Why would you like to join the SYHA Board? I would like to join the SYHA Board to support and enhance opportunity for all players. My husband and I have always been invested in supporting SYHA in any capacity we could. At this point, I would like to build off my prior service and apply the knowledge and experience I've gained as a member since we joined in 2016. I am excited to support and maintain the strength of our organization and am looking forward to growing membership and increasing retention.

I am personally and professionally compelled to invest in my communities and feel this is a way I can contribute considering this organization has made a profoundly positive impact on my family.

What specific skills/talents/experience would you bring to the SYHA Board? (Include relevant professional experience, i.e. Finance, Heathcare, Marketing, Sales, Event Planning, etc.)  My professional and volunteer experience would be an asset to the SYHA Board. I am a Clinical Social Worker by education and have been a social worker in primarily health care settings since 2004. Since 2010, I have been a psychotherapist in the community and am currently an Associate Professor and Department Chair of the Social Work Department at St. Cloud State University. I have been a business owner in the community since 2014 providing psychotherapy therapy and consulting services to individuals and community organizations.

My previous leadership positions have taught me to be an avid listener, a strategic thinker and to make logically informed decisions, thoughtfully. Additionally, I have strong time management and organizational skills. I have also had to develop financial skills, developing, managing and evaluating budgets.

Please describe your past experience (volunteer, manager, coach, etc.) within SYHA or other community organizations: We joined the organization in 2016 and have been involved ever since, serving in various capacities leading committees and supporting special projects. I gained fundraising experience by leading the Hairball Committee and this last year my husband and I took over the Tryout Committee. I have served as a team manager for two seasons. Additionally, I have been a youth soccer coach for five years and feel I am uniquely positioned with not only my expertise in social and emotional health and development but progressive skill development also.

Ultimately, my experience as a parent of three current association players at different levels across SYHA and the Riverblades Co-op is my most valuable asset. I am personally and professionally trained to make decisions in the best interest of all our players and am committed to maintaining the strength of the SYHA.

Why would you like to join the SYHA Board? I would like to extend my time on the SYHA board for another term to continue building on the impact made as Treasurer over the past three years. I have spent countless hours analyzing and tracking financials to better understand the cost of hockey for players and families, and provide detailed information to the board to understand the financial impact of decisions made for growth of the association.

What specific skills/talents/experience would you bring to the SYHA Board? (Include relevant professional experience, i.e. Finance, Heathcare, Marketing, Sales, Event Planning, etc.) I bring a financial analysis background with accounting knowledge to the association. This background has shown a positive impact over the past few years as we have been able to better understand how to utilize gambling donations, stress test the budget, and seek opportunities to maximize on cash reserves through the establishment of interest bearing bank accounts.

Please describe your past experience (volunteer, manager, coach, etc.) within SYHA or other community organizations: In addition to serving as Treasurer on the board, I have been active with the Tournament Committee, annual sponsor drive, and improving the way we use SportsEngine for registrations and financial collections. I have also served as Treasurer for the Riverblades program.

On the Tournament Committee, I was part of successfully bringing tournaments back to SYHA, including two annual hosted tournaments and two MN Region Tournaments which have showcased SYHA and SCHEELS Athletic Complex. I am excited to continue to expand these to add more and hopefully see a State tournament in Sartell.

Why would you like to join the SYHA Board? To be able to contribute to the community, support the development of young athletes, and ensure that the organization runs smoothly and effectively. To advocate for the younger generation of SYHA/Riverblades skaters & their families.

What specific skills/talents/experience would you bring to the SYHA Board? (Include relevant professional experience, i.e. Finance, Heathcare, Marketing, Sales, Event Planning, etc.) Communication is something I pride myself in. I am not afraid to ask difficult questions or voice concerns from the SYHA community. As a military spouse, I served on our Navy Officer’s Spouse’s Board. My roles included organizing and overseeing sub committees, as well as an integral part in our fundraising program. I have also planned a wedding.

Please describe your past experience (volunteer, manager, coach, etc.) within SYHA or other community organizations: In the 23-24 SYHA hockey season, I enjoyed my first year as team manager for the Squirt C team. My goal in this role as to make sure this team had the most fun and an overall positive experience. Prior to the start of the season I assisted in ensuring tryouts ran smoothly and remained organized. I throughly enjoyed being on the bench calling line numbers for the Peewee & Bantam tryouts & learned a new appreciation for our volunteer coaches. Since joining the SYHA family in 2019, I have volunteered my time at our respective meat raffles.

Why would you like to join the SYHA Board? I want to join the SHYA board because I want to help make Sartell Hockey a competitive program, make hockey more accessible, and keep youth hockey fun.

What specific skills/talents/experience would you bring to the SYHA Board? (Include relevant professional experience, i.e. Finance, Heathcare, Marketing, Sales, Event Planning, etc.) I work in Finance and excel as a communicator. I have experience on boards as I currently serve as Treasurer for the St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority.

Please describe your past experience (volunteer, manager, coach, etc.) within SYHA or other community organizations: Tournament volunteer, devoted hockey Dad supporting my wife so she can coach at the 6U Mite level.

