Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1283597
Read this issue’s letters from the Chairman and President & CEO 6 WAC Magazine | wac.net BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2020–2021 RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT BOARD OF GOVERNORS PROGRAM BOARD 2020–2021 Hillary Brooks Lila Hughes Brianna McDonald Garrett Nelson Mick Newell Nanette Nelson Ashley Rossman Cheryl Steele Rich orvilson Edward Ventura John Weingartz Gregg Blodgett, Chairman gblodgett@wac.net Jason Hamilton, Chairman Elect hamilton.jasond@gmail.com Jennifer Porto, Vice Chairwoman jenniferporto@hotmail.com Maria Finlayson, Treasurer mariafinlayson@yahoo.com Jeff Lounsberry, Secretary jeff@mwladvisory.com Rose Mitchell, Immediate Past Chairwoman rose_bowl_@yahoo.com Shoko Biwaki Dail Bodziony Dave Carlson Landry Christofferson Kim Connell Miles Craigwell Brian Hayden Andres Hernandez Laura Inveen Duane King Nick King Lindsay Lundberg Lisa Noji omas Osmon Amy Pieper Marilyn Sherron James Williams Arnie Willig Liz Wilson Tom Wolfe Roger Wylie Jon Zetlmaier In memoriam: Ron Couden Forrest Aldrich Tom Anderson Tom Campbell Amy Esary Tracy Garrett Peter Goldsmith Mark Harriman Jeff Hogan Andrew Naugle Richard Small Robert Wallace Landry Christofferson, Chair Mendy Droke, Vice Chair from the Chairman and President & CEO Letters A year of challenge—and opportunity! When I agreed to take on the chairmanship of the WAC a little over a year ago, it certainly was a different world. Downtown was buzzing, economic activity was at record levels, and there was a tangible sense of possibility in the air. How quickly that has been replaced by the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. We all have experienced the restrictive changes necessary to carry on our work, our family and social lives, and our physical and mental fitness—without a clear view of what comes next or for how long we will be impacted. e same is true of the Washington Athletic Club. I would like to thank President & CEO Chuck Nelson and his fabulous executive team for quickly pivoting to marshal our resources and prepare for the future. e team has been working overtime at reduced salaries to prepare for the various stages of opening, to make sure health precautions are in place, and to develop a revised business model that addresses the significant changes likely to affect the Club for the foreseeable future. e WAC was forced to close temporarily in mid-March due to health mandates. As I write this letter at the end of July, we have reopened on a limited basis. I am proud to say that Club leaders worked diligently to help employees access government benefits and helped create, with generous member donations, the Team Member Relief Fund. One thing we know about this pandemic is that it, too, shall pass. We are all anxious to get back to our treasured Club— to exercise, socialize, conduct business, and build fellowship. ank you to the loyal members who have stuck with us during this time of turmoil. We could not go forward without you! Finally, my thanks go to outgoing Chairwoman Rose Mitchell. Rose is a strong leader and an inspiring example of a WAC member who embraces so many aspects of the Club. ank you! And now, to the year ahead, full of challenge and opportunity! Gregg Blodgett Chairman of the Board of Governors gblodgett@wac.net