AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS ELECTION ’16 overseeing the administrative side and planning and managing services, resources, personnel, budgets and contracts. Working Candidate for public agencies for 24 years, as well as on ACE’s Executive Committee for 10 years, I am very familiar with the organiza- Platforms tional structure that governs ACE. for What I Have Done as ACE President ACE Offices: Anyone can manage an organization, and even do it well, but only when someone truly understands what members want or value can he be most effective. While serving as ACE president, President I have continued several initiatives that started while I was vice president working on ACE’s strategic plan. Many of these Vice President JERRY WILLARD changes come from member suggestions and surveys, as I have Long Beach, California tried to keep the goal of continuous improvement always in the Secretary forefront. and Candidate Platform for President ACE is financially solid. After seven years of decline, member- I am pleased to accept the nomination for president. It has been Treasurer ship revenue has increased the past two years to its highest my privilege to serve ACE over the past 14 years, including four since 2009. The new associate membership has helped retain years as treasurer, four years as vice president and the past two members or get lapsed members to rejoin who otherwise would Presented in years as president. have left ACE. Several cost-saving measures over the past few alphabetical order, years have helped match expenses more closely to revenues. by office ACE Experience I have been a member of ACE since 1999. As the old ACE say- In addition I have performed ongoing presidential responsibili- ing goes, “You join ACE for the coasters; you stay for the ties, such as: All candidates friends.” It wasn’t until I attended my first Coaster Con and started to become more active that I understood this. Shortly submitted platforms • Assisted the events director with the planning and prepara- after that first convention in 2002, I wanted to give back to ACE, for this publication tion for Coaster Con and other ACE national events, starting with so I became a volunteer early in my 17-year membership. the 2014 Fall Conference; Initially I assisted with registration and the General Store at Coaster Con and helped maintain ACE’s website. • Provided extensive assistance for the ACE UK! 2015 tour, Proposed including contract approval and payment for parks and hotels, I served as treasurer from 2004 to 2008, working frequently arranging trip details, tracking payments and costs to ensure a with the management firm to ensure a good relationship and Constitution good financial outcome and serving as a coach captain for the address ACE’s day-to-day financial needs. I implemented a dues trip; Change increase for the first time in 14 years to ensure financial stabil- ity, introduced multiyear memberships to help mitigate the • Managed ACE’s participation in the annual International effect of the increase on members and helped develop an Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo for the investment policy to preserve assets. As vice president from 2014 and 2015 shows, including securing exhibit space, select- 2010 to 2014, I led an effort to establish a strategic plan and ing delegates, coordinating volunteers and arranging accom- determine goals and priorities for ACE’s continued improvement modations; and growth. I served as the lead to develop and implement some key initiatives, including the new association manage- • Served as board member representing ACE with the National ment contract, the restructuring of ACE’s Executive Committee Roller Coaster Museum and Archives; and and the introduction of the associate membership option. • Completed various other tasks, including review of financial Professional Background reports and approval of payments, writing of occasional email In addition to my contributions to ACE over the past 14 years, blast communications, creation of trip surveys and future trip my professional experience has prepared me to serve as presi- planning surveys as well as some event surveys, and providing dent. I have experience leading and managing projects, person- guidance and support for the Arrow Development documentary. nel and teams. I have worked in the public sector for the past 24 years, first in public transit and more recently in higher edu- Why I Should Continue as President cation. I currently work for the California State University (CSU) In addition to the accomplishments listed, I have been a good in the system-wide budget office, where we oversee funding president because of three key characteristics I mentioned allocations to 23 CSU campuses, the largest university system when I first ran — enthusiast, leader and facilitator. in the country. Enthusiast Before joining the CSU, my work responsibilities included Growing up more than 300 miles from the nearest amusement directing the day-to-day business