Candidate Information

Name: Laura Winslow

LMSC: Arizona

Nominated for: Vice President of Community Services (nomination info)

Summary Statement

USMS is continuing to undergo numerous changes.  I want to assist by continuing to help lead the organization and taking us to the next level.

Response to Questions

Why are you interested in this position and why do you believe you would be a good candidate?

I am passionate about masters swimming and USMS. Since 2003 I have been a USMS volunteer on the local and national level. I have a strong desire to serve USMS, grow the organization, and give back to the sport and organization that has given me so much.

With my unique background as a CPA, masters swim coach, head high school swim and dive coach, and assistant organizer of the  2003 and 2011 spring short course nationals, I offer the organization key knowledge and energy in areas that are important for its growth.

As a previous at-large BOD member I have had the opportunity to participate on numerous committees/task forces, chairing some of them.

I have enjoyed my previous service and demonstrated that I can get the job done.  In assisting with the running of the 2011 short course nationals, I demonstrated my organizational skills. Having been on the board, I know how it works and what is expected of its members.   If elected, I would be able to start fulfilling my duties from day one.

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?

Growth, communication, leadership, club and LMSC development, coaching and member services are areas I see as critical to the health of our organization.  Over the last few years, our membership has grown.  In order to maintain that growth, we need effective communication among the BOD, Executive Director and staff, the committees, and LMSCs.  We need to assist in the development of clubs and LMSCs using models that have worked well for others.  We also need coaches who are properly trained to provide guidance, leadership and training for members.  Coaches are a contributing factor in retaining existing members. 

The VP Community Services is responsible for three committees:  the Coaches Committee, which recruits, educates, and supports coaches for USMS members; the Fitness Committee, which provides fun yet challenging ways to help members achieve their goals; and the Sports Medicine and Science Committee, which stimulates and encourages research on masters swimming and educates members and the public on sports medicine and science.  All three areas are important for the growth of masters swimming.

As VP Community Services, I will provide the necessary leadership for these areas so they can be successful in providing beneficial services to help USMS grow.

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:

• International 2003 – 2005; Sandy Rousseau
• Championship 2004 – 2005; Barry Fasbender
• Long Distance/Open Water 2007 – 2009; Marcia Cleveland
• Coaches 2010 – 2011; Craig Keller

Please list any other experience that relates to your qualifications for the position.

I am a certified public accountant with over 25 years’ experience in the business world, having practiced both accounting and executive compensation.  In these roles, I have worked as part of a team as well as being the leader.  I was also the previous controller for a kids swim team, helping to meet budgetary constraints.  In addition, I have been coaching masters for the last five years and high school swimming for the past four.

Please list any other information you would like included:

• Former Arizona Sanctions Chair
• Former Arizona LMSC Competition Committee Chair
• Chaired the first Executive Director Search Committee; 2005 – 2007
• Chaired the Employee Compensation Task Force; 2005 - 2007
• Chaired the Dues Increase Task Force; 2006
• Member of Long Course Nationals Evaluation Committee - 2005