Don Mayer
Statement of Candidacy
August 10, 2024
My name is Don Mayer, and I’m declaring my candidacy for the OCWS Board.
While I am not a long tenured member of the OCWS, I believe I have the experience and background to contribute and add value to the organization.
I am an active member who has participated and enjoyed helping across many activities from the first time I joined in 2022. This includes Varietal Hours, the Wine Auction, Fall & Spring Mixers, Winter Dinner Dance, Commercial Competition (including bagging, stewarding and sorting), the Home Wine Competition, Mini Tastings, and the Winery Programs. Additionally, I have participated as a member of the Volunteer Recognition Committee and Hosted the Wine Defect Workshop after proposing, designing, and organizing the event.
Professionally, I am an experienced Manager who has worked for Manufacturing Companies in Supply Chain / Operations and Sales roles throughout my career. My skill set is all about working safely, getting it done, meeting deadlines, and operating within budgets in order to satisfy customers and their expectations. I’m a creative problem solver who recognizes that more gets accomplished by working together collaboratively and as teams.
My prior experience as a volunteer was with JUSA Soccer where I coached a boys soccer team, across various age groups for 6 years. Additionally, I supported this organization by becoming a Certified Referee during this same period.
I have been impressed with the OCWS Leadership Team structure and Governance Model from my first interactions. Learning how the organization works with the Executive Sponsors, Committee Chairs, and Volunteers has been very interesting and I’m amazed how each of these complex events are planned and executed without issues.
My interest in a Board Position is to help maintain the legacy of the OCWS while offering my time, energy, and skill set to contribute as the organization grows and evolves into the future. Respectfully,
Don Mayer
Fran Gitsham
Statement of Candidacy
August 14, 2024
My name is Fran Gitsham, and I am excited to announce my candidacy for a position on the Orange County Wine Society Board of Directors. I am looking forward to working harmoniously and cohesively with other board members and volunteers to continue to make the OCWS the absolute best it can be.
For those of you who know me, you know I love the OCWS! For those of you who do not know me, I have been a member and active volunteer for 24 years. Since retiring from business thirteen years ago, I have had the privilege of serving on the board for three terms, during which time I served in the positions of secretary, treasurer, vice president and president. I have always tried to learn as much about the organization as I can to be the best and most informed volunteer possible. I have been a member of various committees throughout the years including chairing the organization’s major annual fundraiser, the Courtyard at the OC Fair, liaison to the OC Fair and Event Center and have, most recently, been chairing the OC Fair Commercial Wine Competition committee for the past three years.
I have the passion, and believe I have the capability to remain on the board for a final three-year term to help lead the OCWS. I am very enthusiastic and try to give my all to every task I undertake.
In looking towards the future, the OCWS will shortly be led by a new generation of members, and I am hopeful you will afford me the opportunity to continue to mentor the next generation of leaders for the next three years.
Thank you for your consideration.
Fran Gitsham
CL Keedy III
Statement of Candidacy
August 19, 2024
Declaration of Candidacy and Statement of Qualifications
I am CL Keedy, and I respectfully declare my candidacy for membership on the Orange Country Wine Society Board of Directors.
I am a retired Financial Advisor with an MBA in Finance from USC.
I have extensive experience as a member and in leadership of non-profit organizations and Boards of Directors.
- I have been an active member for over 50 years of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, a volunteer organization with over 900 active volunteers that stage the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. During that time, I have chaired 7 committees, served on the Board of Directors as a Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Vice President, and President for the 2008 Rose Parade. As a Past President I am currently a Life Director of the Board.
- I am a member of Solheim Senior Community’s non-resident volunteer Board of Directors. During my 7 years on the Board, I have served a 2-year term as Treasurer and a 2-year term as President. I have been a member of the Executive Committee and chaired the Finance and Future Planning committees.
- Previously I served on the local Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors which included a term as President.
Since my retirement in 2019 I have rekindled my passion for wine. A passion that is more than the enjoyment of a glass of wine with a meal, or a visit to a winery tasting room. It is a passion to become educated and more knowledgeable about wine. To explore all aspects of wine. To this end, I have successfully completed several online wine education courses.
- Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators
- WSET Level 2 from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust
- Italian Wine Scholar from the Wine Scholar Guild
- Currently finishing the 3rd year of a 3-year Certified Wine Judge Program from the American Wine Society
I have been an active member of OCWS for three years, volunteering for and participating in many of the events supporting the Society’s purpose to promote the knowledge and understanding of wine. My participation has included:
- The Commercial Wine Competition – Stewarding, Bagging, Moving Wine to Hotel, Hotel Set up
- Orange County Fair / Wine Courtyard – Server and Steward
- Home Wine Competition – Steward and Wine Judge
- Wine Education Committee – member and author of Wine Wisdom columns
- Varietal Hour – regular attendee and host of several
- Winery Program – attendee
- Monthly Wine Photo Contest – 2-time winner
I would consider it a privilege to contribute to the ongoing success of the Orange County Wine Society by becoming a member of the Board of Directors. I feel that I can make a valuable contribution to the Board as a result of my volunteer and Board experiences. I also feel that the value of my contribution is furthered by my enthusiasm to ensure the success of OCWS’ objective and purpose of student scholarships and the promotion of wine knowledge, appreciation and understanding. I greatly appreciate your consideration of my qualifications and abilities, and your vote for my effort to become a member of the OCWS Board. Thank you.
CL Keedy
Daniel Vlahovic
Statement of Candidacy
August 22, 2024
Declaration of Candidacy and Statement of Qualifications
My name is Daniel Vlahovic, and I am excited to declare my candidacy for the Orange County Wine Society Board of Directors.
Prior to my retirement last year, I worked 35 years for a large financial institution and retired as a VP in operations. My field of experience involved financial and construction lending administration.
I joined the Orange County Wine Society in 2018 and during this time I have become an active volunteer, logging in more than 100 hours this year, which includes over 25 wine courtyard shifts at this year’s fair, stewarding duties at our Home Wine Competition, and assisting at the wine sorting event. I was appointed to this year’s Auction Committee, where, in addition to all the preparation work needed to organize and set up the auction, I was asked to co-lead the Verification team, ensuring our members’ wine purchases were accurately verified and delivered to the correct bidders.
Additionally, I am currently a volunteer at the Irvine Animal Care Center. In the past 12 months, I have logged in over 200 volunteer hours working with cats. In my role, I assist the center’s staff, as needed, and with feeding, behavior enrichment, and fostering.
I am excited to provide my personal skills, time and effort, working with the board to improve our organization. One of my goals is to help explore ways the organization can grow and retain its membership base. I look forward to assisting with organizing the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration in sharing our recognition with those members who contributed to our past success and our current members, the proud participants of great things to come.
It is my passion to serve the organization and its members. I appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for your consideration in casting your vote for me to this year’s board of directors.
Daniel Vlahovic