Why would you like to join the SYHA Board? I would like to join the SYHA Board as I feel I come with a broad range of life experiences, a fresh mind set and an excitement to be part of an association that has been such a large part of our lives since our first son started hockey. We have had great experiences through the hockey association and I would love to be a part of continuing to provide great experiences as well as and be a part of the decision making process to make the association even better. Through my own personal experiences, I have demonstrated great strengths in being able to work as a team as well as independently which I feel would be another great asset to the organization. SYHA has a strong foundation and association and I feel that I would be a versatile asset to the organization.

What specific skills/talents/experience would you bring to the SYHA Board? (Include relevant professional experience, i.e. Finance, Heathcare, Marketing, Sales, Event Planning, etc.) I feel that I would bring a variety of different skills to the board as I have worked in finance for several years as well as continue to do the finances for our church. In addition, I work in the healthcare industry as a nurse where I am continuously teaching and sharing my knowledge with patients, parents and staff. I also have experience in large event planning as I assist in coordination of several large events through our church.

Please describe your past experience (volunteer, manager, coach, etc.) within SYHA or other community organizations: I have previously been the team manager for my son's team and have also volunteered with the local March of Dimes, Kids Fighting Hunger and Place of Hope.

Why would you like to join the SYHA Board? I want to be able to give back to my community. We truly are a hockey community here in Sartell and I want to help ensure that we keep growing the game we all love.

What specific skills/talents/experience would you bring to the SYHA Board? (Include relevant professional experience, i.e. Finance, Heathcare, Marketing, Sales, Event Planning, etc.) My role as the Project Controls Manager allows me to help make difficult decisions to help benefit employees and the company. Often times I am not just looking at 1 particular job, but the majority of the jobs we have in progress. If I am elected, I will not be looking at just 1 player or age group, but the entirety of the organization and what is best for all. 

Please describe your past experience (volunteer, manager, coach, etc.) within SYHA or other community organizations: I've been coaching Sartell Youth Hockey for the past 7 seasons (Mites, Squirts, and PeeWee's)

The SYHA Board of Directors is made up of nine volunteer members who are appointed by the membership to share the workload of operating the hockey organization. Our association is entirely run by volunteers and is wholly owned by the members of the association.

Board Members play an essential role in making key business, funding and operating decisions, ensuring the health of our organization. These positions require minimal hockey knowledge, instead adding value with experience in business, finance, marketing, fundraising, etc. The Board appoints members with hockey-specific expertise and credentials to the Hockey Operations Committee to lead the hockey strategy for the organization.

We are seeking individuals interested in running for one of three open positions at our membership meeting next month. Board terms are three years in length, with three terms expiring annually in April.

All members are invited to attend the meeting for membership updates and to vote in the election. Member is a defined as a current legal guardian of a SYHA registered player and/or SYHA coaches

Board FAQ’s

How do I become a Board Member?

Interested member candidates should email SartellHockey@gmail.com by April 1st to the Membership Meeting on the 2nd Monday in April to have their name added to the ballot. At the meeting, candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and share their reasons for wanting to join the board. Please highlight any experience you think will add value to the organization. Board Applicants MUST have a USA Hockey Volunteer/Coach number, cleared background check, and completed Safesport to be added to the ballot. 

Members of the association will elect three members to the Board by majority vote via written ballots. Members must be in good standing and in attendance to vote.    

Duties of a Board Member:

Board Members are responsible for the operational and financial well-being of SYHA. This entails doing general duties throughout the association on weekends or weeknights. Responsibilities include:

•  Attendance at monthly Membership Meetings, as well as Committee Meetings and other special meetings required to handle the business of SYHA.
• Attention to general SYHA business, fiscal responsibility.
• Overseeing a minimum of one association committee, including recruiting committee members.
• Serving as a SYHA ambassador at events and functions.
• Be available and responsive to handle association business via email and phone in a timely manner.

Is being a Board Member for me?

Before deciding to run for a Board position, consider if you’re able commit the time needed for the role. You will make decisions for all the kids in our association. Expect to spend a minimum of 20+ hours per month during the planning months of May-September, with hours ranging from 10-20 per month during the season. 

Much of the work needed is done during your own time and can be flexible to your schedule. You can choose Committees to oversee/assist with that fit your area of expertise or interest, adding value with fresh ideas and opportunities for the association. The workload is shared not only by nine Board Members, but also our member volunteers through SYHA committees and key association roles (recruit your fellow hockey friends!).

Being a Board Member is a rewarding way to give back to your community, earn DIBS and make an impact in your own hockey community. The association has never been stronger, and NOW is a fantastic time to get involved!

Can’t commit to being a Board Member?

SYHA is always looking for help with specific jobs that require one or more people to take complete ownership of in order to maintain the association. There are various Volunteer Positions available, with varying time commitments, including: Volunteer Coordinator, Recruiting/Retention, Level Coordinator, Apparel, Fundraising/Sponsorship, Marketing, Website/Social Media, Family Mentor, Equipment, and Tournament Coordinator.