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Jeffrey Burcher
Biography/Candidate Statement
Intrepid, charismatic and innovative professional, renowned for consistently meeting or exceeding client’s specifications in a variety of mediums and markets. Collaborative and empowering leader, initiates commitment and steers toward the end goal. Attentive listener, tactful and diplomatic communicator. A parent of a current rower (Shanelle Burcher) committed to the sport of rowing and its development for a strong inclusive club community and environment. I would like to pay it forward in appreciation of the opportunity this club has afforded my daughter. Having recently signed a D1 Scholarship with The University of Connecticut Starting fall 2026. Being involved in International Yacht Racing (Not Rowing) myself for 40 plus years, having the opportunity to race with many Olympic Medalists, I have firsthand knowledge of what it takes to be an Athlete at this level. Knowing what it takes for commitment, planning, training, fundraising, & logistics for major regattas. It takes a team of well-organized individuals and volunteers. My own racing career having won numerous regattas, and a team member for 5 Canada's Cup International Yacht Racing Victories. has taught me the importance of teamwork, team building and an organized team of crew members and volunteers. If elected, I would focus on: Providing strategic direction to SCRC, ensuring long term growth to accomplish the visions & goals of the club. I bring experience in Leadership, Planning, Finance, Governance, Fundraising, Project Management, Event Organization and Team Building. Supporting the long-term planning, which could include the review revision and updates to policies, procedures, and promoting transparency & effective communication building. Supporting the growth and well being of athletes and all club members so they get the most out of the club and can focus on their own growth and excel in the sport of rowing. I would like the opportunity to contribute my skills, experience, enthusiasm to the club's strategic direction and planning and continued long term growth. Jeffrey Burcher |
Brent Carpenter
Biography/Candidate Statement
I am honored to submit my name for nomination to the St. Catharines Rowing Club Board of Directors. For over 30 years, the club has been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my personal and professional growth. Beginning as a junior rower in 1995, I progressed through collegiate rowing and represented the club at provincial, national, and international levels—experiences that instilled teamwork, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. More recently I have returned to compete as a Masters athlete. Professionally, I bring over two decades of leadership in facilities engineering and capital project management, currently with the City of St. Catharines. My expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and sustainability aligns with the club’s long-term vision. I aim to leverage this experience to strengthen governance, enhance programs, and foster community engagement. As my children begin their own rowing journeys, I am passionate about ensuring the club thrives for future generations. Our family’s connection to the club spans multiple generations, and I believe this perspective, combined with my long-standing involvement, will allow me to contribute meaningfully to its mission and community. Driven by passion and committed to progress, I look forward to helping maintain the strong tradition of excellence that makes St. Catharines Rowing Club such a special place. Together, we can Forge Ahead. Brent Carpenter |
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Dave Derry
Biography/Candidate Statement
I’ve been privileged to be a director on the SCRC board since 2019 and the club’s president since 2023. I am asking for your support to be re-elected to the board for a three-year term and the board’s support to be president for 2026, then in 2027 step down as president to fill the role of Immediate Past President and act as a mentor. As a director, I was instrumental in creating the club’s current By-Law in 2022; its first new governance document since 1994. As president, the club has hired a Head Coach, a Junior Lead Coach and accessed the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre. Relationships with our Island partners, RCA and Row Ontario are sound. The latter two are kept aware that they are accountable to their members, just as the SCRC is accountable to its members. I’ve rowed, coached high school, university and club; helped the sport grow at RowOn and RCA. Witnessed rowers attaining their goals when umpiring at World Championships, Olympic Games and World Masters. The board recently spent many hours developing a plan for 2026 and beyond. It’s now time to work the plan. I would appreciate your support to help the club Forge Ahead. Dave Derry |
Jeffrey Hamm
Biography/Candidate Statement
