide the club as it continues to grow and change.
MIHAI SANCHEZ: I’m Mihai Sanchez and I’ve been a proud member of the Pagoda Pacers for three years. I compete in various races throughout the region and enjoy giving back when I’m not racing. I’ve volunteered at Pacer races and youth races and I’ve also had the honor of serving as an assistant Jr. High coach at Wyomissing. With my active presence in our great running community, I am running for Board of Directors to expand on my service for the next generation of the club. I feel as if I can provide a similar, but different perspective as to how we can expand our reach and continue the traditions and values of the club throughout our races and events. Serving as a de facto leader in the running community has been an honor and an opportunity to serve on the board would be a responsibility I would gladly take on as we look to promote wellness and make positive memories for many more in the community.
CURTIS MUSSER: I started running to stay active and challenge myself. Little did I know then that many of my friends would be a direct result of this lifestyle. Now growing the running community is as important to me as my own running goals are. Sometime about two years ago I joined the Pacers and started getting involved.
MICHELLE HENRY: While I’m happy with what the club has accomplished during my two years as president, I’m ready to let someone else steer the ship for awhile. That being said, I really would like to continue to be involved and offer whatever ideas I can contribute. We’ve done a lot to make the club more welcoming to new runners and to diversify the ways that members can engage with both social and athletic events. I hope I can continue to be an advocate for such progress as the club continues to be a refuge for fun, fellowship, and inspiration. Vote for me, y’all!
Pagoda Pacers News 