2009 President & Vice President Nominations

[Pennies2Cents]

Attention MAAST Members,


We the BOD would like to announce the upcoming annual Presidential & Vice Presidential elections for the 2010 calendar year. According to the MAAST Bylaws, candidates for the office of President & Vice President must be a current member of the Board of Directors, and/or has previously served on the Board of Directors.

We are looking for those who are willing to participate actively on the forum, in discussions as well as help in leading MAAST into a brighter future. Our club has grown quite a bit in this past year and TMAC is again on our list of events for 2010. We have a very busy schedule and would like to remind everyone that time and dedication play a very important role in these positions.

It is requested that the nominees submit a post that he/she accepts as well as submit a small bio explaining why they would like to become the President or Vice President elect and the special qualities they have that can be beneficial to the club.

In addition to the above mentioned, we the BOD would also like to see the maximum participation from you, our club members. Now is your chance to make a difference and make things happen.

Your nominations for President & Vice President are now welcome:

[Mr Cob]

I would like to nominate Ace Shedd (Hobogato) as President. He puts the members first and has an advanced knowledge of reef keeping that surpasses most. He also contributes to this club in many educational ways which is something we should be considering when electing our officers. He is the mission statement.

I would also like to nominate Mike (texreefer) as Vice President. While his contributions have been limited over the past 6 months I believe he and Ace work well together. Like Ace, he too is very knowledgeable and is one of the original pioneers of MAAST. He was one of the first 10 members and it would be nice to get someone on board that was a part of the creation of this site and mission statement.

I hope both of you will seriously consider accepting these nominations. This club is growing so quickly and is in need of your representation.

Thanks.

[txmaverickmh]

Woo hoo, I second the nomination for ACE. He is ALL over the place helping people and lifting up this hobby. Couldn't find a better guy with such a thorough level of commitment and intelligence!

Michael

[ErikH]

I'd like to nominate them both too! :D

[clone]

I would like to nominate Ace Shedd (Hobogato) as President. He puts the members first and has an advanced knowledge of reef keeping that surpasses most. He also contributes to this club in many educational ways which is something we should be considering when electing our officers. He is the mission statement.

I would also like to nominate Mike (texreefer) as Vice President. While his contributions have been limited over the past 6 months I believe he and Ace work well together. Like Ace, he too is very knowledgeable and is one of the original pioneers of MAAST. He was one of the first 10 members and it would be nice to get someone on board that was a part of the creation of this site and mission statement.

I hope both of you will seriously consider accepting these nominations. This club is growing so quickly and is in need of your representation.

Thanks.

They've got my vote.
Think about it Mike and Ace.

[JTrott]

I have a question:

Will Mr. Byrd be seeking re-election?

Jason
No longer Affiliated with Gabe's Fish & Exotic Pets

[Texreefer]

HHmmm. Thank you guys. something to think about. I will let you know very soon

[hobogato]

Thank you for the nomination Rob and thank you to everyone else for the support.

I have served on the Board and as VP in the past and did not seek re-election at the end of my term for various reasons, the main one being that my view of MAAST and the direction it was taking were on very different paths. However, in the last few months, there has been a great resurgence in the best aspects of this organization: education and sharing.

Yes, there have been growing pains on more than one occasion, but all in all the membership and the organization have faired well and coped with the changes. We are now in a position where all of the band-aid fixes to the bylaws need to be reworked and cleaned up to establish a clear set of guidelines for the future of the club. This task has already begun with the present Board and will be a huge task for the Board to come.

This is merely one of the tasks with which I look forward to assisting.

I believe that the President of MAAST should be someone who can lead by example.

I also believe that he/she should trust the Board and the decisions it makes to govern policy. The President should be good at delegating authority to other Board members and committee members, rather than attempting to control everything that is done. In addition, the President must also be willing and able to step forward and help wherever needed.

Therefore, without reservation, I accept the nomination and hope that whomever is elected to President will embody these leadership qualities for the continued advancement of MAAST.

[txav8r]

AWESOME ACE! I was hoping you would accept.

[Pennies2Cents]

I'm glad u accepted Ace! :)

[RayAllen]

Ace 2nd the nomination. You have been one of Maast greatest assets with your knowledge and DIY know how. Ive always seen you ask the go to guy in many aspects of the hobby.

[cpreefguy]

I have really enjoyed serving on the BOD over the past 4 years. Unfortunately, I'll be working every weekend for the foreseeable future so I won't be able to give MAAST the attention it deserves.