I have been actively involved in rowing in St. Catharines for nine years as a parent, volunteer (including Safety Boats), supporter, and fan. Both of my children have competed competitively with SCRC, and I have played a key role in the fundraising success at Denis Morris. Professionally, I hold a leadership role managing a multi-trade team to deliver reliable and efficient maintenance programs. I am a Red Seal electrician with skills in various trades. I am honest, dedicated, and committed to supporting the club’s vision and goals. Over the years, I have witnessed the incredible dedication of volunteers who help athletes achieve success. Their commitment has inspired me, and I believe it is now my time to give back and play an active role in shaping the future of this community. I offer leadership skills, a collaborative mindset, and a deep commitment to integrity. My goal is to foster a safe, inclusive environment that aligns with the club’s mission. I am passionate about supporting athletes and ensuring they have the resources and encouragement needed to succeed. I would be proud to serve and contribute to the continued growth and success of this organization. Jeffrey Hamm |
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Louise Hastings
Biography/Candidate Statement
I am submitting my name for re-election to the St. Catharines Rowing Club Board of Directors, 2026-2028. I am honoured to have been a member of the Board since 2007 and have served as VP Special Projects, VP Fundraising and as a member of the Club’s Governance and By-Law Committee. I have led key initiatives including Tag Day, the Captain’s Dinner, the Annual Boat Christening and the Mother’s Day plant sale. I initiated the sponsorship program which now raises over $15,000.00 annually in ongoing financial support. I have also written a number of grant applications that successfully secured funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Row Ontario, Rowing Canada’s CSAI program and Participaction. I am a Level 3 Rowing Canada Aviron umpire and have served as the Chief Umpire for St. Catharines’ Early Bird and Mothers’ Day Regattas. Based on the planning session the board held by the Board in November, I am enthusiastic about the Club’s future and the opportunities for growth. I believe my background and experience puts me in a strong position to mentor and assist new Board members as they assume leadership roles and as the club moves forward. I respectfully ask for your vote. Louise Hastings |
Lindsay Hueston (nee Sferrazza)
Biography/Candidate Statement
I have been involved in the sport of rowing for over two decades, with deep roots at the St. Catharines Rowing Club as both an athlete and a coach. I have rowed and coached at the high school and club levels and, more recently, have been actively involved in both the Masters and Senior Competitive programs. This gives me a strong understanding of the different needs, priorities, and challenges across all levels of participation at the club. I have also competed internationally, which has shaped my perspective on athlete development, performance, and long-term engagement in the sport. I am seeking a position on the Board of Directors because I see significant opportunity to support the club as it continues to grow, particularly in the areas of communication, organization, and equity across programs. Over the past year, I have contributed to the club’s newsletter, social media, and media efforts around the Captain’s Dinner, and I believe these initiatives have been well received while still offering room for improvement. I bring experience as both a strategic thinker and a doer. Having previously served on the Board of Directors for the St. Catharines Cycling Club—where I helped grow women’s participation through inclusive initiatives—I am eager to contribute thoughtful ideas, help initiate action, and support meaningful conversations that strengthen our rowing community. Lindsay Hueston |
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Jacob Thomas
Biography/Candidate Statement
Jacob is an economist by training with experience in finance and public policy from Queen’s Park to Bay Street to Main Street. His expertise has supported senior leaders in making informed decisions backed by data. In the rowing world, Jacob competed with the varsity men’s team at Brock and U23/Sr programs at SCRC from 2014-2017. He has won OUA Championships and a Henley gold and was named SCRC Sr. A Oarsman of the year in 2016. He also co-coached the U23 and Sr. Men’s programs at SCRC in 2022 and 2023 (14 Henley wins). Since stepping back from coaching to start a family, Jacob continues supporting local rowing as a marshal and safety boat driver at regattas. Jacob has Board experience in the non-profit sector (Community Addiction Services of Niagara, 2022-2024), where he supported fiscal oversight and Budget preparations. He hopes to align his experience and skills with his passion for rowing to advancing the sport in St. Catharines. Jacob Thomas MaryBeth Wist
Biography/Candidate Statement
