Congratulations are due to our President, Dawn Kozak, who has been offered a career opportunity that she is very excited about. Sadly, the corporation’s gain is our loss, because after a lot of careful thought, Dawn has realized that she cannot balance the role as class association president with her new work responsibilities. She gave the rest of the Executive Committee notice so that they could plan on succession.

Here are the changes that are effective as of March 1, 2013:

Dawn Kozak steps down as class president, and Peter Beardsley (New York, NY / Larchmont YC) has been appointed by the Executive Committee as Class President effective from March 1 until the Annual General Meeting on October 8, 2013 at Houston YC.

Additionally, two additional Executive Committee members have been appointed; Craig and Deborah Wilusz (Ft. Walton Beach, FL / Ft. Walton YC) have been appointed to fill Beardsley’s vacancy as class regatta coordinator, and Dr. Jim Sears (Trabuco Canyon, CA / Alamitos Bay YC) joins the Executive Committee as an at-large member to work on special projects.

Statement from outgoing president Dawn Kozak:
“As Viper sailors, we are all used to attempting to maximize the wind and the tides to get us around the race course to the finish, hopefully with good results. Occasionally the winds and tides change forcing us to re-evaluate our direction and the position of the finish line. It is this type of change that has given me a career opportunity which has required me to re-evaluate my finish line, so it is with mixed emotions that I announce my resignation as the Viper Class President. I have enjoyed my tenure as the Class President immensely and look forward to seeing all of you on the water, beginning in Charleston in April and, hopefully ending in Texas at the North Americans.  It has been my sincere pleasure to work with such an amazing leadership team in Tony Chapman, Garrett Johns and Dave Nickerson. It is also my honor to announce that Peter Beardsley has agreed to step in and complete my term as Class President. Peter has been an invaluable member of the Executive Committee, acting as our official class regatta coordinator. He brings with him a deep understanding of class management, organization, and growth that will serve us well in the coming years.”

Statement from incoming president Peter Beardsley:
“On behalf of the entire Executive Committee, I want to thank Dawn for her service.  Dawn’s professional experience and passion for the Viper was a boost to class governance and camaraderie.  I am excited for the opportunity to work with the Executive Committee to assist the class with its mission of providing fast, fun, affordable racing.  Dawn oversaw record-setting participation at 2012 regattas, and we expect 2013 to be an even better year.  Craig, Deborah and Jim add important geographic diversity to the class leadership and as talented sailors and passionate Viperers, we will all benefit from their guidance and enthusiasm.”