There are five candidates running for three three-year terms and one one-year term.
Click HERE to download a ballot and vote. Ballots can be submitted via email or snail mail but need to be received before May 1, 2013 to be tabulated.
Candidates (Listed Alphabetically by Last Name)
Erik Claesson
My name is
Erik Claesson. I am a father of
four swimmers, Henry (13), Hayden (11), Emily and Sarah (both 8). About
one million years ago, I was an age group and High School swimmer and I am one
of those parents who enjoy sitting in the stands and watching practice. With
the support of my wife Susan, I have had the privilege of serving on the board
the past three years during which time I served as Secretary for two years and
Vice-President the last year. I have organized the 2011 and 2012 club
directories, 2012 club survey, Brian Donatelli Pep Rally and served as Chair of
the special events committee where I have been aided by awesome parent
volunteers to put on some great special events and parties this past
season.
My vision
for the club is the same as it was when I ran for the board in 2010. The
following bio is what I submitted in when I ran for the board in 2010.
I have a
degree in Public Relations from Purdue and I am a small business owner and
would like to serve on the Board of the LSC for several reasons. I believe
the LSC should be a place where swimmers enter the program as beginners and
through hard work and proper coaching improve and grow to love the sport of
swimming. I want the program to be a place where our kids learn about
cheering on their teammates and where they make lifelong
friendships. Where seasoned parents welcome and encourage new
families to embrace the program and where older swimmers help the beginners by
setting an example of leadership and sportsmanship.
I believe
my experience and knowledge will help the LSC continues to develop as a
community based program where divers, water polo players and swimmers from 7 to
70 play hard, work hard and each receive the proper support and coaching from
the program to reach their goals as individuals and as a community based swim
program.
Rick Conneely
Rick and
his wife Leslie have lived in LaGrange since 2004. Their daughters Anna and
Kerry joined the Lyons Swim Club in 2009 and absolutely love swimming, their
teammates and coaches. Rick is a lifelong athlete with triathlons, skiing
and golf among his current favorites; he played Division 1 golf while in
college. Rick is a graduate of Marquette University (BS) and DePaul
University (MBA). He currently is responsible for Global Business Operations
at Panduit Corporation. Getting involved in his kids' activities is
important to him, so you might have met him as an Indian Princesses tribe
chief, AYSO referee, timing at countless Lyons and LaGrange Field Club swim
meets, or Cossitt and Park school events. Rick particularly
appreciates that Lyons Swim Club has taught his children not only how to
compete with focus and determination, but to do it with a strong sense of
sportsmanship. He hopes to use his collaborative work style and deep
sports background to join the dedicated group of parents on the board committed
to fostering a love of swimming, water polo and team pride.
Grant Dixon
Grant Dixon
was born and raised in Western Springs and has been a swimmer his whole
life. Grant swam for Lyons Swim Club, LaGrange Country Club
and LT. He also played water polo at LT and then in college at Indiana
University. Professionally, Grant is a personal injury lawyer in LaGrange
and has been in private practice for over 20 years. He remains very active
in the community. Grant is President of the Rotary Club of Western
Springs, a member of the LaGrange Memorial Hospital Foundation, and serves on
several committees at Christ Church in Oak Brook. Grant, his wife Susan,
and three children live in LaGrange. Grant and Susan’s youngest two
children, Madeline (13) and Grant (8), swim for Lyons.
Jacqueline Mesec
I would
like to introduce myself and my desire to become a Board of Director for the
Lyons Swim Club.
My husband
(Bob), son (Frankie) and I have lived in Lyons Township in the Village of
Willow Springs for over 10 years and Indian Head Park for over three
years. Frankie attends Pleasantdale Middle School and is currently on Team
1. I too am a swimmer and am a member of the Lyons Masters Swim
Team. I’ve been a Master Swimmer for over 12+ years on both Lyons and Oak
Brook Master Swim Teams.
As a
lifetime swimmer, I am very passionate about swimming as a team sport and would
love the opportunity to become a Board Member to continue the excellence of
Lyons Swim Club. I’m confident that I have the passion, drive and
experience as a leader to be an asset to the Lyons Swim Club.
Outside of
swimming, I have been a professional business person for 25+years primarily in
the technology industry working with Fortune 100+ companies. Financial
performance accountability and organizational skills are key attributes that I
will be able to bring to my role as a Board Member.
My main
goal would be to focus on our children. Team sports need to be fun and
kids need to feel they are advancing their skills, getting better/faster, and
learning to be athletes. By listening to our outstanding coaches and
providing fresh ideas and new perspectives I believe we can continue our success
and increase our retention rates.
My second
goal would be to focus on our fiscal strength. We need to look at new
opportunities for our Swim Team, Dive Team, Water Polo Team, and Masters Team
to help generate revenue and even membership.
I ask for
your support and vote to be your next member of the Lyons Swim Club Board of
Directors. Thank you in advance for your confidence.
Todd Stahl
Janice and
I have lived in La Grange for 14 years and have two children - Perri - age 11
on Team 5, year round swimmer and Zach, age 14, year round political
advisor.
We have
been part of LSC for 4 years and have had a blast engaging in all manner of
volunteer efforts, including Janice running hospitality for coaches and staff
at home meets the past 2 years, and I serving on the board this past year.
Beyond
swimming I own a steel brokerage business which has afforded me the opportunity
to be part of LSC, AYSO as a coach for the past several years and as one of the
Y- Indian Princess Nations Chiefs.
We are
grateful and impressed by the organization and benefits offered both physically
and socially to swimmers. (Perri has made lots of new friends and we have
enjoyed being part of the LSC family) I would continue to commit time and
talents to help ensure our great experiences would be repeated for other
families through this position while helping the club stretch and achieve goals
beyond our local spheres and continue building upon an exceptional season.