As such, I'd like to nominate Rob (Mr Cob) as President

I have seen him come into a shaky BOD and remain forward thinking, objective to a fault, very level headed, and above all else, motivated! This is what MAAST needs. If he can do this well when times are tough, I really look forward to what he will do when times are great. I've been on the BOD for a while, and I can plainly see that Rob is meant for a leadership role. I feel like Rob has the respect of the BOD, knows what is going on, and where MAAST should be headed.

Rob has my full confidence for this position, and if he chooses to accept I know he will lead this club to great things.

[jroescher]

As such, I'd like to nominate Rob (Mr Cob) as President



Seconded.

[JimD]

Hey ya'll, I would like to nominate Cherri Byrd for vice president. As most of you know, she has been a major force behind the great events this club has seen over the last few years, T-Mac, Port A trip and many more along with her backround in public relations. Her dedication to the true MAAST objective is obvious when you archive her past accomplishments. As a long time charter member and events coordinator, I believe that Cherri would be the ultimate in leadership for this community... Thanks!

[cbianco]

Hobogato as president

Mr Cob as vice president

This combo would combine old and new blood. There is no doubt in my mind that they both would do a great job.

Christopher

[txav8r]

These are all great suggestions!

I would also like to nominate Eve (Pennies2Cents) for VicePresident. I think she would be another great candidate.

[Pennies2Cents]

Having served on the Board for the last year as well as having the opportunity to serve as your Interim Secretary, I have seen a great deal of growth in this club. It is a great feeling to know that I have played a part of something so spectacular. Since joining the BOD, it has been my goal to see MAAST move forward in following the intensions set forth by the original founders of MAAST.



1. Encourage the growth of the marine aquarium hobby in South Texas;

2. Educate and inform members and the public about care, keeping and propagation of marine invertebrates and fish;

3. Prevent abuse to marine animals in general, and to conserve the marine environment by promoting intelligent, planned reef management systems;

4.Promote higher standards of health and care provided by local commercial outlets;

5. Organize workshops, seminars and discussions related to all aspects of the hobby;

6. Raise and generate funds and create financial resources to meet these goals; and
Coordinate with and support similar societies devoted to like-minded interests.



As your POTM Coordinator and Chief Editor for The Monthly MAASTARD Newsletter I believe I have proven my ability to educate & share common reef knowledge with you the members. As Interim Secretary I also have had the pleasure to organize meetings, contests and discussions for you, our members to enjoy.

The Vice President should follow the President in leading by example all the while working together in conjunction with the BOD to achieve the goals set forth. Trust, Honesty, Leadership, Time & Dedication are a very important asset to have when seeking any position on the Board.

I will accept my nomination for Vice President and hope that with your help I can continue to give all that is expected of me ten (10) fold as well as to take MAAST to new levels in 2010.

Thank You Jack for your nomination and for the support I have received thus far.

Eve :)

[Bill S]

These are all great suggestions!

I would also like to nominate Eve (Pennies2Cents) for VicePresident. I think she would be another great candidate.

I agree. I was going to do this earlier today, but couldn't get internet on the other side of the bay on my phone.

Eve has served well as MAAST Acting Secretary. As well, she has essentially filled in for Steve and Sean recently - in particular for the last 2 Board Meetings.

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

I respectfully decline, thanks Jim.

[aggman]

i would like to add something. this isn't directed at anyone in particular but to all nominees and potential nominees.

these are serious positions within our organization and this is a trying time for the board with all the improvements we are working on. so if you accept your nominations, please be willing and able to provide the necessary time and patience required. we absolutely cannot accomplish any of our objectives and meet the demands of our membership if we can't get business done.

also, on a personal note, i have a problem with anyone nominating, or accepting a nomination, simply based on popularity. that is not what we need. that system has been the status quo in the past and it will not be repeated. we have all seen what issues arise from this type of governance.

i also disagree with the nominations, or acceptance of nominations, by anyone who has not been an active participant within the organization, much less a charter member. that is a requirement as well.

please, we need nominees who are actually willing to work, put their personal agendas aside and put maast first. if you can't commit to that, then don't waste this groups time and energy.

good luck to all candidates who decide to lead this amazing group!

~alex

[BIGBIRD123]

I have really enjoyed serving on the BOD over the past 4 years. Unfortunately, I'll be working every weekend for the foreseeable future so I won't be able to give MAAST the attention it deserves.

