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Candidate InformationName: Leo Letendre LMSC: Ozark Nominated for: Vice President of National Operations Nominated by: Tom Boak Letters of Reference from: Anna Lea Roof and Tom Boak |
Why are you interested in this position and why do you believe you would be a good candidate?
With the reorganization of the leadership structure of USMS, we are at a significant if not critical point in our history. We need to place this new structure on a firm foundation in order to not only have it function well in the future but to have it provide the platform from which the organization can grow. I have served in numerous positions in USMS which has provided me with the experience to help each of the committees that come under the prevue of this office. Specifically, I have been a member and chairman of the Rules committee, and a member of the Legislation committee. Additionally, I have worked with each of the USMS registrars for many years as the author and maintainer of the software they use. This position has also allowed me to work with the National Office in areas related to registration. Given this background, I believe that I would be a good candidate for the office of VP of National Operations.
What do you consider to be the major issues facing USMS now and in the future. As a person holding an elected position within USMS, how would you address these issues?
There are several issues that must be address over the next several years. These include adjusting to the new organizational structure. While it is important it is probably the least challenging issue facing us if we assemble the right group of people as we initially set the group’s expectations.
USMS must continue to modernize its systems. We must continue to expand our presence on the Web and actually accelerate the pace of offering members services through it. These services must include membership as well as administrative services such as meet management. As an organization of largely volunteers, we must provide the tools to help these volunteers become more efficient as well as provide better data for the all members. This pursuit may be restrained by budget issues so judicial use of volunteers may be required to fulfill parts of this need.
The organization must continue to attract new and young members who will not only maintain their membership and participation, but who will step forward to become the leaders we will need in the future. We must provide the membership with the information about how we govern ourselves to convince them of the need to participate and then to mentor them as they progress to positions of leadership. Now that we own the entire content of the official magazine, we have a vehicle with which we can occasionally inform our members about this admittedly mundane but important issue.
We must look at ways to improve the quality of our local programs in order to attract and retain members. The improvements needed range from increasing the number of masters coaches, the programs available to non-competitive members to the quality of our meets. For example, there appears to be a need to educate meet directors in order to raise the expectation level for the conduct of all levels of competition.
Lastly, we need to use our financial resources wisely. The last several years have forced us to change the way we conduct our finances given the rise in insurance costs and the lower return on our investments. We need to watch our expenses and seek new revenue as needed from sources that are consistent with our mission.
Please list USMS committees on which you have served. Include the dates you were on the committees and the names of the committee chairs under whom you served:
Please list any other experience that relates to your qualifications for the position.
