Nominations for 2011 Board of Directors

[hobogato]

Attention Maast Members,

We the BOD would like to announce the upcoming elections for the 2011 calendar year. We are looking for charter members who are willing to participate actively on the forum, in discussions and help in leading MAAST into a brighter future. We have a very busy schedule and would like to remind everyone that time and dedication play a very important role.

Members may nominate any charter member, themselves included that they feel worthy for the position. It is requested that the nominee submit a post that he/she accepts as well as submit a small bio explaining why they would like to join the BOD and what 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.

So with that being said, we currently have 9 Board of Director Positions Available.

6 Positions with 2 year terms
3 Positions with 1 year terms (three members who would have had another year resigned this year - txav8r, ping, and mr. cob)

Mike is the only current board member who has a year remaining on his term

President & Vice President nominations will be in a separate thread.

Your Board of Director nominations are now welcome:

current list:

Kristy Accepted
Europhyllia Declined
z28pwr Declined
Mrs.z28pwrDeclined
ErikH Ineligible
Ismvel-Declined
BSJF Accepted - 1 year term
Kkiel02 Accepted
firewater Accepted
Mr. Cob Ineligible
Ace (hobogato)Declined
Eve (pennies2cents) Accepted
Sherri Accepted
Allan Declined
John (jroescher) Accepted
Jack (txav8r) Ineligible
Bill (bstreep) Declined
Mike ( already serving a 2 year term)
Alton Declined
jrsatx Accepted
Tiger_eyed1 Accepted
cbianco Accepted
Troy Valentine Declined
Justahobby Declined
txg8gxp Accepted
roscozman Accepted
cowboy572 Accepted
Tony Accepted
stangchris Accepted

[BSJF]

Kristy
Europhyllia
z28pwr (and the Mrs, but I know she is very busy)
ErikH

I'm still thinking about the others...

[txmaverickmh]

+1 on Karin (Europhyllia)

[Mr Cob]

I'd like to nominate to the board of directors:

ismvel (http://www.maast.org/member.php?8173-ismvel) - Ismael has been a charter member for awhile now and a steady participant within the forums. He has a clear and just head on his shoulders and has already proven to be an asset to MAAST while serving on the Moderating team. He is very objective, a quality that is needed to serve on the Board of Directors. He also has fresh new ideas that I think would offer a lot to the team.

Europhyllia (http://www.maast.org/member.php?9638-Europhyllia) - Karin...everyone knows Karin! She has been a huge benefit to our club with her frequent posts and knowledge of her system. She researches most subjects inside and out and always has a very detailed response. I think Karin would be a great addition to the Board of Directors especially in helping to meet our educational purposes of this club.

Kristy (http://www.maast.org/member.php?8303-Kristy) - Kristy's dedication to this club over the years and especially over the last year as our Event's Coordinator has been unmatched. I believe she has more to offer the club and would be a great benefit to the Board of Directors.

I also support the re-election of the current BOD.

[Europhyllia]

I would LOVE to nominate Kristy but she's already told me that the regulations won't allow for it :( (only one family member on the BOD or something like it)
and BSJF.

I also support the re-election of the current BOD

[Kristy]

I would LOVE to nominate Kristy but she's already told me that the regulations won't allow for it :( (only one family member on the BOD or something like it)

Wow... thanks Karin and Lorraine and Rob for the faith in me, but yes that is my understanding of the rules.

How about some other nominations:
Justahobby
Kkiel02
firewater
have all made terrific contributions to MAAST over the past couple of years.

(I would love to see Karin and Lorraine accept their nominations above... great suggestions!)

I'll add some more names in a bit!

[Europhyllia]

What Firewater isn't already on the board?
He should be! (same with Justin and Kevin)

[Kristy]

In order to make it official, I will give a formal nomination for re-election to people who have been on the BOD and doing a great job here. It would be an honor to have you guys continue:
Ace (hobogato)
Eve (pennies2cents)
Sherri
Allan
John (jroescher)
Jack (txav8r)
Bill (bstreep)

Others who would be GREAT "new blood" on our BOD:

Alton

Ruben (jrsatx)

Marcus (tiger_eyed1) - Marcus is a new guy around here but has been very involved on reef communities in other cities he has lived in, we've had the chance to get to know him and he is knowledgeable and really wants to give back to MAAST.