of a public transit rail service, CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE PAGE 1 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE park, I had no idea I would get to have so much fun vis- ize the Disciplinary Committee’s policies and proce- iting amusement parks and riding coasters. I share dures and had a key role in bringing the ACE Code of many of the same passions as those I serve, and a lot Conduct into the 21st century while still helping with of my knowledge comes from actual experience. I have our social media operations, including being ACE’s ridden 790 different roller coasters at 181 parks in 33 Twitter coordinator. states and 17 countries and have ridden at least one coaster each month for almost four consecutive years. Qualifications I also have attended 12 of the past 14 Coaster Cons I have experience leading and managing projects, since my first in 2002 as well as ACE’s trips to Spain teams and resources, which are important qualifica- and the United Kingdom and numerous other confer- tions for vice president. I have ample experience in pro- ences and events. gram and operations analysis, which is also a useful qualification. My current work responsibilities span Leader DAVID LIPNICKY managing 16 different economic and educational I have tried to lead by example and champion projects Grand Prairie, Texas research grants totaling $11 million. This includes and changes that help ACE. While the Executive Candidate Platform for Vice President budgets, work plans, fiscal reports, analytic studies, Committee continues to accomplish several goals, there monitoring, policy development, legal compliance and is still more work needed revamping ACE’s websites resource leveraging; developing research and analyses I thank ACE’s membership for giving me the opportuni- and planning for ACE’s archives. I plan to continue that on national and state employment growth and labor ty to serve this great organization for almost 15 years effort to address some long-standing issues and help market conditions; and building productive partnerships as an assistant representative and regional rep, four ACE continue improvement. between public, private and nonprofit organizations. years as public relations director and the last two years as your vice president. While I hope to continue repre- Facilitator With 25 years of experience in the public sector, I have senting our membership, I urge everyone to get As president I must be able to work with, motivate and a better understanding of the environment and require- involved and help make ACE your own. encourage the best out of a variety of people. I respond ments of an organizational structure that is similar to a to and address a variety of issues and concerns that nonprofit entity like ACE. However, I also have a dozen Involvement arise almost daily, and a big part of my responsibility is years of experience in the private sector, ranging from After 23 years as an ACE member, what our wonderful to ensure that ideas are accomplished and member working up from a janitor to a department manager, volunteers accomplish still amazes me. While a small suggestions and comments are implemented when then later becoming an engineering economist for a percentage of members makes what I call the “ACE appropriate. Fortune 500 company. I have substantial training and Magic” happen, I am pleased we have a larger number experience in business, research and planning. I earned willing to step up and run for office this year. I believe Thank You for Your Support a degree in economics with a minor in business admin- this is a result of the great work done by our volunteers, I thank you for the opportunity to serve as a member of istration, graduating with honors from the University of regional rep teams and Executive Committee (EC) dur- the Executive Committee for all these years. While I plan Texas at Arlington. I have been a member of the ing this decade and a sign of more people wanting to to continue to be an active member of ACE and serve as National Association for Business Economics for 27 become involved in moving ACE forward. Whether it is immediate past president when the time comes, this years and a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth our spectacular events, publications, merchandise, web will be my last election as a candidate for ACE. In the Association of Business Economists for a half-dozen services, social media or benefits, it is our members six elections I have participated in as a candidate, I years. I have earned six Exceptional Achievement who donate their time and creativity who make the ACE believe I only had an opposing candidate once — my awards from the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Magic happen. It is amazing that all our volunteers first run to become treasurer in 2004. I would like to Labor, a Secretary’s Honors award and the 2007 Charlie started as regular members who loved coasters and hope it was your confidence in me that led to running