I am pleased to submit this statement outlining my interest in serving as a Director and the experience I would bring to the Board. With more than twenty-five years of experience in banking, healthcare, and higher education, I bring a strong operational and governance-focused skill set that would support the effective leadership of the Club. In my current role as Administrative Manager in the Office of the President at Brock University, I plan, organize and coordinate work related to strategic planning, governance processes, policy development, and institutional priorities. This work requires sound judgement, clear communication, and the ability to synthesize complex information to support informed and accountable decision-making. Earlier roles in healthcare and banking further strengthened my experience in team leadership, process improvement, and managing service-driven operations. My interest in Board service is rooted in a long-standing connection to SCRC. I rowed here as a teenager, and the Club played a formative role in developing my confidence, discipline, and appreciation for teamwork. As a parent, I have experienced the Club again through my daughter Olivia, whose athletic development reflects the exceptional coaching and culture at SCRC. I have also remained engaged in the sport through high school coaching and by maintaining my boating licence, strengthening my understanding of on-water safety and daily operations. I believe my professional background and deep personal ties to SCRC would allow me to contribute meaningfully to the Club’s continued success. Thank you for your consideration, MaryBeth Wist |
Dave White
Biography/Candidate Statement
As a longtime supporter of SCRC, umpire and having been involved in the rowing community in all aspects from scholastic and masters to recreational for over 20 years I believe I can provide a unique viewpoint as a member of the board. Fresh viewpoints and perspectives are as critical in sport as they are in business and sometime the “that’s how we have always done it “ just doesn’t fit as clubs, athletes and the sport itself evolve. I believe the board needs to foster and improve dialogue with parents, athletes and the community if they wish to improve their volunteer base. The board should as well develop new avenues for fundraising. These streams can only come with being open and offering local business a reason to support. The success of the SCRC ultimately comes down to the decisions that the directors make, they need to be inclusive and made with the heart of SCRC in mind! David White |
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ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS
ST. CATHARINES ROWING CLUB Thursday, January 29, 2026, 7:00 p.m. Alumni Hall, Henley Island | ||||||
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Annual Meeting Agenda (Draft)
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1. Call to Order
2. Recognition of Traditional Indigenous Territories 3. Registration of Proxies 4. Filing of Notice of Annual Meeting 5. Quorum 6. Approval of Agenda 7. Approval of Minutes of Previous Annual Meeting 8. Business Arising from Minutes of Previous Annual Meeting 9. Reports |
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9.1 President
9.2 Vice President Rowing 9.3 Vice President Membership 9.4 Vice President Fundraising 9.5 Vice President Special Projects 9.6 Club Captain 9.7 Vice President Finance 9.8 Treasurer |
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10. Constitutional Items
11. Approval of Actions of the Board for 2025 12. Approval of the Membership Fees for 2026 13. Nominating Committee Report 14. 2026 Board of Directors 15. Appointment of Auditors 16. New Business & Announcements 17. Adjournment |
| SCRC Annual Meeting Proxy Form | |
| File Size: | 72 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2025 Annual Meeting President Report | |
| File Size: | 234 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2025 Annual Meeting VP Finance Report | |
| File Size: | 223 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2025 Annual Meeting VP Rowing Report | |
| File Size: | 240 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2025 Annual Meeting VP Special Events Report | |
| File Size: | 228 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2025 Annual Meeting VP Fundraising Report | |
| File Size: | 255 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2025 Annual Meeting VP Membership Report | |
| File Size: | 223 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Director | Role |
|---|---|
| Chris Blackwood | Director, Secretary |
| Dave Derry | Director, President |
| Brian Fisher | Director, VP Finance |
| Louise Hastings | Director, VP Fundraising |
| Kate Hingston | Director, VP Special Projects |
| Janet Lancaster | Director, VP Rowing |
| Brian Thorne | Director, VP Membership |
| Andrew Carr | Director |
| Michele Fisher | Director |
| Travis King | Director |
| Stephanie Mowder | Director |
| Christina Phillips | Director |
| Marianne Romak | Director |
| Heather Talbot | Director |
| David Winslade | Director |
| Karl Bowley | Co-Treasurer: Rosetti & Bowley Chartered Accountants |
| Wendy Wiebe | Co-Treasurer |
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| SCRC 2024 AGM Presidents Report | |
| File Size: | 266 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2024 AGM VP Finance Report | |
| File Size: | 223 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2024 AGM VP Rowing Report | |
