GWTC Officers and Leadership

Each year GWTC elects a slate of officers and directors. Below is a list of the Board and Officers, as well as appointed officials, for 2023. Follow the links for each individual to view his/her profile and to contact by email. They would like to hear from you about what you expect out of GWTC in 2023.

Officers

President	Jerry McDaniel
Vice President	Jennifer Hay		(850) 294-9395
Secretary	Jeanne O’Kon		(850) 264-4903
Treasurer	Peg Griffin	Profile	(850) 567-9890

Directors-at-Large

Judy Alexander	Profile	(850) 321-6886
Allen Blay
Chris O’Kelley
Tom Perkins	Profile	(850) 264-4595
Debbie Peters	Profile
Lisa Unger		(850) 264-9615
David Yon	Profile	(850) 321-8768

Appointed Officials

Newsletter Editor*	Robert Skrob	Profile	(850) 270-8295
Membership Chair*	Jo Lena Pace		(850) 544-0628
Equipment Manager	Vicky Droze	Profile	(850) 339-7766
Gulfwinds Triathletes President*	Kory Skrob		(850) 385-0001
*Voting Official

Past President*

Mark Priddy	Profile	(850) 508-1961
*Voting Official

Coordinators

School Grants	Jennifer Hay and Carter Hay		(850) 294-9395
Trail Care	TBA
Training Groups	TBA
Beginning Running Group	Elizabeth Kamerick Brandy Fortune
USATF Liaison	Jay Silvanima	Profile	(850) 264-0739

GWTC Race Directors*	Mary Jean Yon	Profile	(850) 668-2236
Merchandise	Laura McDermott and Sherri Wise	Laura Sherri	(850) 766-3889
Social Activities*	Tina Bahmer		(307) 286-3725
Education & Lecture Series*	Mark Tombrink		(850) 321-6886
Racing Teams	Tim Unger	Profile	(850) 544-4563
Volunteer Coordinator	Lyssa Oberkreser
*Voting Official

Committees

Chenoweth Committee

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

- Gabrielle K. Gabrielli, Chair
- Paul Guyas
- Danny Manausa
- Chiko Okoro
- David Yon

Grand Prix/Awards Committee

- Lisa Unger, Chair
- Elizabeth Kamerick (2024)
- Chris O’Kelley (2023)
- Debbie Peters (2025)
- Keith Rowe (2023)
- Mike Savage (2024)
- Jennifer Hay (ex officio) (2025)

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Inspirational Quotation:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Peg Griffin

Treasurer

Life is not a dress rehearsal. Unk.

Miccosukee Greenway

All Time Favorite Race

Springtime 10K

Favorite Annual Event

Annual Awards Ceremony

Personal Hero

Like Time Magazine’s 2006 Person of the Year, my personal hero is YOU – each and every member of GWTC who, in his or her own way, makes a difference in the lives of others.

Why I run

I run for fitness and for how good it makes me feel. I begin almost every day with a run or swim and don’t feel quite right when I skip a day.

Brief Running History

I began running in the early 1980s for fitness and have been running since. I ran competitively for many years and have come full circle to running just for fitness. Every run is a gift for which I am grateful.

Name:

Peg Griffin

Position with GWTC:

Treasurer

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Miccosukee Greenway

Brief Running History:

Inspirational Quotation:

Life is not a dress rehearsal.

All Time Favorite Race

Springtime 10K

Favorite Annual Event

Annual Awards Ceremony

Personal Hero

Still working on this one!

Why I run

I run for fitness and for how good it makes me feel. I begin almost every day with a run or swim and don’t feel quite right when I skip a day.

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Inspirational Quotation:

Judy Alexander

Director at Large

Anywhere, as long as I'm with friends!

“Whoever is happy will make others happy, too. He who has courage & faith will never perish in misery.” Anne Frank

All Time Favorite Race

Boston Marathon!

Favorite Annual Event

My Birthday!

Personal Hero

Randy Pausch, for his ability to see past a problem in order to find a solution and for his ever positive outlook and strong constitution.

Why I run

It’s the only sport I’m coordinated enough to do (although I’ve been known to trip over my own 2 feet on occasion) & I love it! Running is a great way to take from & give back to one’s community…it’s nice to be able to combine the things we enjoy with a sport we love to do.