Benefield Award for lifetime achievement in the Labor later decided to give back as a thank you for the awe- unopposed, but I am sure it is more a general lack of Market Information branch of economics. some times they experienced. candidates or people with an interest in serving. Because of that, I’m very happy and encouraged to see My operations research skills helped identify a signifi- I waited 15 years before being able to join ACE in 1993. multiple candidates for all of the other officer positions cant weakness after becoming ACE’s public relations Although my family situation during those early years this year. director. ACE did not have a true marketing function or meant we could only do just one or two local events expertise. I was able to bring on Six Flags Fiesta Texas’ annually, life-long friendships soon developed. As our I believe I have been a successful president of ACE Jeffrey Siebert to the ACE Public Relations Committee family situation changed, my two children and I did our because of my ability to lead and facilitate. I ask that as our first-ever marketing coordinator, which has been first event outside Arlington, Texas — the 1996 Coaster you give me the opportunity to complete what I have incredibly beneficial. I also responded to the EC’s chal- Con in Denver. That experience was a family game- started as president and continue to work for ACE’s best lenge to help modernize ACE and be more attractive to changer. interests. It is not a cliché to say that ACE has changed younger people by energizing our mostly dormant social my life, and I mean that in the best of ways. Thank you media platforms. After dramatic turnarounds with ACE’s Encouraged by friends, we soon started to volunteer at for letting me be a part of it for these past 17 years. Facebook and Twitter presence, I further expanded our local and national events — retrieving items for other Public Relations Committee, which gives more ACE volunteers. Later, it was helping with event registration, members a way to contribute to the organization. I which then led to assisting the ACE volunteers in charge brought on Nicholas Laschkewitsch as ACE’s first video of audiovisual support and the Con Banquet. I was promotions coordinator, which helped plant a seed that shocked when Tim Baldwin asked me to be his assis- eventually led to ACE’s acclaimed “Legacy of Arrow tant regional rep in 2002. A few months later, I became Dynamics” documentary. While public relations direc- regional representative (for a decade with an awesome tor, I added two Facebook co-administrators, Bill assistant rep team). I then accepted an offer to be pub- Linkenheimer III and Deb Vanderpoel, and Bill Harrison lic relations director (2010-2014), and our membership as our first-ever Instagram coordinator. elected me to be ACE’s vice president in 2014. A key responsibility of the vice president is being ACE’s These two years as vice president have been a great Disciplinary Committee chairperson. In that role, I experience. The outstanding EC that President Jerry expanded the Disciplinary Committee. As a result, the Willard put together in 2014 is simply fantastic, and the committee now contains a mix of experienced mem- members continually impress and inspire me. During bers plus new members with legal and EC experience. this time, I managed the effort to update and modern- CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE PAGE 2 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE This committee has done an excellent job these past surprise when taking these actions, and I would strive two years performing the most unpleasant job in ACE. to open communications about potential concerns and resolutions to reduce these negative situations. Why I Want to Be Vice President I want to help ACE’s future by learning more about as I advocated strengthening ACE’s antiharassment policy many of the facets of ACE’s operations as possible in and believe ACE should be inclusionary and never order to support our strong plan for growth developed exclude any members because they are “different.” by President Willard and Immediate Past President Dave Everyone is welcome. No one should be bullied or Altman. In that vein, I have started work (with the active ostracized or made to feel less qualified to be an ACE contributions from all EC members) on updating and member than any other member as long as they live by refining the ACE strategic plan. I also continue to assist the Code of Conduct. By respecting our fellow ACE multiple regional reps and the EC with behind-the- members, we become a stronger organization. scenes assistance to build/rebuild relationships with ROBERT ULRICH parks. I will assist in growing the relationship between Turtletown, Tennessee ACEers develop deep individual friendships over long ACE and the National Roller Coaster Museum and Candidate Platform for Vice President periods of time. These may be perceived as unbreak- Archives in whatever ways our president decides. I will able “cliques” by