| File Size: | 228 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2024 AGM VP Special Projects Report | |
| File Size: | 223 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2024 AGM VP Fundraising Report | |
| File Size: | 248 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2024 AGM VP Membership Report | |
| File Size: | 237 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2024 AGM Club Captain's Report | |
| File Size: | 231 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC Annual Meeting Minutes (2024 Draft) | |
| File Size: | 275 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Director | Role | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Blackwood | Director, Secretary | ||
| Dave Derry | Director, President | ||
| Brian Fisher | Director, VP Finance | ||
| Louise Hastings | Director, VP Fundraising | ||
| Kate Hingston | Director, VP Special Projects | ||
| Michelle Kerr | Director, Past President | ||
| Janet Lancaster | Director, VP Rowing | ||
| Brian Thorne | Director, VP Membership | ||
| Sam Baio | Director | ||
| Andrew Carr | Director | ||
| Michele Fisher | Director | ||
| Travis King | Director | ||
| Stephanie Mowder | Director | ||
| Marianne Romak | Director | ||
| David Winslade | Director | ||
| Karl Bowley | Co-Treasurer: Rosetti & Bowley Chartered Accountants | ||
| Wendy Wiebe | Co-Treasurer | ||
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| 2023 AGM Minutes | |
| File Size: | 289 kb |
| File Type: | |
| 2024 Membership Fee Proposal | |
| File Size: | 190 kb |
| File Type: | |
| 2024 AGM Agenda | |
| File Size: | 90 kb |
| File Type: | |
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| SCRC 2024 AGM Communications Committee Report | |
| File Size: | 211 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2023 AGM Presidents Report | |
| File Size: | 179 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2023 AGM VP Finance Report | |
| File Size: | 215 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2023 AGM VP Rowing Report | |
| File Size: | 356 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2023 AGM VP Special Projects Report | |
| File Size: | 405 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2023 AGM VP Fundraising Report | |
| File Size: | 445 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2023 AGM VP Membership Report | |
| File Size: | 97 kb |
| File Type: | |
| SCRC 2023 AGM Club Captain's Report | |
| File Size: | 112 kb |
| File Type: | |
| January 20, 2022 AGM Minutes | |
| File Size: | 604 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Sam Baio | Director, VP Fundraising |
| Chris Blackwood | Director, Secretary |
| Rick Crooker | Director, President |
| Brian Fisher | Director, VP Finance |
| Louise Hastings | Director, VP Special Projects |
| Michelle Kerr | Director, Past President |
| Brian Thorne | Director, VP Membership |
| Matt Wilson | Director, VP Rowing |
| Andrew Carr | Director |
| Dave Derry | Director |
| Lauren Kelly | Director |
| Tami Lyons | Director |
| Stephanie Mowder | Director |
| Mike Thompson | Director |
| Karl Bowley | Co-Treasurer: Rosetti & Bowley Chartered Accountants |
| Wendy Wiebe | Co-Treasurer |
| Bob Ralph | President - Recreational Rowing |
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| Presidents 2022 AGM Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 126 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Finance 2022 AGM Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 129 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Rowing 2022 AGM Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 134 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Special Projects 2022 AGM Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 145 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Club Captain 2022 AGM Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 120 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Approved 2021 AGM Minutes.pdf | |
| File Size: | 210 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Director | Role | Portfolio |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Crooker | President | Fundraising & Sponsorship |
| Brian Fisher | VP Finance | Regatta Organization & Sanctioning |
| Louise Hastings | VP Special Projects | Grants & Sponsors |
| Bob Schenck | VP Rowing | Masters, Rec, Competitive, High School |
| Chris Blackwood | Secretary | Regatta Safety Boat Coordinator |
| Sam Baio | Director | Fundraising & Sponsorship |
| Dave Derry | Director | Constitution & Policy |
| Michele Fisher | Director | Marketing |
| Lauren Kelly | Director | Social Media |
| Nancy Love | Director | Land Events |
| Jim Marino | Director | Acting Club Manager |
| Marion Markarian | Director | Youth Rowing School |
| Tracey Newman | Director | Complaint Resolution & Tag Day |
| Mike Thompson | Director | Constitution |
| Brian Thorne | Director | RCA/RO/SCRC Registration |
| Matt Wilson | Director | Athlete & Coach Recruiting |
| Ex-Officio | ||
| Michelle Kerr | Past President | |
| Karl Bowley | Co-Treasurer: Rosetti & Bowley Chartered Accountants | |
| Wendy Wiebe | Co-Treasurer | |
| Bob Ralph | President - Recreational Rowing | |
