We solicited for 2024 SJPA Board Officers in October. Filling these positions is critical to the growth and success of pickleball in St. James in 2024. Voting takes place: November 15 – 30, 2023.
NOTE: An email with a link to vote was sent to all eligible members.
These three positions have received the following submissions.
For Vice President position: Christine Cournoyer
Astute, forward-thinking professional with extensive experience collaborating with leaders and daily operations across a wide range of environments. Leverages an incomparable understanding of cross-functional business dynamics to deliver significant top- and bottom-line growth, market expansions, and positive operational transitions.
Known as a reliable and adaptable leader able to quickly pivot and successfully address a variety of changing situations while consistently exceeding expectations.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Project Management
• Operational Processes
• Expense/Budget Reporting
• Client Relations
• Team Building/Guidance
• Time Management
Significant Accomplishments:
- 2 years of organizing the weekly Beginner Round Robin event, enriching experiences by engaging beginner pickleball players providing a solid foundation of basic skills, game etiquette and how to network with others to continue playing at their levels.
- 2 years as a member of the Events committee, collaborating with members on various successful events.
- 1 year as New to Pickleball Instruction Chair.
Education & Certificates:
Master of Education, Secondary Education, Rivier University
Bachelor of Science, Business Management- Franklin Pierce University
Microsoft Certified – Sullivan t Cogliano Training Ctr.
Certified Teacher, Business Education-State of New Hampshire, Massachusetts
See Christine’s entire resume.
For Treasurer position: Chris Romig
Professional Staff, U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Homeland Security
Washington D.C.
Assistant Staff on the Homeland Security Appropriations subcommittee responsible for annual appropriations legislation for the United States Coast Guard, Immigration and Custom Enforcement Agency, and the Cyber Security & infrastructure Security Agency totaling $17 billion.
Program Budget Officer, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army
The Pentagon
Formulated plans and coordinated actions on issues crossing the Army’s research and procurement appropriations. Served as Special Access Program (SAP) appropriation sponsor responsible for the preparation, submission, and justification of the Army’s $82M SAP budget and POM data to OSD Comptroller.
Comptroller, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command Fort Belvoir, VA
Administered a $44 million multi-appropriation operating budget for the Army’s Criminal Investigative Command. Developed and implemented budget and manpower guidance and directed the Command’s internal control program. Advised the Commanding General, senior staff and Subordinate commanders on all resource issues facing the command.
See Chris’s entire resume.
For Secretary position:
–Paula Franken
–Kim Nowakowski
–Sue Pash
For Secretary Position: Paula Franken
What makes me most qualified for a position on the board? My love for pickleball.
I moved to St. James in 2021 and began playing in small groups and during open court times. Although I was working full time, I started my own group (which I ran for over a year) and volunteered to help with New to Pickleball.
Since retiring in April 2023, I’ve had more time to devote to pickleball and play multiple times a week with a variety of players.
I believe this board position would allow me to further support the St. James pickleball community and help ensure members are heard, needs are met, and the game continues to flourish.
As for my professional qualifications, I worked as a writer for decades, starting in Los Angeles at BBDO West, moving to Walt Disney Consumer Products, and ending my California career at Ogilvy & Mather. I moved to Pennsylvania, took time off to raise kids, and eventually went back to work writing for Bucknell University and Geisinger (a large health care organization). I was successful in these positions because I am organized, detail-oriented, and a strong communicator.
For Secretary Position: Kim Nowakowski
I am seeking to serve as the Recording Secretary for the St. James Pickleball Association. Although I have been a member of SJPA for only two years, I appreciate greatly all that they do on a day-to-day basis for its members and would like to give back to SJPA by serving in this vital role.
Experience 1988 through 2021
I have served as recording secretary with local and national organizations through my work career with United Industry Workers, United Public Service Employees Union, and National Public Employees Union. Additionally, I served as recording secretary in a number of outside organizations such as Business & Professional Women, New York State Women, Inc., Coalition of Labor Union Women, and on the Women on the Job Task Force.
All of the organizations followed Roberts Rules of Order, so I am familiar with the rules and requirements pertaining to the proper recording of minutes.
Education
SUNY Old Westbury – B.A. Labor Studies
Suffolk Community College – Paralegal Certificate
For Secretary Position: Sue Pash
Strong work ethic, high performer, self-motivated, detail oriented, professional demeanor with great initiative. Dedicated, energetic, results-oriented team-player eager to bring strong administrative skills to a growing organization that needs top-level support.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Realtor
-Century 21 Redwood Realty
-Stafford, VA – 2010 – 2023
-Top Producer in the Stafford office – $12 Million+
Awards
-Master Ruby Award – 2022
-Washingtonian Top Agent – 2018 – 2021
-President’s Award – 2019, 2020, 2021
-Masters Diamond Award – 2018
-Master Emerald Award – 2017
-Quality Service Pinnacle Producer Award – 2015 – 2022
Volunteer Work
-Secretary of Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors Foundation
-Chairman of the Par for FAAR Charity Golf Tournament for four years raising over $30,000 in Grants.
-Governor of the Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors Foundation
See Sue’s entire resume.
Changes made to the By-Laws for 2024
By-Laws were updated in October and must be approved. You can access and read a copy of the By-Laws on the SJPA website under the category Pickleball Docs. This is a Brief explanation of changes made to By-Laws:
- Date changes
- Number 3: Clarification about our fiscal year especially when referencing the terms of our officers.
- Numbers 10, 11, 12, 13 and 26: Clarification on President’s, Vice-President’s and all board member’s terms.
- President’s board position essential job functions
- Treasure’s board position essential job functions
- Communication’s board position essential job functions
- Footer of all the board job descriptions
- Added line 17: Any officer who wants to serve additional terms shall submit their name and be voted on by the membership. Officers do not automatically remain for additional terms.
- Added line 18: In the event of gross misconduct on the part of any SJPA Board member, the Board may vote to remove the officer and appoint a member in good standing to complete the term.
Link to a copy of updated 2024 By-Laws waiting for approval from the association.
