| 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 |