Transcript for the NAFA Candidate Chat December 19th, 2018
EmmaMak
Hi everyone! This is Emma Mak. I'm the NAFA Elections Chair and
I'm moderating tonight's chat.
Thank you to Nominating Committee Chair Terry McClean, also special thanks to
fellow Election Committee member, Kim Davis
for your work on the election and for helping me out with the chat
tonight!
Thank you to our Board of Directors Candidates: Steve Corona, Dana Hanson,
Kathy Haney, and Darla Quintern
for putting yourself out there and offering to serve on the Nafa Board, some of
you for a second term.
EmmaMak
Those joining us who wish to ask the candidates a question, a
reminder that this is a moderated chat, so please send a private message to me.
You can do this by typing //pm EmmaMak
I'm also available on FB chat if you'd prefer to interact that way.
We will first take opening remarks from the candidates.
EmmaMak
Steve Corona and Kathy Haney are currently on this chat, hopefully Dana and Darla will be joining us soon.
KATHYHANEY
Hello everyone,
SteveCorona
Hi Everyone. I’d like to start off by thanking Emma Mak, the Election Committee and NAFA for hosting tonight’s chat. Also, a big thank you to those that have joined us this evening or are reading the transcripts at a future date. It’s been a privilege to have been on the Board for the past 3 years and I look forward to continuing to serve our competitors and their dogs should I be re-elected. I also want to wish my fellow candidates all the best in these elections and as we discuss the issues involving our sport.
DanaHanson
Can you see me now Emma
EmmaMak
Hi Dana, yes!
DanaHanson
Thank you all for taking time from your busy holiday schedules to participate in tonight's chat or read the transcript. It has been an honor and an education serving on the board for the past three years. I am happy to have served and to have gotten to know the other board members and many competitors.
EmmaMak
0 questions in the queue. If you have questions please private message me. Thanks
KATHYHANEY
Thank you for this opportunity to let everyone know who I am and why and I feel like I would be an asset to the NAFA BOD. I have been playing flyball for approximately 16 years now with 3 dogs and one currently in training. I have played in Regions 6/16 and have been the captain of my Surf City Flyball team for the last 10 years. I have seen a lot of changes in NAFA, but think there are more that can be made to make NAFA even better. I am looking forward to being part of the governing force
EmmaMak
Thank you, candidates. First question from Emma Mak:
1. What special qualifications do you bring to the board of directors that
might set you apart from other candidates and which committees would you want
to serve on?
DarlaQuintern
Hello
EmmaMak
Hi Darla - please feel free to make some opening remarks and then answer the first question.
DarlaQuintern
I would be best suited to serve as secretary or in some administrative role.
DarlaQuintern
I like to organize and facilitate
DanaHanson
I am a finance professional with a background in not-for-profit organizations. I have been able to use my professional skills to improve financial reporting and to follow up on issues that generated cost savings to NAFA. My background positions me nicely for the finance committee. It also enables me to contribute to committees such as the technology committee that requires planning for cash outlays.
DarlaQuintern
Thank you everyone for the opportunity. Emma for making this chat happen.
DarlaQuintern
I am most interested in serving on the BOD as I believe I would bring a fresh perspective to the board. And would enjoy getting to know competitors from other regions. I play flyball in region 2/13
KATHYHANEY
I have always tried to be a leader who is willing to listen and encourage input from everyone. I am also someone who can stand their ground for something I believe in. We do have some special issues out here in the western states that need to be included in some of the board discussions. I have run a successful company along with my husband for 30+ years and my flyball team is well known by our local competitors as one of the best.
SteveCorona
I consider myself to be highly organized and a detail oriented person. Having served on the Board has opened my eyes to the many different types of participants that we have in our sport and the Board as a whole has diligently tried to meet the needs of all our competitors. I'm also self-employed and bring a set of business skills to the organization which is a necessity when running an organization such as NAFA. I'm also a Supervising Judge and have traveled to many regions either judging or with the Board and have heard in person of the joys and concerns in our sport. As the current Chairman of the Board I currently sit on all committees but find my strengths in Rules, Judges, and have made a push to help expand our social media presence.