Brief Running History:

I’ve been running since 1994, when a friend called & asked me to train with her for the 1995 Disney Marathon. Sharing my running experiences with all the wonderful people in every running community I’ve had the privilege of belonging to has brought me immeasurable pleasure & a lifetime of stories & memories. Directing races has now brought another dimension to the running experience and working with and for the members of the Gulf Winds Track Club and our running community in general is an honor!

Name:

Judy Alexander

Position with GWTC:

Director at Large

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Anywhere, as long as I'm with friends!

Brief Running History:

Inspirational Quotation:

“Whoever is happy will make others happy, too. He who has courage & faith will never perish in misery.” Anne Frank

All Time Favorite Race

Boston Marathon!

Favorite Annual Event

My Birthday!

Personal Hero

Randy Pausch, for his ability to see past a problem in order to find a solution and for his ever positive outlook and strong constitution.

Why I run

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Inspirational Quotation:

Tom Perkins

At Large Board Member (former President)

Phipps-Knapps and Overstreet Trails

“If speed kills, I’ll never be in harm’s way” T. Perkins

“You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.” Frank Shorter

All Time Favorite Race

Springtime; Chicago Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

GWTC Christmas Party

Personal Hero

My father, Dr. Haven Meade Perkins (1916-2000)

Why I run

The adventure of finding new trails, running partners and bonds that will last a lifetime, and for the sheer energy derived as the sun rises during a long run with friends.

Brief Running History

In 1977, I herniated a disc in my lower back. After a painful recovery period, I decided that I needed to strengthen my back muscles by walking. It was at Godby High School track that I saw people actually running and talking, while I struggled with my walk. They encouraged me in my recovery. Eventually, I started to run every other lap. My new-found friends cheered me on. They told me about a new running club, Gulf Winds Track Club. Six months later, I joined Paul Ott and Randy Frazey at the Junior Museum 5K. I was praised by all for my effort (23:57) and was made to feel like I was adopted by a very large family. Since then, I have distances from a 100 yard dash to a 50K event.

Name:

Tom Perkins

Position with GWTC:

At Large Board Member (former President)

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Phipps-Knapps and Overstreet Trails

Brief Running History:

Inspirational Quotation:

“If speed kills, I’ll never be in harm’s way” T. Perkins

“You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.” Frank Shorter

All Time Favorite Race

Springtime; Chicago Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

GWTC Christmas Party

Personal Hero

My father, Dr. Haven Meade Perkins (1916-2000)

Why I run

The adventure of finding new trails, running partners and bonds that will last a lifetime, and for the sheer energy derived as the sun rises during a long run with friends.

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Inspirational Quotation:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Debbie Peters

Director at Large

Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you,
Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today? - Peter Maher

I love running solo in my neighborhood during the week and then meeting up with friends at the local Saturday races.

All Time Favorite Race

2016 Snickers Marathon. My friend Kory Skrob paced me in for a Boston qualifying time. Although it wasn't enough to get into Boston, I was and am still so happy and proud.

Favorite Annual Event

Springtime and Turkey Trot. I race most weekends, these races are so special because so many people from the community come out for them.

Why I run

I started running in my 20's for exercise and weight control. Today Irun for the way it makes me feel and to help balance anxiety and depression. I have met and continue to meet the nicest people running races.

Name:

Debbie Peters

Position with GWTC:

Director at Large

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

I love running solo in my neighborhood during the week and then meeting up with friends at the local Saturday races.

Running is a big question mark that's there each and every day. It asks you, "Are you going to be a wimp or are you going to be strong today? - Peter Maher

All Time Favorite Race

2016 Snickers Marathon. My friend Kory Skrob paced me in for a Boston qualifying time. Although it wasn't enough to get into Boston, I was and am still so happy and proud.

Favorite Annual Event

Springtime and Turkey Trot. I race most weekends, these races are so special because so many people from the community come out for them.

Why I run

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Inspirational Quotation:

David Yon

At large board member, Chenoweth Committee

Deep Creek Trail at St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

"If I grow up, I'd like to be a bus driver." Ten year old Lafeyette Rivers, from the book There Are No Children Here.

All Time Favorite Race

Boston Marathon, Big Sur Marathon and Pine Run

Favorite Annual Event

Pot Luck Bash – I love watching the kids get their awards.