As such, I'd like to nominate Rob (Mr Cob) as President

I have seen him come into a shaky BOD and remain forward thinking, objective to a fault, very level headed, and above all else, motivated! This is what MAAST needs. If he can do this well when times are tough, I really look forward to what he will do when times are great. I've been on the BOD for a while, and I can plainly see that Rob is meant for a leadership role. I feel like Rob has the respect of the BOD, knows what is going on, and where MAAST should be headed.

Rob has my full confidence for this position, and if he chooses to accept I know he will lead this club to great things.

I would like to second Rob's nomination. One of the things required for this position is participation and dedication. Rob has been the poster for these requirements. He has been very implimental in the past few months of the business and working that go on behind the scenes. Rob is dedicacted to You the Members and the entire family of MAAST. He has showed his level headedness in the last half of this year, which is what is needed to lead our group. MAAST would be on the losing end if you do not accept this nomination.

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Hey ya'll, I would like to nominate Cherri Byrd for vice president. As most of you know, she has been a major force behind the great events this club has seen over the last few years, T-Mac, Port A trip and many more along with her backround in public relations. Her dedication to the true MAAST objective is obvious when you archive her past accomplishments. As a long time charter member and events coordinator, I believe that Cherri would be the ultimate in leadership for this community... Thanks!

I also accept your nomination Jim, as Vice President of MAAST, and it would be an honor to serve the Members of MAAST as Vice President.

I also feel that as being a Servant Leader, one should acquire integrity, one should be able to communicate effectively and clearly MAAST's objectives, and also looking forward to the future, for the continuance of the growth and progression of MAAST.

My background reflects 15 years of Leadership experience. I am dedicated, dependable, and available to both the Members and to MAAST. I am open minded, and am able to listen to suggestions. I also acquire the skills to delegate, but more importantly to follow up to ensure the task is progressing, and to provide constructive feedback if necessary.

My last 2 years of MAAST, my time has been spent either as a BOD Member or the Events Coordinator. It has brought me great pleasure in coordinating Events for the Membership of MAAST. I have worked countless hours, in planning/organizing events, to ensure the success for the attendees and MAAST.

I feel that being on the BOD, whether it be as an Officer or a BOD Member, one should hold themselves to the utmost integrity and respect. The person holding this position, should be an ongoing participant in the Organization, as well as attend Meetings. As a BOD Member, one needs to realize, yes they must govern the Organization, but also be a good listener/representative to the Members........to me they both go hand in hand. (Possibly even add an "At Large BOD" Member, to help voice the opinions of the Members.) The BOD Members should also be held at a higher accountability.

There have been multiple shortfalls this year, but there has also been as many triumphs. I was fortunate enough to help organize the first TMAC, which did show benefit to MAAST, but was embraced by many of our Members, and other's Nation wide. MAAST Organization was also showcased on "Online Reefkeeping Magazine," which was also an honor that I had in writing.

I want you to know, that I will work for you and MAAST with the same excellence and determination as I dedicated to the Events, you should expect nothing less from any of YOUR BOD.

[Texreefer]

I would like to thank Rob for his vote of confidence in me. It is very much appreciated. I have given this much thought and have come to the following decision:
When I started that little chat room many years ago, this is EXACTLY what I had in mind. A great club with a great network of friends sharing their experiences, but even as I read this nomination thread I am reminded of why I have Let my charter membership lapse and have not been very active. this nomination thread shows that there are still lines being drawn in the sand and this club still has a long way to go. I will continue to be a part of this site and do my best to be a positive contributor. There have been some great changes recently and with this election I Now see even greater things are possible. with this being said, I must respectfully decline the nomination and instead give my full backing and support to Ace and Rob and Pres and vice Pres. these two guys are what this club needs right now and since Rob nominated me I hope he will now step forward and accept his nomination. I'm here for you guys if you need anything and Who knows what the future holds......

[snfkotara]

I would like to nominate Eve Vialpando for Vice President. I think Ace and Eve would make a great team.

[The Butcher]

I would like to nominate Eve Vialpando for Vice President. I think Ace and Eve would make a great team.I agree completely. :applause:

[Big_Pun]

i add my support for Eve for VP, she has been a great supporter of this club and always makes time to help or attend all functions, and also help out members.

good luck to all nominees

[Mr Cob]

There have been some great changes recently and with this election I Now see even greater things are possible. with this being said, I must respectfully decline the nomination and instead give my full backing and support to Ace and Rob and Pres and vice Pres. these two guys are what this club needs right now and since Rob nominated me I hope he will now step forward and accept his nomination. I'm here for you guys if you need anything and Who knows what the future holds......

