SCCHA 2020 ELECTIONS:  CANDIDATE STATEMENTS

Laura Matthews – President Nomination

As a member of the Board of Directors for the past year I have become aware of many areas that we can further develop and strengthen our Club.

I originally joined the Board wanting to give back to the Horsemen’s Association after many years of enjoyment. Now I feel strongly that giving back isn’t enough. I want to strengthen the organization by continuing to build a business-like infrastructure. As we see our trails change and horses becoming more difficult to keep in the bay area, I feel we now need more than ever to promote a strong equine club.

To strengthen our club my goals are the following.

• ·         Promote more unity.
• ·         Increase transparency of information regarding our finances and decisions.
• ·         Engage members to participate.
• ·         Introduce a budget to gauge our financial health and goals.
• ·         Develop fund accounting to make sure donations and fundraising are spent properly.
• ·         Join all disciplines in a joint cause of equine and trail preservation.

After 30 years as a Financial Systems Consultant while running my own firm, I want to become the President of the Santa Cruz Horsemen’s Association. I will build on the foundation that has been established by past presidents and board members.

All of us are needed to ensure the availability of our club for the next generation of riders. Please help me make it possible. I sincerely thank you for your consideration.

Kate Chasanoff – Treasurer Nomination

I’ve been around horses my entire life and specifically, at the Santa Cruz Horseman’s Association - I remember camping in the old clubhouse with the Santa Cruz Mountain Riders Club when I was around 10 or 11 years old. 

Now my 2 year old son has recently become obsessed with horses and I found myself back at the Santa Cruz Horseman’s Association camping with him this past summer. 

I would like to be involved and give back to this place and organization that has been a part of my life for so long. 

Professionally, I have spent the last 14 years as a Microsoft certified software consultant – working with accountants, controllers, and IT professionals to implement, customize, and troubleshoot problems in their businesses. 

I really want to preserve the opportunity for people to love and appreciate horses.

(Full disclosure:  Kate is Laura Matthew’s daughter.  We will ensure that the proper controls are in place to assure separation of duties.) 

Bonnie Stoehn – Recording Secretary Nomination

I have been a trainer/instructor for over 40 years. (Here’s link for more info: http://www.thinkinghorsemanship.com/About.php)

Our showgrounds is a gem in a world that increasingly offers little to the horse enthusiast. I am absolutely committed to maintaining it and working with the board to offer our members a variety of ways to enjoy their horses at the Graham Hill Showgrounds.

I am bringing Buck Brannaman back for a clinic in April. I have organized a group of volunteers to bring back the Spookfest. I am a proponent of SCCHA becoming a 501.c3 so our supporters can write off their donations to the club. I hope in the next year we can sponsor a conference on ways to attract and support young people interested in horses.

Thank you for your consideration.

Kathleen O’Neill

My primary motivation for running for the Board is to help others achieve their goals. I want to do my best to make sure that the equestrian community stays active and strong in the Bay Area. I am currently on the Board of Directors at the Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association where I am responsible for Membership and am the Newsletter Editor. I love organizing campouts and creating the atmosphere where people can meet other riders in a social setting.

I am a retired Information Technology Professional. I believe my dedication to the equestrian community and my strong business experience will be an asset to our club members.

Margaret Hughes

I believe that I have a lot to offer to the board.  My background in administration, legal work, science and as a current tax business owner I have a unique mixture of skills, knowledge and business sense.  Add that to my love and passion for horses, my energy and willingness to actively participate in the association, and the fact that I have attended every meeting since I have been a member (except those where I was not in town) makes me an excellent candidate for the board.  Thank you for your consideration.  Peggy

Steve Trolan

I have always loved the outdoors and for the last ten years, I have been able to couple my love of the outdoors with that of horseback riding.  As we became more active in the riding community, we found Santa Cruz County Horsemans Association as a place that not only has a great facilities and beautiful trails to ride but a great group of people that we enjoy and have come to call friends. The opportunity to serve the SCCHA as a board member or associate will allow me to give back to the organization that I so enjoy.

Karen Trolan

Horseback riding is not only a passion for me, it is also a huge freedom!  I became a paraplegic 10 years ago, and riding allows me to get out in the beauty of nature and out with friends. Because I am so committed to riding and the SCCHA which affords me so many great opportunities, I want to give back by supporting and strengthening our association.

Mary Sullivan-White

I have been on the SCCHA board for 15 years.  For the past 6 years, I have managed the Ride for Relay, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society which has also become a fun event for our youth riders.  My family has 6 generations in the club. I look forward to continuing SCCHA efforts to attract young riders.
Mary Sullivan-White

Lorraine Flores

It’s been a great year…retired in May, got a sweet Aussie puppy in August, and have had the opportunity to be an Associate Director on the SCCHA board for a year! 

It has been an honor serving as a Associate Director, as it’s been a great opportunity to learn all the details of a exceptional organization  I’ve been on Horse Patrol active in Large Animal Evacuations, and have a small horse boarding facility in Felton (Dancing Horse Stables).  My sweet guy Dancer and I ride the parks as often as we can.  I hope to continue serving our equestrian community by being voted on the SCCHA Board

Larry DeYoung

 I want to serve on the Board of Directors for the SCCHA because I believe it is the best possible means for me to help preserve and expand the equestrian life on the California Coast.  I have been a member as well as a leader of many volunteer organizations including the San Mateo County Coastside Horse Council and the Mounted Assistance Unit of the Santa Cruz District State Parks.  I believe this experience will be useful to the SCCHA.

Carol Kelley