[FireWater]

I would like to nominate Europhylia (Karin) for a BOD position. I have enjoyed working with her on several different occasions, MAAST related and hobby related, she is level headed, has good ideas to help better MAAST, always has something new to add to discussions, and is fair.

I would also like to nominate Alton as well. Alton has been around for a LONG time and has seen the ups and downs and I believe he possesses a great leadership quality.

Also, I would nominate anyone who has served with me on the moderating team - Ruben (jrsatx20, Ismael (ismvel), Justin (justahobby), Kevin (kkeil), Christopher (cbianco), Jack (txav8r).

There are several others that come to mind as well but, do to other obligations and rules in place I know they cannot accept.

[FireWater]

I would also like to know how many of the current BOD will be running again. I would like to keep as many of the current positions in place and would gladly nominate them for re-election.

Kristy and Karin, thank you for the belief in me. I will accept the nomination and would look forward to serving MAAST and the membership the best that I could if elected.

[Mr Cob]

I would LOVE to nominate Kristy but she's already told me that the regulations won't allow for it :( (only one family member on the BOD or something like it)
and BSJF.



I looked in the By-Laws and I did not find any rules against it.

BOD?

[kkiel02]

Karin would make a great addition!
Kristy of course has always been a great asset to MAAST so I would concur with her nomination.
Allan and Loraine would also be/have been great assets to MAAST!

I would also accept my nomination as I love the direction MAAST is heading and think we have alot of potential ahead of us!

[txmaverickmh]

karin???? Are you going to accept or what? Everyone loves you and your passion for this hobby!

[Europhyllia]

LOL
Not everyone loves me ;)
And I'll have to think about it for a bit.
But Thank You for nominating me!

[BSJF]

Karin, Kristy, Kevin - thanks for the nomination.

I would be willing to accept a 1 year term. since my future in Texas beyond that is unknown. Hopefully Karin will accept too.

My bio is pretty simple - I love playing in saltwater and MAAST is my Texas family! This is the first place I checked out when I learned I was moving to Texas (seriously had to look at a map - where the heck is San Antonio anyway). You made the transition much easier and I am grateful to you for that. You hooked me up with an awesome lfs, helped me find our little paradise villa (our home), and offered friendships I wouldn't have found otherwise. When I started my saltwater hobby in the early 1990's, I did it without the benefit of a reef club and learned everything by trial and error. The support of MAAST makes it much easier and funner! And when I question my sanity, you lie and tell me I'm ok! I like where the current board is headed and I support their efforts. By day I am a consultant who manages environmental and public involvement projects - currently the www.MoreFor1604.com (http://www.MoreFor1604.com) Loop 1604 project from US-90 West to IH-35 North. The job requires advanced planning, multi-tasking, information sharing, problem solving, and lots of attention to the details. I'm here to support you anyway I can. ♥

[Bill S]

I am absolutely NOT running this year. When elected, I committed to stay until the end of the year - but with the switchover to Discus in the big tank, and weekends in Corpus Christi, It just won't work.

I especially want to thank the current BOD and Officers, who have been WONDERFUL, as well all of those who have been there to lend an ear during a troublesome time early on.

[Europhyllia]

I've talked it over with my family and will have to decline the nomination this year. While my kids are still so little I can't commit to giving as much time as this position deserves this year. But I'd love to reconsider it if an opportunity should arise in a year or two. :)
Thank You!

[Mr Cob]

Thanks Karin for thinking about it.

[tiger_eyed1]

If needed, I can serve a one year appointment.