I accept.

I will gladly serve MAAST as a VP or as a Director on the Board.

Thank you to all that have posted their support for me. I appreciate the kind words and hope to fulfill your expectations of me as a VP or Director for MAAST.

This club is for the members, by the members. That's where I stand and will always stand. I support the mission statement of MAAST and wish to continue moving this club forward as visioned by the founders.

Again, thank you for considering me for this position to represent "you" the members.

I have also posted a brief bio in the director's nomination thread on pg01.

[Neptune@gabesfish]

I would like to nominate Eve Vialpando for Vice President. I think Ace and Eve would make a great team.


Could not agree more .. We give our full support to Eve.....

[Mr Cob]

As issues and things transpire, it is clear to me that Eve and I stand for the same things. I would like to withdraw my acceptance of my Vice President nomination and pass my full support to Eve.

If you planned on voting for me, rest assured Eve is the female version of me and should get your vote. :)

Thanks, Eve. You are and will be a great asset to this club. I will still be running for a full BOD term.

[Texreefer]

Since we are allowed to express our opinions in this thread if they are relevant to the topic, I would like to address some of what was said in the following post by Aggman
i would like to add something. this isn't directed at anyone in particular but to all nominees and potential nominees. Intertersting statement considering the two examples you used, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt.


these are serious positions within our organization and this is a trying time for the board with all the improvements we are working on. so if you accept your nominations, please be willing and able to provide the necessary time and patience required. we absolutely cannot accomplish any of our objectives and meet the demands of our membership if we can't get business done.
I agree 100% which is one of the reasons I turned down my nomination, the next 6 months to a year will be busy for me and my family and they come first so I would rather someone else help to move this club in the right direction


also, on a personal note, i have a problem with anyone nominating, or accepting a nomination, simply based on popularity. that is not what we need. that system has been the status quo in the past and it will not be repeated. we have all seen what issues arise from this type of governance. Although, I agree it should not be the only criteria. it is and should remain very important. Popularity is gained through Ideas, deeds, actions, a willingness to help others, likability. all of these things are important and they are what make people Popular.


i also disagree with the nominations, or acceptance of nominations, by anyone who has not been an active participant within the organization, much less a charter member. that is a requirement as well.again, I disagree with this blanket statement. people become active and inactive all the time on here. its the nature of the hobby. since this was stated in the pres and vice pres nomination thread, you are addressing this only to former and current Bod BOD members, and since you have to be a charter member to be a BOD member that narrows it down to the few that have left. for Example, Me.
I made may decision not to run based on the good of the club. but please don't mistake my inactivity and web membership for not caring about miving this club forward. I have done a lot for this club and plan to do a lot more in the future. I chose not to renew my membership because i did not want to invest money in a club that IMO was head down the wrong path. when the NEW leadership is elected, I will be one of the first in line to offer my $25.


please, we need nominees who are actually willing to work, put their personal agendas aside and put maast first. if you can't commit to that, then don't waste this groups time and energy.

good luck to all candidates who decide to lead this amazing group!

~alex
I could not agree with this more!!

[Third Coast Tropical]

How many charter members are there currently? I can't find this number. I see just over 2000 members including web members. Just curious.

[txav8r]

Somewhere around 250 charter members.

[aggman]

sorry texreefer if you thought i was actually focusing on you. i wasn't, i happened to be having a conversation with some members after this thread was started and this came up. so i decided to write my post and give very general remarks based on that conversation. it happens that one of my points matched your situation, funny but believe me-you aren't the only past bod member that is now just a web member. i didn't know it, but you just happened to be the first one nominated.

~alex

[justahobby]

Well, attending the BOD meeting last week is the only way I feel "comfortable" with casting a vote. There's so many people and it's hard to know who stands for what when everyone has a common, though generic at times, goal. Another hindrance is my lack of knowledge at who has served on the BOD in the past and is eligible. My three choices has gone down to one in the time it took to read to the bottom...

I am sorry to hear Mr. Cob stepping down from VP AND? President nominations as I greatly appreciated his ability to switch into serious mode when it came to changing or making policies that effect all of us.

Eve has been a work horse and I admire and appreciate her dedication. I feel confident she will not slow down.

