U.S. Masters Swimming Dorothy Donnelly Service Award

Recipient:	Chris Ottato
Year:	2024
LMSC:	Pacific

While Chris had been employed as Pacific Masters Swimming’s office administrator, she was recognized for the significant volunteer contributions she has made to the Walnut Creek Aquatic Foundation. It was incorporated as a separate non-profit organization in 2015 to work with the city of Walnut Creek to design and provide additional funding for new facilities. She served as secretary on the foundation’s board for years and in 2024 the city committed to a plan to construct new facilities. Chris volunteered in many other ways. She was an Adult Learn to Swim instructor, helping students overcome their fear of the water and develop swim skills. She helped institutionalize the role of the Administrative Referee at Pacific Masters competitions. And, since 2017, Chris volunteered at the national level, serving on various committees including Registration (Membership) for 3 years and the Records and Tabulation committee since 2000.