new members. I think we can do bet- support our fantastic regional rep director in improving ter and hope to conduct activities at events to engage our outstanding rep system. A key accomplishment I After joining in 1995 I have volunteered for ACE, and if our members. The reality is old friends are comfortable have made in the past 15 years is building and rebuild- elected vice president (VP) I will continue to help ACE be and I don’t want to fight it. As VP I would strive to cre- ing strong and deep relationships with parks and the best community it can be. I feel my ACE experience ate opportunities for new or “silent” members to help amusement industry representatives from across North proves I possess the leadership skills needed to make build new relationships with others. For example, America and the world. This has helped the industry things happen. As an assistant and then regional repre- games at an event that require random team collabora- view ACE in a different, positive light compared with all sentative for the Southeast region, and as region direc- tion would allow us to get to know more about one other clubs. As vice president, I can continue and tor on the Executive Committee, I call this the “ACE another. This simple introduction may forge future improve upon this very important work. Advantage.” My platform stands for 1) increased mem- friendships. ber participation, 2) empowering entrepreneurial initia- Our current leadership has placed ACE on a smart and tives to facilitate club “ownership,” and 3) improved Another way to enlist ACEers is through volunteerism. exciting path for the future. If reelected, I will continue communication with members and the industry — all As region director I have worked to erode the “done-it- to bring a strong background and ability to work well with the goal to be the premier coaster enthusiast this-way-all-the-time” barrier for members to become with others to continue the great progress that has social club for individuals who share our values. more involved within their region. I also get new indi- taken place these last six years. While the obvious viduals to volunteer with direct personal recruitment for request is for your vote, the more important request is Throughout my ACE career I strove to provide opportu- positions and tasks in need of action. As VP I would fur- to support ACE by volunteering and participating in any nities and experiences exceeding member expecta- ther encourage ACEers to “own” club operations. I way. Assistance, big or small, is vital and appreciated. tions. As a regional representative I welcomed new would work to broaden the pool of ACEers active in the Active participation allows ACE to continue as the members. I was exposed to the challenges faced by club and would welcome any ideas or contributions to greatest enthusiast organization. parks when engaged with the community of clubs and achieve this goal. individuals. As region director I put the tools in place to enhance local ACE relationships. Along with explaining One reason to get more volunteers is with more people our needs for parks hosting ACE regional events, we doing more things, ACE becomes much more active, also demonstrated that ACE can be a trusted partner in nimble and responsible. Currently a group of experi- their park activities. For example, we developed guide- enced individuals ends up doing the same things lines for responsible behavior at media events, which repeatedly. We need to leverage our diversity of experi- helped ACE become a trusted part of many parks’ ence to transfer these leadership skills and continue attraction-opening strategy. As VP I would help commu- the legacy to build ACE’s future. With the regions I work nicate that while ACE appreciates park benefits, we to delegate responsibilities and I hope as VP to encour- understand the need to give back and generate roller age the same team building within all the club’s direc- coaster enthusiasm in creative ways. torates. I want to make it easy for a new member of any age to become meaningfully involved in the club — While ACE may be seen by industry executives as iden- #TeamACE. tical to other enthusiast groups, we should always unapologetically differentiate our excellence. ACE pub- I hope to help crack open the window on the activities lications provide unique media opportunities. ACE is one throughout the club and promote transparency through of the few clubs focused on history and preservation. better communications. There are avenues such as ACE members can be knowledgeable interview subjects online broadcasts of the annual business meeting and to help promote an attraction. ACE is led by volunteers other national events that I think would help ACEers whose only motive is the enjoyment of roller coasters. understand the challenges ahead. And with improved As VP I would help demonstrate ACE‘s qualities that are knowledge hopefully more volunteers would step for- unlike any other enthusiast club the park will encounter. ward.