KATHYHANEY
I believe I would be an asset of any of the committees except for marketing, which is definitely not my forte
EmmaMak
Next question from Emma Mak 2. What do you consider NAFA's most pressing issue at this time or was there something that got you fired up and wanting to run for the board? Do you have a suggestion on how it can be addressed? ]
DarlaQuintern
I believe the height dog issue is the most pressing issue to be resolved, as it has been in limbo for quite some time now. I know that Nafa will not be able to find a solution that makes everyone happy, but believe they need to do their best to make an informed decision and implement it as soon as possible.
DarlaQuintern
The other issue I think needs to be worked on is public knowledge of flyball and communication with the flyball community.
KATHYHANEY
I was fired up last year by several of my fellow Region 6 & 16 competitors who feel it would be nice to have some local representation and asked me to run. I have some ideas that I would like to put forward for bolstering up the Multibreed class and keeping the number of competitors steady or, even better, growing
SteveCorona
Our EJS systems need to be updated and there is currently an initiative underway to do just that. We have a long standing issue with measuring and that is also being reviewed at this time. I believe we've done a better job of being more transparent but have more work to do on that end as well.
DarlaQuintern
I personally would love to see a Youth Advisor on the Board of Directors. A flyball competitor between the ages of 16-21 who can help the board see things from their perspective and help gain the interest of other youth.
DanaHanson
I believe the biggest agenda item for the board is fostering continuing interest in the sport as well as trying to grow. We have many more activities competing for the same dollars. Many host clubs have disappeared from the map because of venues that have outpriced them. The board has developed new recognition programs aimed at encouraging continued participation. My initial interest in the board was spurred not by this but more by my wanting to contribute to improving financial stewardship.
EmmaMak
Next question from, you guessed it, Emma Mak 3. In fairness to the other board members and the NAFA community, it's pretty crucial that board members attend board meetings and CanAm. Will this be an issue for you?
DanaHanson
No. I have attended all board meetings and CanAm events during my tenure. CanAm is very much a working event that relies on all board members to be hands on.
SueLangelier
How do the candidates feel what sets them apart from the East and the West? @EmmaMak
KATHYHANEY
Attending meetings will not be an issue for me. This is one of the reasons I have decided to run at this time of my life. I feel like I now have the time to devote to helping to make NAFA flyball the best that it can be
DarlaQuintern
I would look forward to the opportunity to attend board meetings and I have participated in Can-Am every year that I have played flyball. I do not for see any issue being able to attend both meetings or Can-Am.
SteveCorona
I have not missed a singe board meeting since being elected and have also helped with CanAm set-up and tear-down prior to my time on the board. I've worked several positions at CanAm including pit boss, relief judging and act as regional director in my current role.
EmmaMak
To send me a private message, please type //pm EmmaMak Thank you, Sue. I'll queue up your question.
DarlaQuintern
I love to be part of a team and the challenge of a big event.
EmmaMak
Next question from Emma Mak 4. There's been a lot of changes in NAFA lately. Looking back on the changes made lately, can you reflect on something you've liked and something you're not so keen on?
DarlaQuintern
I really like the extra points that can be earned. I think that might help with participation.
DanaHanson
The change that I most like is the elimination of false starts. I believe the proposal was met with skepticism by many, but the way that it was implemented has addressed concerns of some doubters. Mostly, I have enjoyed not having to hammer our start dogs and ending the race day more quickly.
KATHYHANEY
I do like the "No false starts" rule change. It has and will continue to make the days much shorter for some of our larger entry tournaments and is much better for the start dogs. Even though the board is still working on the height dog issues of measuring and what the heights will be, I am happy with the direction it seems to be going in
SteveCorona
The no false start rule is by far one of my most favorite changes that we've introduced to the sport and not because of some time that is saved but because it has reduced the wear and tear on start dogs. Being a judge I have seen start dogs run 2 or 3 times as much as any other dog in a line-up. What I've learned on the board is that while I personally may not have a rule change or item go "my way" I fully support the decision made by the Board and will respect those changes going forward.
DanaHanson
As a current board member, I believe it's important, once a decision has been made, to present a unified front. That said, I am not unhappy about the decisions that have been made recently and can't identify any particular item with which I'm dissatisfied.
EmmaMak
Next question based on Sue Langelier's question - 5. What insight can you provide into the different challenges of the east vs west coasts of North America for NAFA flyball?
KATHYHANEY
One large issue is the way the regions are set up and the travel distances/restrictions between them.