Personal Hero

Joan Benoit Samuelson (incredible courage, tenacious and tough, yet able to keep it all in perspective) other: Nelson Mandela (true to himself and his beliefs)

Why I run

It is the best window I have to look through to see what’s happening inside.

Brief Running History

I started running in 1983 and was “hit and miss” till 1984 rolled around. Since then I have run pretty much nonstop until getting sidelined by my hamstring. When healthy I like to run 50-60 miles per week. I have run over 400 races at distances from the mile through 50 miles and really enjoy the variety of different distances terrains and types of races. I believe running is greatly enhanced when you can be part of a family like GWTC.

Name:

David Yon

Position with GWTC:

At large board member, Chenoweth Committee

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Deep Creek Trail at St. Marks Wildlife Refuge

Brief Running History:

As below

Inspirational Quotation:

"If I grow up, I'd like to be a bus driver." Ten year old Lafeyette Rivers, from the book There Are No Children Here.

All Time Favorite Race

Boston Marathon, Big Sur Marathon and Pine Run

Favorite Annual Event

Pot Luck Bash – I love watching the kids get their awards.

Personal Hero

Joan Benoit Samuelson (incredible courage, tenacious and tough, yet able to keep it all in perspective) other: Nelson Mandela (true to himself and his beliefs)

Why I run

It is the best window I have to look through to see what’s happening inside.

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Inspirational Quotation:

Robert Skrob

Newsletter Editor

Nothing beats the convenience of the roads near my home. Lace-up and go.

“People who get offended easily should be offended frequently.” ~ Mae West

All Time Favorite Race

Boston Marathon 2016. A half mile from the finish, you can see the finish line. Fans are standing, 10 deep on both sides of the street, screaming, cheering and ringing cow bells. While I wanted to get across that finish line as quickly as possible, I also wished that moment could last forever.

Favorite Annual Event

Turkey Trot

Brief Running History

Was a couch potato until 2010. Inspired to begin running by listening to a free podcast called 5K101. I ran when it said run and walked. Within 8 weeks I ran my first 5K race. Haven’t stopped running since.

Personal Hero

Bill Lott

Why I run

So I am not bald and fat.

Name:

Robert Skrob

Position with GWTC:

Newsletter Editor

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Nothing beats the convenience of the roads near my home. Lace-up and go.

Inspirational Quotation:

“People who get offended easily should be offended frequently.” ~ Mae West

Brief Running History

All Time Favorite Race

Favorite Annual Event

Turkey Trot

Personal Hero

Bill Lott

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Inspirational Quotation:

Vicky Droze

Equipment Manager

Lake Overstreet

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

All Time Favorite Race

Palace Saloon

Favorite Annual Event

Holiday Party

Personal Hero

Anyone who adopts a child with special needs

Why I run

Mental and physical health

Brief Running History

Started running after high school just to keep up with my younger sister who started running on the High School Cross Country team. Caught the bug and have been running ever since.

Name:

Vicky Droze

Position with GWTC:

Social Chair

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Lake Overstreet

Brief Running History:

Started running after high school just to keep up with my younger sister who started running on the High School Cross Country team. Caught the bug and have been running ever since.

Inspirational Quotation:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

All Time Favorite Race

Palace Saloon

Favorite Annual Event

Holiday Party

Personal Hero

Anyone who adopts a child with special needs

Why I run

Mental and physical health

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Mark Priddy

Immediate Past President

Hilly, 9 mile neighborhood route in Killearn including AJ Henry Park

All Time Favorite Race

Big Sur International Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

The KY Derby Half Marathon

Why I run

It gives me time to think and I feel physically and mentally rejuvenated

Brief Running History

Started “jogging” on my 24th birthday. I couldn’t make it around the block. Completed 43 Marathons and the Tallahassee Ultra 50K. I was the only American to compete in the 2005 Marabana, the Havana (Cuba) Marathon. Since I could not drink the local water, which was ladled from 55 gallon drums, I survived by eating the oranges provided at each aid table.

Inspirational Quote

"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood..." Theodore Roosevelt.