I have been in the aquarium hobby since I was 12 when my parents purchased me my first 29 gallon aquarium kit and two Oscars. Fast forward to 2000 when I purchased a used 135 gallon tank that had been dry for three years. After two years of frustration and wasted money, with several other hobbyists, I became one of the founding members of Razorback Reef Marine Aquarium Society (http://www.razorbackreef.com/). In 2004 I served as treasurer, then in 2005 as Vice president. In 2006 I accepted a position in Miami FL and joined the Florida Marine Aquarium Society. (http://www.fmas1955.org)Before leaving Arkansas, due to my dedication and contributions to the betterment of the club and hobby, I was granted a lifetime membership.
In Florida I expanded my knowledge and involvement from just being a hobbyist to actual propagation and culturing various phytoplankton and corals. During my tenure in Florida, I led a phytoplankton culturing and homemade reef food workshop. The highlight of my Floridian life was obtaining my Open Water dive certification and participating in beach and reef restoration projects.
When moving here to San Antonio in July 2010, I brought along my current tanks (livestock and all) 220g, 75g, 30g, 20g. I have since acquired a 55g sump, 40g, 30g, & 10g that I will use to restart my coral propagation and possibly fish breading. I look forward to working, learning, and adding to MAAST in whatever capacity I can.


Marcus

[tony]

resounding resume' marcus, you should be a shoe-in, good luck!

[Kristy]

Now you see why I thought we needed a guy like Marcus!

[Europhyllia]

Right!
Now did you already say you accepted our nomination, Kristy, since that we figured out you were just bluffing on the bylaws prohibiting you from accepting? ;)

[Kristy]

I truly do not know what to do... I'm thinking about it. There is nothing prohibiting it in the by-laws yet but I've heard several times from several different BOD members that it is their intention to add something that would prohibit a spouse / family member from serving on the Board at the same time, etc.

[Pennies2Cents]

[QUOTE=Kristy;796258]In order to make it official, I will give a formal nomination for re-election to people who have been on the BOD and doing a great job here. It would be an honor to have you guys continue:

Eve (pennies2cents)

Kristy, thank you for the nomination. :) It is with much pleasure that I will seek re-election to a position on the BOD for a (2) year term. I will also be running for VP.

Bio will be up soon.

[Pennies2Cents]

+1 for Jrsatx-Ruben's nomination (2) year seat.

I would also like to nominate, Troy Valentine for a (1) year seat on the Board of Directors.

[Pennies2Cents]

Marcus, wow, that bio is outstanding... and by the way Welcome to MAAST.

[ErikH]

Just put into the bylaws a clause that states any votes from the same household can only be the same and only count as 1 vote for the household. That way nothing can be swayed by 2 people in the same house. :)

[cbianco]

Got nominations?

John Perry...

Ruben, Ismael, Justin, Kevin, Stephen...

Jack, Rob (yes I know guys)...

Karin, Mike, Kristy...

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

Just put into the bylaws a clause that states any votes from the same household can only be the same and only count as 1 vote for the household. That way nothing can be swayed by 2 people in the same house. :)

That doesn't seem fair. :( Even married people should have their own voice be heard. I am as likely to disagree with my husband as with anybody else! ;)
As if the tax related marriage penalty wasn't enough already...

[txav8r]

That's a lot of nominations for Kristy already!! What do you say Kristy? You gonna accept?

[tony]

I truly do not know what to do... I'm thinking about it. There is nothing prohibiting it in the by-laws yet but I've heard several times from several different BOD members that it is their intention to add something that would prohibit a spouse / family member from serving on the Board at the same time, etc.

hopefully this wont come to fruition, i cant believe help would be turned away. maybe changing the way they vote might be considered?

[BSJF]

I agree it is not the right thing to do. I think a lot is to be gained by Kristy and Mike working together. If someone doesn't want to vote for them, they don't have to. Too many rules!

[Kristy]

Just put into the bylaws a clause that states any votes from the same household can only be the same and only count as 1 vote for the household. That way nothing can be swayed by 2 people in the same house. :)

So Erik, your logic here is that wives don't have an opinion separate from their husbands? Or maybe just that they aren't free to express a different opinion? I bet Tab has an opinion about that!!! :D

Wait, I bet you are just pointing out that this would be the only reason for anyone to object to a husband and wife on the board, the assumption that one would control the vote of the other, which kind of sounds ridiculous to me too, when you put it out there like that!

