The Joy of Serving as President of a Ski Club

A four-term club president shares his experiences

By Jonathan Houck

As the 2009/10 season winds down, ski clubs everywhere are preparing the annual ritual known as "election of officers'. Some hapless committee is formed to solicit volunteers to run for President and other offices, and do so (in our club) because those on the Nominating Committee are immune from being selected.

However, this may be a golden opportunity to serve your fellow Club Members while enriching your experience as well. When I agreed to serve as the President of our Club, I entered the experience literally shaking in my boots. The Club has been in existence since 1946, and I did not want to do anything to mess up what has been a great experience for literally thousands of Members. In addition, I did not know if the time commitment was something that I could afford. I couldn't have been more wrong, and found that I got far more out of serving as our President than I ever gave. So, let me take this space to impart a few thoughts to those who have not yet served their fellow club members as an officer.

Every Club is different, of course. but there are several keys to being an officer, and particularly to serving as President:

1) Don't let it go to your head. As you bask in the glow of recognition of your executive ability, keep in mind that you may have been the only one to step up. While you prepare to serve your Club, remember that you are simply a temp who has agreed to carry on the traditions of your Club. You will have to make decisions that may not be popular with everyone, but consult, gather information, solicit advice from as many people as possible, and include your Board and Membership.

2) Ask for help - constantly - and if it is not forthcoming, demand help from as many members as possible. Our Club is very fortunate to have a relatively large core of 'doers', many of whom have far more experience with our numerous events than I had. If you do not have such a core, draft as many helpers as possible. By doing so, you will expand that active base, which could be your most important contribution of all. Do not allow yourself to be burnt out by being a one-person show.

3) Know when it is time to leave. In the four years that I served as President, I had some of the best times since being in the Club. Each year got a little easier, and there was a temptation to stay on. However, a healthy ski club, just like any organization, needs fresh people and fresh ideas from time to time. While I held the position, the biggest advantage that I had was the ready advice of several past Presidents who served as sounding boards for issues. Having many Members cycle through the officer and committee-head positions builds that important core, lets everyone get to know each other better, and allows 'cross-training' in the various leadership functions.

4) Help the development of possible successors. They will surface if you let them. Share the knowledge that you have accumulated, and - when they do succeed you - be a source of advice and guidance when asked, and a firm supporter when they make decisions (even those you might not have made in the same way).

5) The most important of all - HAVE FUN!! The reasons that people join ski clubs are varied - in our club, we offer year round activities - biking, hiking, kayaking, social events, etc. However, the constant in most Clubs is to maximize the skiing experience. As President, focus on minimizing the administrative needs of the Club, so that the face that is shown to members (and prospective members) is one of a positive, high value, and enjoyable experience.

Keep these points in mind, and know that being at the leadership point of any organization (especially a voluntary one) does not have to resemble running a rodeo for cats. If you haven't considered being involved as an officer of your club, give it a second thought. You may find it (as I did) one of the best experiences that you have ever had.

Jonathan Houck is the only president in the 64-year history of Mt. Laurel Skiers to serve four terms.