Name:

Mark Priddy

Position with GWTC:

Immediate Past President

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Hilly, 9 mile neighborhood route in Killearn including AJ Henry Park

Brief Running History:

All Time Favorite Race

Big Sur International Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

The Kentucky Derby Half Marathon

Why I run

It gives me time to think and I feel physically and mentally rejuvenated

Inspirational Quote

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Inspirational Quotation:

Jay Silvanima

USATF Liaison

“I am losing precious days. I am degenerating into a machine for making money. I am learning nothing in this trivial world of men. I must break away and get out into the mountains to learn the news.” ~ John Muir

All Time Favorite Race

Boston Marathon 2009 were I married Nancy Stedman, and from my youth the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League cross country championship 1976 Butler, PA

Favorite Annual Event

GWTC - Pine Run Nationally - Boston Marathon

Personal Hero

My uncle John Danek who served as my second father until he died. John was an excellent naturalist and outdoors man who taught me an appreciation for nature and many outdoor skills.

Why I run

Exploration/travel, health and the pure joy of motion while on my feet

Brief Running History

Started running while in 6th grade, ran XC and track for the Burgettstown Blue Devils, ran for a brief time with the Penn State XC team, but had to quit to support my education as I was not on a scholarship. Started LDR running in 1998 and have run 38 marathons and 5 ultra marathons in 23 states.

Name:

Jay Silvanima

Position with GWTC:

USATF Liaison

Brief Running History:

Inspirational Quotation:

All Time Favorite Race

Boston Marathon 2009 were I married Nancy Stedman, and from my youth the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League cross country championship 1976 Butler, PA

Favorite Annual Event

GWTC - Pine Run Nationally - Boston Marathon

Personal Hero

My uncle John Danek who served as my second father until he died. John was an excellent naturalist and outdoors man who taught me an appreciation for nature and many outdoor skills.

Why I run

Exploration/travel, health and the pure joy of motion while on my feet

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Inspirational Quotation:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Mary Jean Yon

Race Director Coordinator

“Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.” Michelle Obama

Miccosukee Greenway & any exploratory runs while traveling

All Time Favorite Race

Can’t pick just one but the Antarctica Marathon (for adventure) and Grandma’s Marathon (second time in honor of Reid Vannoy) rank right up there at the top.

Favorite Annual Event

Run-To-Posey’s on Christmas Eve

Personal Hero

Anyone striving to make a positive difference in our society.

Why I run

I don’t know how to stop! Running for the past 30+ years has given me fun times, fast times, slow times, good friends, fitness and more. Why would I want to part with any of those things? They all come together to make for a good life!

Brief Running History

I started running in 1986 right after I met David Yon. I had tried to run before but managed to do it all wrong and it didn’t stick. Second time was the charm with a charming influencer to boot. I realized I had more talent running than any of the other sports I had done and thus a lifelong addiction was born. Running opened many doors for travel and adventure and a chance to see the world. Distances ranged from one-mile races to the Comrades Marathon (in South Africa) which was 56 miles. The fast times have faded but the memories remain and now the social value of the sport is what rules.

Name:

Mary Jean Yon

Position with GWTC:

Race Director Coordinator

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Miccosukee Greenway & any exploratory runs while traveling

Brief Running History:

I started running relatively late in life after other sports fizzled for me. At age 30, I learned what running could be and promptly fell for it. I’ve enjoyed the whole spectrum of races from the mile to the ultra and savored some nice PR’s along the way. I now understand how performance and priorities shift as we grow in this sport but I never want to lose the simple joy of running. To me, the sport is a gateway to new places and higher opportunities and I hope I never get enough of it!

Inspirational Quotation:

"Live every day to the fullest!"

All Time Favorite Race

The ones that challenged me such as Comrades Marathon & the Antarctica Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

Run-To-Posey’s on Christmas Eve

Personal Hero

Still working on this one!

Why I run

For fitness, stress reduction, travel opportunities and food consumption. What else is there?

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Inspirational Quotation:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Laura McDermott

Clothing & Merchandise Coordinator

"I think I can!" - The Little Engine That Could

John Wayne Trail in Washington State

All Time Favorite Race

Rome Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

Boston Mini

Personal Hero

Fred Rogers

Why I run

Self improvement

Brief Running History

I have been running since 1998 and have been a member of GWTC since 2007 I have run 63 marathons. My goals are to qualify for Boston every year and to run an international marathon every year with my husband.