The VP leads ACE’s disciplinary committee. Members The recent Executive Committee reorganization have expressed concerns, and I feel more can be done reduced the number of formal director positions but to open up the committee’s actions. I can help meet the expanded other volunteer opportunities. However, our challenge while confidentially protecting member priva- volunteer participation did not significantly increase cy. While we’ve reduced the number of corrective even though individual positions now offer greater actions, there is an opportunity for a “before the fact” responsibility. The Executive Committee needs more campaign to build awareness about potential issues. “boots on the ground” doing good work for ACE. As However, bad behavior must be formally stopped, and I region director I constantly ask the regional represen- will lead the democratic process required when it tatives to become entrepreneurs, delegate and own comes to disciplinary matters. There should never be a CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE PAGE 3 CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE their region. We increased communications with noon. That day we discovered what a great organiza- monthly conference calls and annual reports by the tion we had joined. We were blown away when we saw regions. I support, and as VP would advocate for, the members, evidenced by name tags, operating the individual directors of the club taking full ownership of Tornado. We had access to the area under the structure their responsibilities. Their committee teams should and into the middle area to take photos. Other mem- just “do it” when it comes to the needs of the club. We bers were cooking lunch. Everyone was friendly and can talk a good game, but getting things done is the had a coaster story to share. We did not let actual tor- proof of our mission. And as I tell the reps repeatedly, nado sightings and severe thunderstorms dampen our they won’t get fired for doing something (within rea- fun and headed to Kings Island, where we were treated son), but not doing anything should get an ACE leader like royalty. Every coaster was running, and many drink replaced. stands were open, offering free beverages. Although I remember it being a little chilly after the storms passed ACE is one of the few enthusiast groups with preserva- CHERI ARMSTRONG through, our spirits were high, and the event was awe- tion as part of its mission. However, member feedback Hatfield, Massachusetts some! reveals a perception of nothing demonstrable being Candidate Platform for Secretary done. As VP I would advocate developing a long-term Since that first event many years ago, I have attended strategy for what preservation means for ACE today. In 127 ACE events (17 conventions, 23 conferences, 84 the future I think our efforts should be more than just In 1994, I became a member of this wonderful organi- regional events and three international trips), 56 park- general storage. We should continue to build a resource zation, ACE. This has been the best decision I ever sponsored events, and 35 other events. I have traveled to allow information searches for objects documenting made. At first I joined for the love of riding roller coast- extensively throughout the United States and Canada, the history of roller coasters. ers, but now I continue for the friendships that have enjoying large corporate parks and small family parks. developed over the years. The enjoyment of riding with Much of my travel has been with ACE, some with other Previously I couldn’t run for office owing to personal friends who share my passion is one of the greatest groups and some on my own with my family. I have yet and employment reasons. I’m happy to say I retired benefits of ACE. Volunteering for ACE is one way I can to find a park I have not enjoyed. I love to support the professionally at the end of the year and the barriers repay so many years of fun. small parks and appreciate the family atmosphere they have been removed. Many of you have met my wife, promote. I relish the opportunity to experience all the Peggy, and son, Sam, and we will always treasure our I am pleased to accept the nomination for ACE secre- wonderful history, beauty and attractions at each place. time in ACE. Now I find the time is right to devote the tary. I have enjoyed serving in a leadership position as I have photographed each one of the 1,300+ coasters I time and energy I feel is required to what could be a ACE treasurer for the past four years. This role has pro- have ridden and have donated thousands of pictures to very vital leadership in the future of ACE. If the mem- vided me with experience that will be valuable if I am ACE News, RollerCoaster!, the ACE census and ACE bership shares my vision, I would humbly appreciate elected to continue to serve on the Executive archives. I have also contributed articles to The New the opportunity as help create an ACE environment to Committee. Through my work history and experience England Dispatch and to ACE News and have enjoyed benefit ACEers everywhere with an ACE as great and serving as secretary for several other organizations, I sharing my riding experiences and travels with our inclusive as it can be. I sincerely thank you for your have acquired the skills needed to be an effective sec- members at New England regional events. thoughtful consideration and your vote. retary for ACE. I am a careful listener, take detailed notes during meetings and have the computer skills to I want to be secretary of ACE, first because I have the transcribe notes and minutes to accurately document skills and experience to do the job well. But, more ACE’s meetings and history. important, I want to give back to ACE for all the won- derful years of memorable events, the great people I My first experience volunteering with ACE was helping have met and the fantastic friends I have made. I at registration for regional events. This quickly grew to appreciate your vote. volunteering at national events, both during registration and helping out in the General Store. Last year I provid- ed leadership to one of the coaches on the ACE 2015 UK! trip, and I am currently the co-planner of our upcoming international trip to Mexico, scheduled for the spring of 2017.

