New US Sailing Board of Directors nominees announced for upcoming elections

US Sailing © US Sailing

The US Sailing Board of Directors 2024 election cycle is under way with final voting by the membership opening September 3, 2024 and running through October 13, 2024.

US Sailing's Nomination and Election Process

The process to select nominees begins months in advance. There is a rigorous nomination procedure, where the US Sailing Nominating Committee identifies and vets potential candidates using recommendations from all available sources, including suggestions from members. The Nominating Committee reviews each suggestion and reaches out to solicit applications from the best fit/most qualified if they have not already formally applied.

The committee strives to build a Board of Directors that represents the broad sailing community it serves. The committee then reviews and researches each candidate to assess their qualifications, experience, and commitment to advancing the organization's mission. Interviews and discussions help the committee further narrow the field to the final nominees submitted. After announcing the nominees, US Sailing members are encouraged to show their support, voting for nominees during the election period.

Voting must be completed not more than 50 business days before and not less than 10 business days prior to the US Sailing Annual Meeting, scheduled for October 23, 2024. This ensures that all votes are counted in accordance with Bylaw 305.

From September 3 through October 13, 2024, US Sailing's general membership will have the opportunity to vote and elect the three board members on the slate put forward by the Nominating Committee, which consists of Secretary (term 2025-2028) and two Members at Large (term 2025-2027). Election results will be announced at the US Sailing Board Meeting in Bristol, Rhode Island on Wednesday, October 23.

This year, three proven leaders have been put forward by US Sailing's Nominating Committee for election by the general membership, each bringing unique qualifications, skills and perspectives to the table. Interestingly, all three nominees already sit on the board as appointees, pending election, as they filled openings that arose in the past year.

They are:

• Matt Gallagher - Nominated for Elected Director, Secretary position (2025-2028, a four-year term) - Gallagher has served on the board since late 2023 and is uniquely qualified for the challenging Secretary position, thus opening up his previous board position.

• Mike Van Dyke - Nominated for Elected Director, Member at Large position (2024-2027, three years remaining) - Van Dyke brings strong business and financial skills, while bringing US Sailing strong needed leadership in the district hosting the 2028 Olympics

• Bob Kottler - Nominated for Elected Director, Member at Large position (2024-2027, three years remaining) - Kottler has served on the Finance Committee since 2023 and by shifting onto the Board, will be well positioned to understudy for a potential future Treasurer and Finance Director role that will open up in 2025.

How to Vote

Vote and show support for your future leaders! Members are encouraged to vote either online or by mail:

Online: Visit the US Sailing website By Mail: Request a paper ballot by emailing .

For more information, please visit www.ussailing.org/about/our-people/board-of-directors/board-election

Following the election, members are encouraged to reach out to board members with suggestions and comments as they are there to represent your sailing communities.

Stay Informed

To ensure members are fully informed, the Weekly Lift will feature the nominees and voting information starting with the election opening on September 3rd. Reminders will also be sent out throughout the election period via the Weekly Lift and other US Sailing communication channels.

For more information about the nomination process, visit the Board Nomination FAQ page, www.ussailing.org/about/our-people/board-of-directors/board-nomination-frequently-asked-questions