| President's 2021 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 57 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Finance 2021 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 213 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Rowing 2021 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 97 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Special Projects 2021 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 157 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Club Manager (Acting) 2021 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 79 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Approved 2020 AGM Minutes | |
| File Size: | 209 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Director | Role | Portfolio | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rick Crooker | President | Fundraising & Sponsorship | |
| Brian Fisher | VP Finance | Regatta Organization & Sanctioning | |
| Louise Hastings | VP Special Projects | Land Events | |
| Bob Schenck | VP Rowing | Liaison Masters, Rec, Competitive, High School | |
| Chris Blackwood | Secretary | Regatta Safety Boat Coordinator | |
| Nancy Love | Treasurer | Masters Rep | |
| Sam Baio | Director | Fundraising & Sponsorship | |
| Dave Derry | Director | Club Constitution & Regatta Sanctioning | |
| Michele Fisher | Director | Marketing & Sponsorship | |
| Craig Kozun-Young | Director | ||
| Lorna Hay-Gaudet | Director | Land Events | |
| Matt Hingston | Director | Facilities Management | |
| Marion Markarian | Director | Youth Rowing School | |
| Tracey Newman | Director | Fundraising, Tag Day | |
| Kathy Powell | Director | Rowers' Parents Coordinator | |
| Brian Thorne | Director | RCA/RO/SCRC Registration | |
| Ex-Officio | |||
| Michelle Kerr | Past President - Volunteer Coordinator | ||
| Bob Ralph | Associate Director (Rec Rowing League President) | ||
| Jim Marino | Interim Club Captain | ||
| President's 2020 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 101 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Finance 2020 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 218 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Rowing 2020 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 120 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Special Projects 2020 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 167 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Club Manager 2020 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 59 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Approved Minutes from January 22, 2019 AGM | |
| File Size: | 187 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Presidents 2019 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 115 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Vice President Finance 2019 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 215 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Vice President Rowing 2019 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 149 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Vice President Special Projects 2019 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 125 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Head Coach 2019 AGM Report | |
| File Size: | 95 kb |
| File Type: | |
| President's Report AGM.pdf | |
| File Size: | 196 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Finance Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 214 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Rowing Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 712 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Special Events Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 222 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Head Coach Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 115 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Approved SCRC 2018 AGM Minutes.pdf | |
| File Size: | 202 kb |
| File Type: | |
| President's AGM Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 196 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Finance Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 212 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Rowing Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 667 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Special Events Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 229 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Head Coach Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 126 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Minutes of the SCRC 2017 AGM.pdf | |
| File Size: | 281 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Presidents Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 204 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Finance Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 210 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Rowing Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 615 kb |
| File Type: | |
| VP Special Events Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 205 kb |
| File Type: | |
| Head Coach and Boatman Report.pdf | |
| File Size: | 307 kb |
| File Type: | |
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