I have supported ACE and its members in other ways as well. I have donated to ACE’s Preservation Fund and the National Roller Coaster Museum and Archives (NRCMA) through purchasing many auction items and have also donated numerous items for auction. I have supported members in fundraising for Give Kids The World (Cedar Fair events) and a Walk in the Park (Six Flags New England event). Preservation is always important to me, and I have supported Leap the Dips, Zippin Pippin and other preservation efforts. I have also donated many items to the NRCMA, which continues to promote the protection and preservation of roller coasters and amusement park artifacts and memorabilia.

My first ACE national event was the 1994 Spring Conference at Stricker’s Grove, Kings Island and Kentucky Kingdom. I had no idea what to expect at an ACE event and had never even heard of Stricker’s Grove, the first park of the weekend. My husband, Bob, and I arrived, found registration and, as they say, the rest is history. ACE had the whole park for the after-

PAGE 4 in promoting new coasters; and speaking about coast- ers to media as varied as local San Diego television affiliates, CNN and even a South American radio sta- tion!

I have lived in San Diego since 1991 and have enjoyed serving ACE Southern California members as assistant regional representative for the past 11 years. My duties representing our region include coordinating with parks and managing finances for regional events, as well as writing and publishing our newsletter, Sun, Surf and Screams. I love being able to give back to the organi- MIKE THOMPSON DR. JOHN GERARD zation from which I have gained so much. Augusta, Maine San Diego, California Through my position as assistant regional rep I became Candidate Platform for Secretary Candidate Platform for Treasurer involved with STAR Education in Los Angeles, a com- munity service organization that reached out to the ACE My name is Mike Thompson, and I’m running for the I am pleased and honored to accept the nomination for region for help with a roller coaster-themed version of position of ACE secretary. I live and work in Augusta, treasurer of ACE. I have been a member of ACE since its annual math and science camp for underprivileged Maine, where I’ve been for the past 20 years. I gradu- 1988 after being fortunate enough to bump into a cou- youth. I volunteered for three sessions along with other ated from the University of Florida in 1991, where I ple of ACEers at the original Elitch Gardens on a road area ACEers who also gave of their time and accompa- earned my Bachelor of Sciences degree, majoring in trip from Miami to San Francisco. I have been an nied the campers to Six Flags Magic Mountain at the broadcast production (in the Journalism Department). “enthusiastic” member ever since. The first event I end of the camp. Even though the camps take on a dif- My minor was in film studies (in the English attended was the Spring Conference at Six Flags Over ferent theme each year, I still return every summer to Department). Georgia and Lake Winnepesaukah in 1990, followed by speak and present to the kids. my first Coaster Con at Kennywood the next year. I joined ACE in November 1996 soon after moving to Already by then, just by virtue of wearing my ACE shirt I have wanted to take on an even larger role in ACE for Maine. The first ACE event that I attended was the 1997 during park visits, I had met several great people, some some time, and I see the office of treasurer as the per- ACE Coaster Con in Virginia. Although I had been a life- of whom are close friends to this day. I have met even fect fit for me. time lover of roller coasters and had been receiving more wonderful people and formed many close friend- ACE’s publications for six months, it was at that Coaster ships since then; my ACE friends are family to me. My background and training in management and Con when I fell in love with ACE and what it is all about. finance, along with my varied experience in business It was clear to me soon after becoming a member that and professional sciences, make me particularly quali- Gradually I began volunteering at ACE events that I ACE was about more than just riding coasters, even fied to take on this responsibility. As a physician (now attended — whether it was at registration, at the though at that pre-internet time every new issue of ACE semiretired), I have managed my own medical practice. General Store or in other capacities where I could help News and RollerCoaster! magazine were like striking I have successfully run other side businesses and have out. I have been an assistant regional representative for another coaster jackpot. I immediately