This year’s club election took place online from November 3 to November 13.
The results of the election were announced at the November 13 Monthly Membership Meeting.
Below is a summary of the results:
Elected to serve as Club president, 2026
Michelle Henry
elected to serve on Board of directors, 2026-2027
Julia Hager
Sue Jackson
Curtis Musser
The Board also includes the following directors, whose 2-year terms run until the end of 2026:
Kelly Ammon
Brandon Beane
Lisa Domeshek
Cody Harris
Blair Hogg
Thank you to everyone who participated in the election! Thank you, also, to Steve Vida, for his excellent leadership over the last couple of years!
If you are interested in one of the appointed (non-elected) leadership positions, please reach out to incoming president Michelle Henry, or attend January’s general membership meeting.
This year’s club election will take place online from November 3 to November 13.
On November 3, an email will be sent to all current club members with instructions for how to vote. Members may then vote anytime until 5p.m. on November 13.
The results of the election will be announced at the November 13 Monthly Membership Meeting.
Below is a list of candidates running for Club President and Board of Directors.
Club president (select one)
Michelle Henry
Guess who’s back (back again)? Michelle’s back — tell a Pacer friend.
You might remember her from such classics as “PPAC President 2022” and “PPAC President 2023” — a two-season hit that fans called “surprisingly well-organized” and “way more fun than anyone expected.”
Michelle Henry’s been a member of the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club since 2017 and is no stranger to club leadership roles. During this time she:
Has served as club president for two years
Co-directs the Kris Kringle 5-Mile Run alongside club VP Lisa Domeshek for the past few years
Launched and manages the Pacer Passport — a fun, goal-oriented initiative to promote and reward member participation
Has spent the last two years as member of the board, helping to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes
Jumped into several other club initiatives that keep the Pacers energized, engaged, and maybe even a little entertained
Now, instead of seeking a second board term, Michelle’s running for club president (again!). Why? Because she’s all in on what makes this club awesome: the people, the energy, the support, the shared goals and challenges, and a community that shows up for each other.
If you want a president who’s organized, enthusiastic, and just the right amount of spicy — vote Michelle. Let’s keep the Pacers doing what we do best – running, connecting, and having a damn good time doing it.
Blair Hogg
I’ve been a member for over 15 years. I try to get to most of the events, Wednesday runs, races, and meetings. I was elected to the board a few years back and have been an active member. I took the position of race director for Run for the Ages in 2021 and have been actively involved in that event since. As a runner, I competed in track and cross country for West Scranton High School, and stayed active in the sport on and off since then, and have been consistent since 2007. My wife Karen and I live in Mohnton, and have hosted Wednesday night runs for the last few years. I’m employed by Sechan Electronics in Lancaster doing Quality Assurance work on electronics for the military. I have Engineering and Business degrees from Lehigh University. I think the Pacers need to expand our social activities to keep our members engaged. I would like us to consider events such as a pickleball night, a golf outing, or perhaps an indoor golf outing to provide our members with more opportunities to socialize and enjoy each other’s company. As President, I would look to develop events like these for our club.
Board of directors (3 candidates, 4 positions)
Julia Hager
Julia is an avid runner and has really fallen in love with trail running. A member of the Pagoda Pacers for 10(?) years, she has planned our club Christmas party the past 3 years and is currently working on this year’s, as well. Julia is pleased with the direction the club is heading and would love to be an integral part of its future.
As a board member, she would like to see
the club expand its athletic options to support our non-runner community, (biking, hiking, pickleball, etc.)
continue to explore ideas to increase registration for our races.
increase participation of “dormant” members
attract fresh faces with new energy
Julia’s creativity and energy will bring a positive influence to the club, and she’s excited for what comes next.
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 over 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. As I think about the future of the Pacers, I have 2 main goals. First, to continue having a positive impact on the community and secondly, see the club expand by bringing in new members with new ideas and goals. I’m asking for your vote so that I can actively help guide the club as it continues to grow and change.
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 decision. Helping others find their way into the running community is as important to me as my own running goals are. If there’s a group I just may be there.
As we head into the Fall, it’s time to nominate willing candidates who would like to run for an official leadership position in the club!
We are now accepting nominations for Club President (1 year term) and for FOUR positions on the Board of Directors (2 year term).
If you would like to serve on the Board or run for Club President, please consider nominating yourself!
Candidates must be official club members in good standing who joined the club one year (or more) ago.
Note: our current club president, Steve Vida, has announced that he will NOT be running for re-election, so we NEED candidates who are willing to step up and take on this important role.
The deadline to nominate yourself (or another willing and eligible club member) is October 24, 2025.
Please email Matt Brophy (Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com) to make a nomination or if you have any election-related questions.
The election will take place online from November 3 to November 13.
For more information on the official duties of the Club President and members of the Board of Directors, please check out the Pagoda Pacer Bylaws.
This year’s club election will take place online from November 4 to November 14.
On November 4, an email will be sent to all current club members with instructions for how to vote. Members may then vote anytime until 5p.m. on November 14.
The results of the election will be announced at the November 14 Monthly Membership Meeting.
Below is a list of candidates running for Club President and Board of Directors.