I guess that Mike and I DO agree on things an awful lot, but that's just because he is smart, ethical, and a very compassionate person, much like myself. :)

[BSJF]

I guess that Mike and I DO agree on things an awful lot, but that's just because he is smart, ethical, and a very compassionate person, much like myself. :)
is he reading this thread or something? what you trying to butter him up for now?

[jrsatx20]

thanks for the nominations guys. will try to type a bio and get it up asap.

pres ace
vp eve
bod
eve kristy mike rob jack ismael kevin justin john ruben bill christopher ross

[FireWater]

Here is my bio.

Since joining MAAST in December of 2005 I have seen many changes and I want to continue to see changes for the better. Over the last year or so I have become more involved with this great club by becoming a Moderator, serving a very small role on the Events Committee, trying to start the Marketing Committee, working on this past L*MAR with some great people, and trying to spread what little knowledge and experience that I have gained. I look forward to continuing volunteering and stepping forward.
My professional career for the last 14 years has been in public service in several different aspects of fire service. I have served as an elected official of different capacities in my Fire Department Local Union. Along with the previous I also ran my own small business for 14 years while working full time.

[Bill S]

I'll second John's nomination (firewater). He's been invaluable as a moderator - for those that haven't done this job (mod), you can't believe how much dedication it takes.

[Pennies2Cents]

I would like to also nominate and give my full support to Cowboy572 (Jarrod) for a 2 year term. He is one who has shown his love for this hobby and this club by attending/participating and showing his support at meetings/ events etc that MAAST has had throughout the years (2007). He is a very active member on the forum and has volunteered to go above an beyond what is expected of him & CHEVY. :) I would gladly love to see what he can bring to the BOD in 2011.

[Mike]

I would be happy to have Jarod, he would just need to become a charter member again.

[cowboy572]

Eve, thanks for the nomination. I graciously accept Eve's nomination. I will get a bio up as soon as I can.

[cowboy572]

Making changes now, submitting payment via paypal. I never got a notice my memebership changed.

[hobogato]

in addition to many of the great nominations already mentioned, i would like to nominate tony. he has been involved with maast on many levels for a long time and has recently returned from a break from the hobby.

[BSJF]

Tony is actually on the list already. Eve nominated him. Someone needs to make us all a list...hint hint.

[Pennies2Cents]

I have the list and put it up shortly. It was Troy Valentine who I nominated. :)

[allan]

Dang, I was probably supposed to put up the list as part of my secretarial duties, huh?

Sorry Eve, I read these things and some of the common sense things just slip through.

[Big_Pun]

glad to see alot of our great members accepting nominations

[Pennies2Cents]

Dang, I was probably supposed to put up the list as part of my secretarial duties, huh?

Sorry Eve, I read these things and some of the common sense things just slip through.

Lol.. Your funny Allan. :) Dont worry, it happens, I got it.. :)

[txav8r]

Kristy
Europhyllia
z28pwr (and the Mrs, but I know she is very busy)
ErikH
Ismvel
BSJF
Justahobby
Kkiel02 Accepted
firewater Accepted
Ace (hobogato)
Eve (pennies2cents) Accepted
Sherri Accepted
Allan
John (jroescher)
Jack (txav8r)
Bill (bstreep)
Mike ( already serving a 2 year term)
Alton
jrsatx Accepted
Tiger_eyed1 Accepted
cbianco
Troy Valentine
Justahobby
txg8gxp
roscozman
cowboy572 Accepted
Tony

:)

[Mr Cob]

great list of candidates!

[Bill S]

Can we edit out the ones that have declined and the ones that aren't eligible (sponsors)?

[Sherri]

Well...I think I need to submit my bio also since my term is up. One of the first to join MAAST back in Jan 2003. Previously in freshwater for approx 15 yrs...was on the first BOD's as Secretary in 2003 - worked my way up to Treasurer for reasons that I don't want to have to repeat in 2005 ! - have been Treasurer since. Been around to watch MAAST grow into what it is today from my first meeting at Troy Valentine's house in late 2002....wow

[txg8gxp]

My bio.... I'm a new member to MAAST and joined in Nov 09. I have really enjoyed the knowledge and friendships gained from this group. It has allowed me to be able to build and keep a healthy sps tank. For the last several months I have been a moderator and helped keep the frag exchange up to date. I would be more then willing to help out with anything else I could to make MAAST a even better group.

