Julie P Heather, Jun 24, 2009

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                2009 U.S. Masters Swimming Ransom J. Arthur Award
                                   Presented to: Julie Heather
 
As the president of U.S. Masters Swimming, my favorite responsibility is to recognize the athletic and service accomplishments of our members.  And it is my great pleasure to recognize the winner of the Ransom J. Arthur Award, our most prestigious award.

Captain Ransom J. Arthur was the founding father of United States Masters Swimming.  His vision of promoting adult health through fitness and competition was revolutionary.  He created a stage upon which  adults  could  gather,  compete  and  support  each  other  in  the  lifelong  pursuit  of  training  and fitness goals. Today, adult fitness is a natural aspect of life.  This wasn't so in 1970, when 46 athletes gathered in Amarillo, Texas, for the first Masters Short Course National Championship.   40 years ago Ransom  had  a  passion  and  a  vision.    Today,  we  are  the  result  of  that  vision,  and  we  are  the torchbearers of his passion.

Each year Masters Swimming recognizes one of our members who embody the dedication, leadership and  passion  required  to  carry  the  vision  forward.    Our  2009  recipient  is  no  exception  to  this  rich tradition; she has been instrumental in the growth, evolution and promotion of Masters swimming at all levels. When Masters Swimming needs a leader to take charge of a difficult challenge or a volunteer to lend a hand, I can look to this year's recipient and know she will take on the challenge, no matter how big or small, and see it through to a successful end. She is a meticulous worker with the talent and experience to get things done.

And  while  she  is  not  looking  for  recognition  for  her  volunteerism  and  leadership  it  is  my  great pleasure  to  recognize  this  year's  Ransom  J.  Arthur  Award  recipient  Julie  Heather.    Nationally,  Julie currently serves as our Vice Present of Local Operations, is a member of our Executive Committee and Board  of  Directors.    Julie  chaired  the  Club  Development  Task  Force,  producing  a  comprehensive strategic  plan,  which  is  currently  being  implemented.  She  was  instrument  in  the  creation  of  our Recognition and Awards Committee and our Safety Education Committee; both of which she served as chair. Julie also served as our Rule Book chair, and she is a driving force behind online registration, endtoend event management, governance, and LMSC leadership.   In her 20 years as a member of our national  House  of  Delegate,  Julie  has  and  continues  to  be  a  driven,  outspoken,  insightful,  and passionate leader and volunteer, who I can count on to support the mission of Masters swimming to promote fitness and health in adults by offering and supporting Masters swimming programs.

Julie is also active within her zone and LMSC. She is currently the SPMA Registrar, newsletter editor, Top Ten and Sanctions chair. And she previously served as the chair of PMS (twice), the secretary of SPMA and PMS, and the PMS Fitness and Safety chair.

Additionally,  Julie  has  been  an  active  and  well  respected  volunteer  and  leader  within  the  Red  Cross.  And when she's not volunteering she is a highly regarded meteoritic scientist at the California Institute of Technology.

And most important to me, Julie is a friend whom I greatly admire and respect. I would like you to join me  in  recognizing  the  years  of  leadership,  passion,  dedication,  support  and  volunteerism  bestowed upon Masters swimming by Julie Heather, our 2009 USMS Ransom J. Arthur Award recipient.

Rob Copeland, USMS President