Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1387973
JULY / AUGUST 2021 9 Aer 18 years as WAC Chief Financial Officer, Paul Lowber is retiring. Paul joined the WAC as a member in 1997 primarily for the Club's basketball league. "e WAC's program is by far the best in the area," he says. "It's the reason I wanted to belong to the Club." Little did he know that six years later— and one floor above the WAC basketball court—he would take over as CFO. "e WAC was my dream job," Paul says. "e prospect of serving members fit me to a T." Paul began as CFO in 2003. With his guidance, the WAC navi- gated some of Seattle's biggest economic swings, including the Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic. "With the city coming back to life, now is a great time for new financial leadership to sustain the Club," he says. For the future, Paul looks forward to first take a wac retirement / summer olympics e WAC is no stranger to the sporting spirit of the Olympics, serving as home base for many medalists through the years. In anticipation of this summer's Tokyo Games, set for July 23– August 8, we caught up with two of our most recent Olympi- ans. Rowers Hans Struzyna and Ursula Grobler both competed in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Hans Struzyna University of Washington alum Hans Struzyna entered the Olympic stage as a member of the U.S. men's eight crew. Aer placing fourth in the finals, Hans needed a break. When the time came to begin training again, he no longer felt the pull. Instead, he's living other parts of his life in a big way. He married his long-time girlfriend and has a successful real estate career in the Bay Area. "I definitely feel nostalgic when the Games come around," Hans says. "But the richness of my relationships and the rewards of my career provide so much happiness." Look him up at hansstruzyna.com. B A R B A R A R I E S ( L ) ; C O U R T E S Y P H O T O ( R ) getting back to the old days of all play. Basketball is here to stay—he hasn't stopped hooping—but instead of going up to his office aerward, he'll enjoy the Club as member-only again. "Paul's tremendous stewardship of the Club and leadership served us well," President & CEO Chuck Nelson says. "His calm integrity and commitment to the mission are clear, and his love for the WAC is evident." Paul and wife Linda plan to spend winters in the desert heat of Henderson, Nevada. Golf, attending Grand Slam tennis tournaments, volunteering, and European travel are also on the dock- et. Paul is especially excited for more grandparent time with his first grand- son, Ethan. "It was very rewarding to work in the WAC's family atmosphere, and I'll miss Olympic connections Two WAC Olympians reflect on their experience By Mae Jacobson, Associate Editor Ursula Grobler Ursula Grobler competed in lightweight double sculls for South Africa. "ere was so much determination and hope all in one place," she says. When she didn't medal, it was tough. Despite deep disappointment, she healed in the most Olym- pian way possible. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. "It was something I had always dreamed of doing, and the sunsets [on the mountain] were the best in Africa," she says. Ursula has since moved back to South Africa and gave birth to her first child earlier this year. Read more about past WAC Olympians: wac.net/olympic-tradition that," Paul says. "I had a fantastic run these last 18 years. I feel quite blessed and grateful." Paul Lowber retiring Longtime CFO ends successful WAC career u Hans Struzyna and Ursula Grobler, two former WAC Olympians. N I C O L E P A S I A