[alton]

Kristy
Europhyllia
z28pwr (and the Mrs, but I know she is very busy)
ErikH
Ismvel
BSJF
Justahobby
Kkiel02 Accepted
firewater Accepted
Ace (hobogato)
Eve (pennies2cents) Accepted
Sherri Accepted
Allan
John (jroescher)
Jack (txav8r)
Bill (bstreep)
Mike ( already serving a 2 year term)
Alton
jrsatx Accepted
Tiger_eyed1 Accepted
cbianco
Troy Valentine
Justahobby
txg8gxp
roscozman
cowboy572 Accepted
Tony

:)

I am hoping there is a second Alton here on MAAST, because this ones schedule is full with teaching a night class and a son who plays varsity basketball twice a week.

[Pennies2Cents]

I think your the only one Alton. :)

[Pennies2Cents]

Here is my bio: :)


Having served on the Board for the past 2 years, I admit it has been an amazing journey. My love for this hobby is just as fresh as the day we began and then some. It is with great pleasure to have served as a Director, Interim Secretary and as your current Vice President. The time has flown by and the growth that MAAST has endured is enormous. I am delighted to have been part of this positive movement for a bigger, brighter future and look forward to taking MAAST above and beyond in 2011.


As a Board of Director as well as your Vice President, I will continue to give back to MAAST & its community as much as I can & when I can. When running for office, last year, I elected to follow the purpose of which MAAST was founded on, and in the future if elected, I will continue to follow and succeed in the education of reef husbandry, promote higher standards of health & care to inverts/coral & fish during my tenure. Below is that Purpose.


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
7. Coordinate with and support similar societies devoted to like-minded interests.


During my 2 year term, I have also devoted my time as your POTM/POTY Coordinator and Chief Editor for The Quarterly MAASTARD Newsletter. It is my belief that I have proven my ability to educate & share common reef knowledge with you the members, to look forward to & enjoy.


In leading by example, as your current Vice President I have followed the President in the role he has led, as well as worked in conjunction with the BOD to strive & achieve the many goals that were set forth.


Trust, Honesty, Leadership, Time & Dedication are a very important asset to have when seeking any position on the Board and I will give 100% in leading MAAST into an even bigger, brighter future in 2011.




Eve
(Pennies2Cents) for Director & VP.

[hobogato]

i posted the list on the first post of the thread and will continue to update it. this is a great list people!!!

[hobogato]

If needed, I can serve a one year appointment.



is this your preference (one year term) or were you just stating that a one or two year term would be ok? just looking for a little clarification :)

[alton]

This is a great group and I am so proud to be in a club where we have so many volunteers who want to give there time to contribute.
Question; Sherri you where like 18 when you where elected the first time right? If it was my choice your seat would be lifetime until you no longer want it. Sherri has done such a fantastic job.

[Sherri]

rofl alton....I WISH I were like 18...shhhhh* - don't say lifetime very loud...and thank you for the compliment! I love MAAST - have learned EVERYTHING I know about saltwater here. We are and have been a family since 2003 - Been thru a lot here also!!

[tony]

in addition to many of the great nominations already mentioned, i would like to nominate tony. he has been involved with maast on many levels for a long time and has recently returned from a break from the hobby.


I am honored to be considered and would love to be involved again.

Brief bio:

I have had a saltwater tank since the mid 90s and have grown with the hobby. I have been a member of MAAST since its early days and have been responsible for many of the features and policies that we have today. I served on the board for just short of 2 years previously as well as serving as moderator and Brian's backup on the admin side. I work full time as a network/security engineer for a financial institution here in town and am attending school full time and working toward a double MBA in Information systems and one in Management. With two semesters remaining in school I am looking forward to be able to spend more time on hobbies, including MAAST.

thank you,

tony

[hobogato]

btw, tony and jarod have paid their charter membership, so they are both eligible to serve on the bod.