I would love to see Mike (Texreefer) on the board if not a Pres or Vp. As a founding father to MAAST I could expect the best visualization of what needs to be done to come from him.

[Ping]

I believe Ace and Eve would be the "Dream Team" as President and Vice-President of MAAST.

[Mr Cob]

Thanks Justin!

Eve will be a great choice for VP. No one has worked as hard as her in the past 6 months both behind the scenes and out front...she has literally picked up the slack and kept this club afloat recently while the President and Vice President have had other obligations.

That alone gives insight as to her ability to help keep this club moving forward. This is the reason for me stepping back.

[Bill S]

I believe Ace and Eve would be the "Dream Team" as President and Vice-President of MAAST.

Absolutely. Ace is the model member. Eve survived and then grew on adversity this year. She never gave up - and fed on it to become a real leader by year end. I can't believe her hair isn't gray.

[Pennies2Cents]

Herbal Essence has saved the day many times. :wub: :lauging:

[Gseclipse02]

. I can't believe her hair isn't gray.


look closer next time jp eve

she will have her plate full thats for sure

she does so much for us !!:)

[allan]

Absolutely. Ace is the model member. Eve survived and then grew on adversity this year. She never gave up - and fed on it to become a real leader by year end. I can't believe her hair isn't gray.


Agree. Lincoln said that any man can stand adversity, if you want to check a man's character give him power. I think Eve will do an excellent job and she's got my full support.

[ErikH]

Allan, that is a terrific quote. :) I look up to Ace and I think the majority of us do. Just the insane amount of patience and tact he has shines through in every comment. He's the most stand up guy you will ever meet.

Then there's Eve. Ahhh Eve. Just as patient, very pleasant, never has a bad thing to say.

Y'all got my vote.

[ErikH]

So how is this going to work this year? Will this be the same, an online vote, or are we actually going to have to go to a meeting to vote? Let us know so we can show our support. :)

[corruption]

Allan, that is a terrific quote. :) I look up to Ace and I think the majority of us do. Just the insane amount of patience and tact he has shines through in every comment. He's the most stand up guy you will ever meet.

I've known Ace longer than I've known anyone else on here, and in all that time (both here and on forums that no longer exist), I can't once think of an occasion that this isn't true. Always happy to help, even when its someone who was a loose acquaintance at best, whom you haven't spoken to in 2-3 years (guilty as charged... :) thanks again Ace)... I can't think of anyone better suited for a position of power, who can without a doubt be trusted to not abuse it.

-Justin

[Pennies2Cents]

UPDATE:

Here is the current list of nominees that have accepted their nominations for the following positions.


President:


Ace Shedd (Hobogato)


Vice President:


Eve Vialpando (Pennies2Cents)




:applause:

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

I have declined my nomination.

[txlizard]

I have declined my nomination.
I have been visiting this site for the past 5 years about every month. I have to say I have been watching from outside of the circle. Bigbird has been GREAT. It's sad to see certain members using this forum just to make a buck or buy something six months ago from someone else and sell it for more after it grows or they refurbish the item to sell for more. 5 years ago this site was more about information and guidence for the baby reefer and the REEFER. I hope to see ACE and EVE in place. Bigbird has moved this forum back to what was intended. I would like to see ACE and EVE take it to another level.

[z28pwr]

Sorry to hear that Cheri. Your hard work, dedication, honesty and loyalty would have been a good asset for this club.

[justahobby]

Let me start by saying I think the two nominees (Eve and Ace) are fully qualified and I trust in their abilities. I don't intend in anyway to imply anything negative about them.What are we trying to do when we decline/step down from nominations? I don't think anybody would get upset if they ran against a friend. Let's have an election people! Let this be as fun as it is serious and give MAAST some options lol.

[hobogato]

all charter members please view the following poll and vote.

http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=55753 (http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=55753)

[Pennies2Cents]

Nominations & Acceptances for all Officer Positions will close effective December 2, 2009 @ 6pm.

[Mr Cob]

BUMP.




Here is the current list of nominees that have accepted their nominations for the following positions.

President:
Ace Shedd (Hobogato)

Vice President:
Eve Vialpando (Pennies2Cents)

[Mr Cob]

Nominations & Acceptances for all Officer Positions will close effective December 2, 2009 @ 6pm.

Bump....just to add it to the next page.

[Pennies2Cents]

The nominations are now closed. Thank you to all & good luck to the nominees.