Club president (select one)
Steve Vida
I am a Reading native and member of the Pagoda Pacers for more than 10 years. I enjoy both road and trail running, and I’ve done my share of racing in a number of formats and distances. More recently, I’ve found a new satisfaction in pacing and crewing for others’ races also. You’ll find me almost every week at the Wednesday Night Run.
During this past year as club President I saw how much energy our members put into the club and our races. I ask for your vote for a second term. I intend to focus on streamlining the club’s administrative workload and encouraging new ideas for fun and fitness.
Board of directors (choose five)
Mindy Brudereck
I have been a member of the Pagoda Pacers for about 2 years. I always enjoy meeting other runners and learning from them. I have served on several boards in my profession and I would like to become a more active member of the Pagoda Pacers by becoming a member of the Board.
Brandon Beane
Brandon has been a member of the Pacer organization for 8 years. He’s an avid runner on both roads and trails, and regularly participates in club activities, both running and volunteering. If re-elected, he will be entering his final term on the board.
Lisa Domeshek
Lisa has enjoyed serving on the Board of Directors for the last two years in addition to her Vice Presidential duties. She brings with her practical experience as an active club member and race director for Kris Kringle in addition to her business and financial skills from being a small business owner. She cares deeply about the club and is committed to its continual improvement for both current members and new runners. She prides herself on lending an ear to all club members to make sure their opinions are heard and being a friendly face for new runners at club runs and events.
Kelly Ammon
I’ve been a member of the Pagoda Pacers since 2018 (or 19?) when I was co-coaching track/cross country at Wilson, and Phil told me about the weekly Wednesday night runs. At first WNRs were my only participation with the club but as the years go by, my love for the Pacer community has grown. The Pacers helped me connect with so many like-minded people, whom I now consider friends, and I love sharing the joys (and disappoints) running can bring. As a member of the board, I want to push the club to be a place for new and seasoned runners alike and build the community so we can continue to welcome people like I was welcomed.
Cody Harris
Cody is pursuing a position on the board of directors because he feels it is time to give back to the organization that has given so much to him. He has been running for more than 20 years, and he joined the Pacers 6 years ago. During that time, the club and its members have helped him grow as a runner and a person, and he wants to return the favor. He looks forward to helping increase the club’s visibility in the community and work on activities and events that add value for existing members. He humbly asks for your support and vote for the board of directors.
Blair Hogg
I’ve been a Pacer member for quite a while, Run for the Ages race director for 3 years, and a board member for 2 years. I volunteer at many of the Pacer events and attend the Wednesday night runs as frequently as possible. Married with two adult children. I umpire youth league baseball games for beer money. Other hobbies include ham radio and astronomy – was the treasurer for the Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society for 2 years. To support my running habit I work as a quality engineer for a company that manufactures electronics for the defense industry.
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!
As we move into the final quarter of 2023, it’s time to gear up for this year’s election of important club officers.
Several members of the club’s Board of Directors have announced they are unable to run for re-election. Our current club president, Michelle Henry, has also announced that she does not want to run for another term.
That means that it’s time for US to step up. Here’s what you need to know:
CLUB PRESIDENT — serves a one-year term, leads monthly meetings, represents the club in various public contexts, delegates and appoints other members for diverse duties and responsibilities
Board of Directors — members serve a 2-year term; meet 4 times per year to set goals, strategies, and priorities for the club; advise president as needed; 4 vacancies for this year’s election
Eligibility — Any Pacer who has been an official, dues-paying member for ALL of 2023 is eligible to run for Club President or the Board of Directors (except for current Board Members who are term-limited).
HOW TO NOMINATE YOURSELF — Send an email to Matt Brophy (Matthew.L.Brophy@gmail.com), who will be coordinating this year’s election. Identify the position you are running for, and, if you’d like, share a brief “blurb” that we can publish in next month’s newsletter, which summarizes your history with the club and reasons for running.
DEADLINE: Please nominate yourself NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 19!
A list of nominated candidates will be advertised in the November Newsletter, and voting will take place online between November 1st and November 9th.
The results of the election will be announced at the November 9th General Membership Meeting.
Thank you, in advance, for stepping up and helping the club move forward! Your leadership and service are appreciated!
Interested in taking on a leadership role in the Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club?
Consider nominating yourself to run for an official, elected position!
This November, the Pacers will elect a club President and four members of our Board of Directors. The President serves a one-year term, and the Board members serve two-year terms. Anyone who has been a club member in good standing for at least a year is eligible to run.
If you are interested in running for President, we strongly recommend speaking with our current President, Michelle Henry, about what it’s like to serve in this role. (You will not be stepping on Michelle’s toes–rumor has it she would be THRILLED to hear that someone else is interested in this position.)
If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, we strongly recommend speaking with any of the current Board members to learn more about the time and responsibilities involved. (Current Board members are Brandon Beane, Lisa Domeshek, Blair Hogg, Beth Kohl, Cody Harris, Ellie Alderfer, Karen Rule, Kelly Ammon, and Steve Vida.)
The election process will be discussed at the next Monthly Membership Meeting (9/14), and nominations will be accepted in early October, up until that month’s Membership Meeting. Look for more information about how to nominate yourself in next month’s newsletter. The actual election will take place in early November, and the results will be announced at the November Monthly Meeting.
Pagoda Pacers News 