[Mr Cob]

awesome! That would be great to see Tony in a leading role again and Jarod I'm sure would make a great addition.

[Kristy]

Hey I know that Justin is twice as nice as the average MAASTard, but there's no need to have him on the list TWICE! :)

[txav8r]

Hey I know that Justin is twice as nice as the average MAASTard, but there's no need to have him on the list TWICE! :)

I made the list so I can put him in twice if I want!:p

[hobogato]

fixed. :)

[Mr Cob]

Did Justin accept yet?

DOoooo Itt!

[tony]

awesome! That would be great to see Tony in a leading role again and Jarod I'm sure would make a great addition.


thanks for the vote of confidence

[jroescher]

Here's me:

I've been a member of MAAST since 2004 and a member of the Board since 2008. Almost everything I know about reef keeping was learned here on MAAST. Made lot's of friends and would really like to continue. I've seen lots of changes to MAAST over the years and like to think I contributed to some of the positive changes.

In my other life I'm a police officer. Captain of Police for the Lockhart Police Dept. 25+years in just about every aspect of Law Enforcement.

[jrsatx20]

bio

I've been a member since 2007. learned about maast from a sponsor that was off nakoma and 281 in a warehouse. been through it all. all the newbie mistakes name it i probally did it. spent countless nights reading everything i could from maast. started off with a small but now with the knowlege i've gotten from this great community called maast ive been able to keep live stock alive longer that a week. it will be an honor to serve on the bod with the great community we have grown to love. thank you maast.

[allan]

I've been watching the list of nominees grow, and have applauded each one that has accepted so far, lamented a few that declined... And I'm still wondering why Kristy has yet to accept. What the heck are you waiting for? :)

Thanks for the nomination however no one ver reads my notes :(. I decided a few months ago that I would not seek another year on the board, and in light of the growing list of nominations I am pleased to see that it's a wise decision. Since that can be taken a couple of ways let me elaborate.

Last year seemed to have a lackluster or tepid response from the community. This time around interest and motivation seem to be on the rise. Not only that but since I've had the pleasure of meeting everyone on that list, got today I would gladly support each and every one of you.

Good luck in the upcoming race guys. :D

[justahobby]

I made the list so I can put him in twice if I want!:p

LOL^^

After giving it a lot of thought, I am going to decline my nominations for this election. I feel very confident in the people that are accepting theirs and think I would be stretching myself to thin at this time. But I will continue serving in moderating, education, and library.

[Kristy]

It brings me great pleasure to accept the nomination for a position among the 2011 Board of Directors. Special thanks to those who nominated me or encouraged me to accept. I really appreciate your faith in me. Here’s my not-so-brief (sorry!) bio:

I kept my first freshwater aquarium (a 20L that Santa brought me) at 9 years old and fell in love with the sound of water bubbling and the sights of colorful fish gliding. Over the years I always seemed to have some sort of modest tank going, until 2006 when Mike convinced me that he really wanted to turn the little 10g hex in our garage into a tiny saltwater reef and from there I was completely unprepared for how much joy and excitement this hobby would bring me.

In my career I am a marriage and family therapist and I have spent several years working for non-profit organizations, written some grants and handled some program management. I also juggled a private practice downtown for years and now have the privilege of working government contracts providing counseling and training to military families. I have the best job of anyone that I know.

Mike and I have spent the past seven years raising our 20 and 21-year old foster daughters. I believe strongly in doing whatever I am able to work towards improving a situation, like the story of the boy on the beach who was able to make a difference for that one starfish. I have worked the past year as the Event Coordinator for MAAST because leadership asked me to do it, and because I wanted to repay a tremendous debt to all of you for all the information and support I have found here. I would be happy to continue to offer my commitment, attention to detail, and spirit of service in the role of Board Member if that is what the members choose.

Finally, please be aware that Mike, my husband of 15 years, is already serving on the Board in 2011. If it concerns you in the least for us to serve concurrently, please do not vote for me.

