After four years, I have chosen not to run for President again, thereby makingroom for new leadership. As such, this will be my final column since Allen Blay(VP) and I alternate each month. This is one innovation I decided upon whenI started, with Jennifer Hay (former VP) agreeing to this change so that themembership could hear different perspectives and ideas about GWTC eachmonth. I hope this has proven beneficial to members.

Reflecting on some of the changes and challenges we have dealt with over thelast four years got me to perusing the minutes for these years. At their core,Board meetings approve race budgets and closeouts and run through a varietyof reports regarding finances, equipment, communications, group runs, etc. Weroutinely raise and attempt to resolve issues that occur in these areas. However,the number of innovations and sometimes controversial issues that haveoccurred is amazing. Our Board has done an incredible job of tackling thesethings while maintaining good meeting decorum, keeping the club on stablefinancial footing, putting on a wide variety of road and off-road races at varyingdistances, and keeping a strong pipeline of youth running programs afloat.

A sampling of the more noteworthy issues the Board took up and resolved overthe last four years:

2023

•Start of greater focus on social media
•Start of mandatory volunteerism in order to participate in Grand Prix
•Begin usage of new timing system offered through RunSignUp
•Advocacy opposing Dempsey Mayo Road Extension through Greenway
•Start of Leon County Track Closure debate
•Rex Cleveland Magic Mile ceases and “GWTC Legacies – Remembering” initiated
•Start of Group Run efforts and FB page

2024

•Start “Running Shorts” email
•Revamp of Bylaws to shrink Board and consolidate duties
•Miccosukee Greenway floods and GWTC gets involved
•GWTC Marathon/Half secures title sponsor – Bank of America
•Begin gearing up for World Athletics Cross Country Championships
•Creation of Volunteer Coordinator and database
•Participate in Miccosukee Greenway Management Plan update
•Start of summer GWTC Town Hall meetings

;2025

•Participate in Alford Greenway Management Plan update
•GWTC moves significant donation to World X-Country event
•Formalize GWTC partnership with Holy Comforter Episcopal School re: track
•GWTC initiates podcasts
•Initiate trademark use re: RUN TLH
•GWTC receives “Outstanding Community Organization” award

2026

•Volunteer Recognition Policy adopted
•GWTC races move to dynamic bib assignment
•Privacy Policy adopted
•Contract to pay GWTC Marathon/Half Race Directors instituted
•Bylaws revamped due to new legislation governing not-for-profits

In retrospect, I would have to say that the current year has been the most challenging for the club during my tenure. I am thankful for the privilege of working with committed Board members to see us through some of the difficult issues. As I ponder this past year, two things become evident to me in terms of how I have chosen to try and conduct my affairs—these learned from two sources, my father and my professional career. One—from my dad—if you make a commitment, you see it through, if at all possible. From my career—if you do not have a seat at the table, you cannot effect change or even have a voice on any given outcome.

I wish to thank the Board members I have served with for their help and counsel along the way, for none of what makes GWTC great could have been achieved without them. I especially wish to thank certain longtime Board members whom I have repeatedly tapped for help over the years (they know who they are). I cannot thank them enough.

Voting for the 2027 Board is open now, so please vote. Based on the ballot I have seen, you will have an excellent Board composition going forward!