Elections
The VHTRC is governed by a five-person Board of Directors, elected by the membership to serve a two-year term. Here Club members can learn how to nominate candidates for the Board and the process by which the Board is elected.
Per the Bylaws, the VHTRC is governed by a five-person Board of Directors, elected by the membership to serve a two-year term. The current Board’s term expires at the end of 2023 and it is time to elect a new Board.
Rob Colenso is serving as Commissioner of Elections. Email Rob.
Scroll down for candidate statements.
Key dates
- October 16 (Monday)
- Candidacy declaration period opens.
- October 30 (Monday)
- Candidacy declaration period closes.
- November 3 (Friday)
- Nominations (two per candidate) are due.
- November 3 (Friday)
- Last day for candidates to back out
- November 6 (Monday)
- Official list of candidates made public
- November 13 (Monday) to November 20 (Monday)
- Candidate statements may be made and updated
- December 4 (Monday) to December 11 (Monday)
- Voting
Candidates
These are the candidates for the 2024–2026 VHTRC Board.
- John Calabrese
- Heather Dougherty
- Jon Jester
- Ivory Lira
- Chelsea Smith
Posting of candidate statements
Begin: Monday, November 13, 2023 at 9:00 am
End: Monday, November 20, 2023 at 9:00 pm
Preceding the election is a campaign period, during which time VHTRC members may get to know the candidates through their prepared statements. From November 13—20, candidates may post and revise their statements. Candidate statements will remain published through the end of the election.
Starting November 13, candidates may put a statement on the website. Candidates may change their statements through November 20 at 9:00 pm.
Voting period
Begin: Monday, December 4, 2023 at 9:00 am
Begin: Monday, December 11, 2023 at 9:00 pm
Club members will have one week to vote, from December 4—11. Members will vote online in a manner that ensures the confidentiality of their votes. The mechanics of the election are explained on the ballot.
All members of the VHTRC as of October 16, 2023, are eligible to vote. On December 4, eligible members will receive an email from ElectionRunner with instructions on how to vote, which is recorded online in a confidential manner. If you are a current club member and did not receive this email or, if you have other questions about the election, please contact the Election Commissioner, Rob Colenso.
At the end of the voting period, all candidates will be notified of the results and the results will be on the website. For public purposes, the website will list only the five candidates with the most votes. Any candidate, winning or losing, may find out his or her vote and how it compared with others if he or she asks.
Club members have one week to vote, from Monday, December 4 to Monday, December 11.
Candidate statements
John Calabrese
Attending VHTRC events are really the only times I feel I can truly be myself. I love this club so much. I’ve run so many of the clubs races over the years, and now I want to put my passion for adventures into working for you, the club’s membership. I truly plan to put in the time to serve the best trail running club in the world.
Heather Dougherty
I am seeking an opportunity to give back and to make a positive impact within VHTRC by serving on the board. I’ve become much more present at events in the last two years and this is a great opportunity for increasing my impact.
Jon Jester
VHTRC member since 2013. It has been a privilege to serve the Club as a Board member these past two years, and I am looking forward to working with new Board members and continuing the progress the Board has made in increasing volunteer participation, creating new events, and general community outreach. My experience in problem solving, relationship building, and inclusivity will continue to serve the Club well.