[Mr Cob]

Right on Kristy!!!!

Sorry Justin! Thx for considering it though. You'll be an asset to MAAST at any level of participation.

[Europhyllia]

Yay Kristy! :)

I'm with Justin: awesome list of people to pick from (old and new)

[hobogato]

in order to keep from muddying the list here, I am going to decline the nomination for an open board position - hoping for re-election as president.

[Europhyllia]

hoping for re-election as president.
Yay. :) I think that's going to be a pretty save bet :D

[txav8r]

in order to keep from muddying the list here, I am going to decline the nomination for an open board position - hoping for re-election as president.


Its going to be a close race between Hobogato and Ace! Best of luck to both of you!!

[cowboy572]

Lets see, I have been a MAAST member since 2007(seems longer than that). Learned of MAAST while shopping at Texas Tropical for fish to put in my first tank. When I first joined I was one of the quiet members. Then last year I decided to become more of a active memeber of MAAST. Since doing that my membership has paid off by leaps and bounds. I have made new friends and learned many new and interesting things about our hobby and passion. I would like to become a postive influence to our non-active members into taking an active role within the club. I like the changes that are happening within our great club of ours. I would like to see our great club grow and prosper in the coming years.

Currently I am a buyer/purchaser and locksmith of residential locks and hardware for a lumber-millwork company where I have been for 8 years. I am in the process of enrolling part time to NW Vista and then to A&M San Antonio to get my teaching degree. In high school I had some influential shop teachers. So with two associates, photography and computers, plus my current wood shop experience I figured I would make one heck of a shop teacher.

[roscozman]

I have thought long and hard about this and have accepted the nomination for BOD. I will put up my bio soon.

[BSJF]

Yeah

[Sherri]

Brings a smile to my face to see and read the bio's. Great group :o)

[ismvel]

I would like to thank all of you who had put my name up for possible BOD nomination. I have been thinking about it pretty hard, and am going to have to graciously and respectfully decline. This is the school year that will either make or break my future career with the Army. So I will need to concentrate all my time efforts with work, school studies, ROTC, and try to find time for wife and kiddos before they leave me ;)

I too will remain on the moderating team, and perhaps I will be given the opportunity (when my plate is a little less full) to contribute to the club and serve on the board. Good luck to all those who have accepted their nominations; there are definitely some good bio's in here.

ismael

[hobogato]

Nominations will close tomorrow, December 4 @ noon. If any of you have any last nominations/acceptances, please post them asap.

[z28pwr]

Mizeny and I are both honored to be nominated for the position but at the moment we don’t have the time required to properly support the organization.

Thanks

[roscozman]

Here is my Bio:

My first interest in the hobby started in 2002 with fresh water fish from Wal-Mart. We quickly graduated to Cichlids and even drove to the hill country in search of holey rock for our two tanks. I somehow convinced my wife in December of ’07 that Saltwater was the ultimate, remembering a friend’s tank in college. We took the plunge and bought our first 20-gal off craigslist and the seller told us about a great way to learn the hobby was to look up MAAST on the internet. We couldn’t believe the tanks we saw and were amazed they were here in San Antonio. We quickly upgraded and in a few months had a 125gal reef tank. With the help and knowledge from many members here on MAAST, we now have a monster 240gal reef tank and are currently breeding Banggai Cardinals.

My current profession is at an advertising agency as a Sr. Media Buyer/Planner. I negotiate with general market or Hispanic TV/Radio stations and all advertising mediums for product placement either in traditional TV/Radio/Outdoor/Internet ads or product placement directly in programming. I also have a Bachelor’s in Business/Marketing. I took a short break from marketing after college and was a professional musician for four years traveling all across the country performing with a Grammy nominated national recording artist.

My wife, Eve (Pennies2Cents) is currently the VP and we attend many of the meetings/events MAAST coordinates. I regularly volunteer at these events and help out as often as possible. I have also volunteered for the MAAST Marketing committee and in the process of working with all current activities. I have enjoyed meeting all the great people here on MAAST and will continue the great tradition of serving the members if elected to the BOD.