connected with served as the treasurer of two motorcycle clubs. ACE New England for the past decade. For several years ACE’s mission of preservation, having seen my child- I have been part of ACE’s Membership Committee, hood amusement park, Pirate’s World in Dania, Florida Beyond my education in medicine, I’ve completed an where I draft and mail letters to potential ACE members. (still the only “real” amusement park the South Florida intense course of study in accounting as an MBA pro- area has ever had), closed, taking with it the classic gram candidate. I am currently pursuing a master’s In 2009 I became the editor of ACE News when Mark Coney Island Steeplechase (probably my first coaster) degree in bioinformatics at San Diego State University. Davidson stepped down. It was a position I held for four — all to make room for yet more condos. and a half years until work and home life made it I am proficient with the major financial software pack- impossible for me to devote the time necessary to keep As the 1990s progressed, I attended more Coaster ages, as well as the concepts and practices that the newsletter on schedule. During that time period, I Cons, events and one of the first ACE overseas excur- accompany a position such as this. My training as a was responsible for 27 issues of ACE News, which sions, the whirlwind “UK Max – the Big One” tour of physician has made me disciplined, and my experi- required an average of 60 hours of my time per issue. I Great Britain that coincided with the opening of three ences with business have made me enterprising. remain involved with ACE News as an associate editor. great coasters: Alton Towers’ Nemesis, Drayton Manor’s Having been involved with research means that I can Shockwave and Blackpool’s The Big One. approach problems and situations from different per- Thanks to the guidance of Lee Ann Draud and Dave spectives in order to arrive at optimal, creative and ele- Bird, my writing, editing and fact-checking skills have ACE became an even bigger part of my life during gant solutions. flourished. These are skills that I will use to be suc- Coaster Con XXII in 1999 when I was introduced to the cessful as ACE secretary. concept of volunteering at events. I volunteered at the In addition to the specific obligations of the position, ACE merchandise sales tables (not yet named the ACE the treasurer of ACE must also be responsible to the In my various volunteer positions in ACE, I’ve learned to General Store) and enjoyed myself selling cool ACE stuff membership as a part of the club’s governing body. As work as a team with other volunteers in order to and meeting new people. I now make sure to volunteer an elected officer and member of the Executive accomplish the goals of a committee, a region and a at each of the conventions I attend, having missed only Committee, I would take on this duty as one who helps publication. Teamwork is vital for any member of ACE’s one since that time. define and direct our club with full dedication and Executive Committee. The EC is a team that works humility. I believe my broad understanding and rich toward making ACE a better organization. I feel that I More recently, I have taken on greater responsibilities in experiences in this organization over the past 28 years can contribute toward that goal. ACE, serving as public relations director on the — of its activities, its objectives and its people — Executive Committee for three years. Through that posi- enable me to give back to ACE the best of myself that I I understand the responsibilities, duties, deadlines and tion I represented ACE to the media, giving interviews can. meeting-attendance requirements of ACE secretary and for print/online, radio and television. The range of sub- feel that I am fully qualified for the position. jects included promotion of the Mission Beach Giant Dipper as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark; coverage of Thank you for your time. I hope to receive your vote in the 2010 ACE Preservation Conference in southern the upcoming election. California; assisting parks in California and elsewhere