Name:

Laura McDermott

Position with GWTC:

Clothing & Merchandise Coordinator

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

John Wayne Trail in Washington State

Brief Running History:

Inspirational Quotation:

"I think I can!" - The Little Engine That Could

All Time Favorite Race

Rome Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

Boston Mini

Personal Hero

Fred Rogers

Why I run

Self improvement

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Inspirational Quotation:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Sherri Wise

Assistant Clothing & Merchandise Coordinator

Be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. ~ Colossians 1:11

Bradley's

All Time Favorite Race

Marine Corps Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

Women's Distance Festival

Personal Hero

All who overcome adversity and grow from it

Why I run

Because I truly love it

Brief Running History

I started running cross country in high school, but fell in love with the marathon distance about 8 years ago. I like to do 2-3 marathons a year and really enjoy running with Imitation Adults on Sundays. I toss in some races with other distances each year for fun and fellowship with GWTC.

Name:

Sherri Wise

Position with GWTC:

Assistant Clothing & Merchandise Coordinator

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Bradley's

Brief Running History:

Inspirational Quotation:

Be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. ~ Colossians 1:11

All Time Favorite Race

Marine Corps Marathon

Favorite Annual Event

Women's Distance Festival

Personal Hero

All who overcome adversity and grow from it

Why I run

Because I truly love it

Name:

Position with GWTC:

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

Inspirational Quotation:

Tim Unger

Traveling Racing Teams Coordinator

New Orleans

"Seems like I’ve always been looking for some other place to get it together where with a few of my friends I could give up the race and maybe find something better but all my fine dreams well thought out schemes to gain the motherland have all eventually come down to waiting for every man when you look over your shoulder and you see the life that you’ve left behind when you think it over, do you ever wonder what it is that holds your life so close to mine"
Jackson Browne

All Time Favorite Race

Navarre (RIP), Daytona 5k, Gasparilla 15k, River Run 15k, Azalea Trail 10k, Crescent City Classic 10k, Springtime 10k, Palace 5k, Rose City 10k, Gate to Gate 4.4, S.G.I Summer Sizzler 5k, Peachtree 10k, Critter Run 5k, Bushwacker 5k, Summer Beach Run 5-Miler, Turkey Trot, Reservation Run 5k (RIP) Won’t someone PLEASE bring back THE down hill slalom race!

Favorite Annual Event

12 hours of Sebring (sports car race)

Personal Hero

Lilly, Justin, Tyler, Myrna & Lisa..Without the help, commitment, and sacrifices from my blended family I could not have reached such personal heights of running success

Why I run

Health & Fitness, Team Competitions, Stress Relief. Travel.

Brief Running History

I started my competitive running in 1976 for Bayshore High School in Bradenton, FL with USA multi distance champion Betty Springs under the watchful eye of NC State MULTIPLE NCAA champion coach Rollie Geiger. Our men’s team finished 7th, 3rd & 2nd in the Florida 3A State Cross Country Championships under Rollie’s guidance. I returned to running in 1993 and began to compete regularly at all distances.

GWTC honored me in 1999 as the Male runner of the year. I hold a GWTC record 5 straight Men's Overall Grand Prix championships from 1999-2003. Thirteen years in a row of GWTC Grand Prix top five finishes put me in the position to be honored as the 2011 GWTC Hall of Fame nominee. Along with 15k National Age Group championships @ River run in 2007 & 2009 being in GWTC's Hall of Fame is the greatest award and or accomplishment I have ever received. Team racing is my favorite venue partially because of my love for sports car racing.

I was honored to also be a part of the GWTC men’s team that won the USATF 15k National Men’s Team Championship at River Run in 2006. As GWTC’s racing team coordinator for many years I have contributed to building GWTC’s reputation as a competitive racing team by being awarded at open team events: Blue Angel Marathon, River Run, Azalea Trail, Fiesta, Summer Beach run, and an incredible Fifteen years in a row at the Gate To Gate 4.4

Name:

Tim Unger

Position with GWTC:

Traveling Racing Teams Coordinator

Favorite Running Route or Trail:

New Orleans

Brief Running History:

Inspirational Quotation:

All Time Favorite Race

Favorite Annual Event

12 hours of Sebring (sports car race)

Personal Hero

Lilly, Justin, Tyler, Myrna & Lisa..Without the help, commitment, and sacrifices from my blended family I could not have reached such personal heights of running success

Why I run

Health & Fitness, Team Competitions, Stress Relief. Travel.