As Kristy mentioned earlier… Please be aware my wife, Eve has been on the BOD the past two years and is up for reelection as Vice President. If it concerns you in the least for us to serve concurrently, please do not vote for me.

[cbianco]

Thanks for the nomination John... I accept.

I first started keeping corals in a 3 gallon Eclipse tank back in 2004. I quickly learned that this was too small. I upgraded to a 24 gallon NC with moderate success. Eventually, after a 1 year break from reef keeping during student teaching, I bought my 30 gallon Finnex. I have experienced extraordinary success with this tank due to the knowledge I've learned here on MAAST.

I've been a part of MAAST since 2005. I really first came on board as an unofficial helper for TMAC. Later, I became a moderator and eventually the site moderator. I served on the L*MAR committee. I decided I needed a break from moderating thus stepped down from my site moderator position.

In my personal life, am a first grade teacher. I love to teach reading. There is nothing like giving the gift of literacy.

If I were voted in as a BOD member, I would make it my point to push for (some kind of) term limits for moderators and site moderators, as they can be stressful jobs without an end in sight. As well, I am intimately knowledgeable with regards to L*MAR and I would love to help with the second L*MAR. Generally speaking, I know mostly how MAAST runs. Lastly, I would (most likely) keep my nose out of moderating.

I hope that you can provide me the opportunity to serve MAAST once again.

Thanks,

Christopher :)

[txav8r]

Awesome Christopher!

[Troy Valentine]

I am truly honored to be nominated for the BOD position. I feel very fortunate to have been with this club from the beginning, and watch it grow into a family of people who share the same sickness i've got;) I also have had the privilege to meet so many wonderful people, and create many lifelong friendships with people who I would have never met if it wasn't for MAAST. This family has provided me so much, and this is not something I wish to take lightly. So with regret I must decline my nomination for the position at this time. Thank you to all MAAST Officials past and present for giving us your valuable time to make this a more perfect organization.

Troy Valentine

[Mr Cob]

Chris! Thx!

Troyyyyyyyy.....! Nooooooooo.... Haha!

Some awesome candidates this year...so many people stepping up.

[hobogato]

one last bump - nominations close at noon

[Big_Pun]

The past couple of years I have seen this club go through some ups ad downs, more “ups” this year. I have had discussions with many other members about ways to improve to MAAST, but no more than that. So I have decided that the best way to help is to run for a BOD position. As all of us maybe more than some I am a total reef enthusiast(geek), I have been doing salt water for the past two and half years been a member of MAAST since 2009. I always do my best to help others in the club as much as I can. The main reason I want to be on the BOD is to see this club move forward, the last year was a great step forward in many aspects for the club, but I want this year to be even better.

[Mr Cob]

Way to go Chris!

[Europhyllia]

awesome Chris!

So many super qualified people to choose from ... you all will have to create extra board positions to make room. lol

[Mike]

Since Stangchris has already accepted, I will nominate Stangchris for the BOD... :)

[Big_Pun]

Since Stangchris has already accepted, I will nominate Stangchris for the BOD... :)

first post states we can nominate ourselves. made sure before i posted lol. but thank you mike

[hobogato]

absolutely chris!

[hobogato]

we can have a maximum of 10 board members plus pres and vp. we will have the maximum number of board members after this election (i cant remember that being the case as long as i have been here!!!).
How many board positions are there?

[Europhyllia]

Thanks Ace. I just saw on the first post that 9 are open for election (should have checked first :) )

[hobogato]

nominations are now closed.

please vote in the following poll:

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?63707-Vote-Your-2011-Board-of-Directors

[kkiel02]

Bio- Well I have been Reefing since January of 2009. I joined MAAST May of 2007(mainly just browsed and searched) to gain knowledge and boy did I. I went from a 65 gallon while in college to now getting ready to setup my 360 with fish closet in a couple months. I have had my share of problems but with a quick post or search I have overcome all of them. I think that we have a awesome club with a wealth of information and am looking forward to MAAST's future. I would love to give back to MAAST as it has given me so much.