PAGE 5 schools of the district. Proposed Beyond running league-wide finances, I am also in Constitution Change for charge of all monetary dealings for the speech and debate team I coach, Holy Redeemer High School in 2016 Election Ballot Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Duties include intake and processing of funds, expenditure reports, fundraising CHANGE OF for various activities and interface with other organiza- ORGANIZATION NAME tions for financial coordination. Under my watch, the organization continues to be solvent and well function- ing. The Executive Committee has recommended a change of ACE’s organization name in the con- JEFFREY NIEMIEC I am familiar with QuickBooks as well as other account- stitution to be consistent with its usage in ACE’s ing programs such as Quicken. In addition, I’m organ- certificate of incorporation and federal tax iden- Pittston, Pennsylvania ized and efficient with money and accounting princi- Candidate Platform for Treasurer tification. This change would delete “WORLD- ples; most notably, I’m focused on maintaining a posi- WIDE” from the name as currently listed in tive, well-run ledger for ACE. I received an accounting As an active member of the American Coaster minor from Wilkes University with a focus on corporate ACE’s constitution and requires approval of the Enthusiasts starting in 2007, I’ve been attending financing. I’m familiar with applied business math in membership. national, regional and park events avidly since that addition to finance. time: several Coaster Cons, Spring/Summer ARTICLE I - Conferences, Eastcoasters and other ACE gatherings; ACE provides a service that cannot be replicated. By PROPOSED MODIFICATION my tally is just over 75 individual events. In the last nine bringing individuals together with a love of parks and (SHOWN IN STRIKETHROUGH) years, I’ve attended events that are geographically coasters and giving them a forum to meet friends and diverse, visiting parks with ACE in regions all over the ride rides together, this organization fosters friends and country as well as Canada. I have volunteered at the great memories. I have every intention of doing any- ARTICLE I-Name sales tables during different ACE events and sought out thing I can to further that mission and keep this club the list of necessary duties of the ACE treasurer. I’ve active and great. Our reputation and events are a huge The name of this organization shall be the discussed those duties at length with the current treas- priority for me, and becoming treasurer is a way that I AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS WORLD- urer in an effort to enter the post with a full under- wish to give back to this club that has given me so WIDE, INCORPORATED, hereafter referred to as standing of how I would be most useful and effective. much. ACE, a not-for-profit corporation. ACE needs an individual committed to the vast under- ACE events and activities have been giving members a taking of managing the finances of this national organ- great way to enjoy parks since before I joined, and I ization, which serves several thousand people. Because hope to be a part of the movement of ACE going for- of my highly organized and focused nature, I am up to ward. These events give us a way to unite while we are that task. I have a full understanding of the duties nec- having fun. I have ridden over 400 unique roller coast- essary to maintain the high caliber we have come to ers at over 90 unique parks, most of those at ACE expect from our national officers, and I have every events. I cheer with every new milestone my fellow intention and all the qualifications necessary to pre- club members hit, celebrate new coaster openings with serve the dignity of ACE and its members. you and mourn when our club loses someone. I am happy to be a part of this club, and it is a part of me. I My interest in roller coasters and amusement parks want nothing more than to help ACE be great. began well before finding ACE. In my professional life I am an engineer, a field I entered because of my inter- est in the mechanics of roller coasters and rides. In engineering projects I’ve learned that if a project is to be fully realized it must be realistic, well thought out, organized and executed correctly to function as intend- ed. The same can be said about accounting. The num- bers don’t lie and they either work or they don’t. Along with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering and a minor in physics, I have a minor in accounting. Because of this background and my analytical nature, I have a proper understanding and respect for the canons of finance and the rules that need to be observed.

My Qualifications My current relevant qualifications include holding the elected office of treasurer for the Scranton District of the National Forensics League. In that capacity I collect dues and fees, balance the books and manage the bank account and finances for high school speech and debate teams all over Northeast Pennsylvania. I am entrusted to maintain a positive ledger while financing all events and tournaments that function across multi- ple counties in Pennsylvania. I have held this office for over two years and have been reelected by member PAGE 6