SteveCorona
I understand the West Coast feels isolated at times and they have their issues with travel. The East Coast can be hampered by winter weather events and typically has a shorter season than other parts of the country. But with that said, the entire flyball community is being challenged by competition from other dog sports, rising venue costs, and decreased participation. I believe that we need to look at ways to help all Regions continue to play flyball and grow the sport across all of North America.
DanaHanson
I have played in three east coast regions in my 17 years in the sport, including regions 9, 11 and 14 and have traveled to region 2. I believe I have a fairly comprehensive understanding of issues those regions face. My knowledge of issues unique to the west coast are limited to requests that have been presented to the board. I understand the geography itself presents challenges when you have a state with vast borders and when competitors have to travel through gridlocked urban areas to compete. I'm certain there are more issues and would welcome feedback from all competitors.
KATHYHANEY
The competition with other sports is a huge issue out here because our weather allows all of the dog sports to be played pretty much year round so people have lots to choose from all the time.
KATHYHANEY
As was mentioned earlier, the cost of venues out here is enormous as well. I am not sure what NAFA could do to mitigate that, but would like to explore any possibilities
EmmaMak
Darla, feel free to continue with that question if you'd like to. Next question from Emma Mak 6. Being on the board means working closely with the other directors. What is your leadership style? How do you handle conflict or when things don't go the way you'd like them to go?
EmmaMak
Final call for questions...I have 0 questions in the queue.
DarlaQuintern
I have found the best way to handle conflict is to let the other person be heard. They then will feel more ready to hear your take on an issue. My leadership style is friendly with a "Can-Do" attitude. I try to find the best way someone can make a contribution to the task at hand.
KATHYHANEY
I value input from everyone and like to consider what others have to say before reaching a decision. I have worked on boards with my sons' high school booster clubs and my flyball clubs with good success. I am always willing to stand behind the decisions of the board even if I was on the the other side
DarlaQuintern
Use each individuals strengths
DarlaQuintern
Make everyone feel part of the team and part of the process
DarlaQuintern
Find some common ground.
SteveCorona
I'm a team player and respect others opinions and insight and always keep in mind that I'm trying to do what is most fair for the majority of our community and what is the safest for our dogs. As Chairman for the past 2 years I have been tasked with keeping the Committees on task and meeting deadlines. We are a group of volunteers with lives outside of flyball but are extremely passionate about this sport and dedicate a large amount of time to NAFA and our competitors. As I stated before, I will always support the decisions made even if they don't align with my views.
DanaHanson
I believe everyone comes to the table with different life experiences, expectations and thoughts on what decisions are the best ones. Everyone serves in a voluntary capacity. While opinions may differ, I believe everyone advocates for what they believe is best. It is important to be open minded and listen and be willing to make concessions.
EmmaMak
Thank you, candidates. Please prepare your closing remarks...
NAFA 2018/2019 Election ballots should have been delivered to your email inbox
if you are a Club Owner, Regional Director,
Approved/Supervising Judge or Board Member. If you have not received the ballot
email, or if you have any questions about the election, please contact elections@flyball.org.
Polls open December 1, 2018 and close Monday January 21, 2019 at midnight CST.
Results will be announced at the NAFA AGM on January 26, 2019.
SteveCorona
Thank you again to NAFA and the Elections Committee for hosting tonight’s chat and to all the candidates for their thoughtful responses to tonight’s questions. I look forward to the remaining chats and more discussions about the topics that are important to our community. Happy Holidays everyone!
KATHYHANEY
Thanks again for the opportunity to run for the NAFA BOD and for this chat. I look forward to working with everyone if I am elected. Happy Holidays everyone.
DanaHanson
Thank you all for joining or reading. I apologize for the many subject/verb disagreements you may experience in my rapid typing while trying to keep things moving along. It has been an honor and an eye-opening experience to have served three years on the NAFA board. I am perhaps a bit more informed about the tasks board members are faced with and the amount of time required just to deal with necessary things, let alone the would-be-nice items. Again, thank you for joining and Happy Holidays!
DarlaQuintern
Thanks everyone for your time and effort, much appreciated. I look forward to the opportunity to help grow flyball and to help make flyball more known. I would love the opportunity to work with other board members and serve the flyball community. It would be wonderful to get to know more flyballer's. Flyball is a wonderful sport that needs more exposure.
DarlaQuintern
Happy Holidays!
EmmaMak
I'd like to thank all the candidates and the members of the NAFA
community for their participation this evening and
throughout the election process. This concludes tonight's chat. Good night and
have a great holiday season!