Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1528788
FALL / WINTER 2024 11 first take new vp / jubilee prizes If you know longtime WAC manager and leader Kamil Turczanski, you know he loves to talk about leadership. Who does it well? How can we learn from them? What inspires a team? "Realizing you might not be the smartest person in the room is one of the most important parts of leadership, to me," Kamil says. "Learning from others helps you arrive at conclusions that are perhaps better than ones you would find on your own." It's this collaborative attitude that's helped Kamil get to where he is today as WAC Vice President of Hospitality, a position he accepted this past summer. His tenure at the Club began in 2006 as the front office manager of the Inn at the WAC. Since then, he earned his executive leadership MBA from Seattle University and has held the positions of Inn Front Office Manager and Director of Hotel Operations. He also took a brief hiatus from the WAC in 2013–2014 to explore other opportunities. What he found was that his true calling was right back where he started. "So many things are possible at the WAC—as an institution it's much more than a hotel," Kamil says. "It felt good to return." In his new role, Kamil oversees WAC restaurants, catering, and the Inn at the WAC. "Kamil has grown into a won- derful leader and contributor," WAC President & CEO Chuck Nelson says. "His business expertise and leadership of the Inn will translate well into oversight of the Club's Food & Beverage group." As General Manager of the Inn, Kam- il successfully headed the Club's largest revenue-generator outside of member- ship dues. His background and leader- ship skills will help bring a new approach and sustainable business structure to the Food & Beverage department. "It's very intriguing and motivating for me to take on and build our culinary program," Kamil says. Kamil moved to the United States from Poland in 2000 and became a U.S. citizen in 2006. He remembers the day he received the good news—he was working at the WAC. When former CEO Jim Johnson heard, he invited Kamil to take a photo together in front of the American flag. "For an immigrant, that was a huge deal," says Kamil. "I came from some- where with little opportunity, and then I was standing in the CEO's office as a citi- zen. I'll always remember that moment." Although Kamil is now in the C-suite, he doesn't hesitate to help wherever he's needed. Just weeks aer being named vice president, he returned to the Inn front desk, where he covered a weekend shi answering phones and sorting guest check-ins. "I'm not afraid to do that work," he says. When he's not at the WAC, Kamil, who has been married to wife Laura for 20 years, likes to read nonfiction and philosophy, take cold plunges, weight- li, and sneak in sauna sessions. He even occasionally lets his imagination run free when playing Dungeons & Dragons with his three boys, ages 6, 9, and 11. "I like to hold on to Earth, and I don't go into fantasy too much," he says. "But it's a good exercise in thinking four steps ahead!" Congratulations, Kamil Turczanski! Longtime WAC leader steps into role as Vice President of Hospitality E M I L I O H U E R TA S A $10,000 trip to Switzerland could be yours when you buy chances to win Jubilee 94 prizes. Enter to win one of the three prize packages through Friday, December 6, at noon. Second-place prize takes you on a Whistler getaway valued at $5,000, and third place offers a $1,000 escape to Crystal Mountain. Chances are on sale in the WAC lob- by and on the WAC app. Price: $5 each, $30 for a half board (26 chances), and $50 for a full board (52 chances). There is no limit to the number of chances you may buy. This year's winners will be announced at Jubilee 94. Winners need not be present to win, and Jubilee tickets are not required to buy chances. Only WAC members are eligible to enter. Learn more on page 39. Jubilee chances on sale now!