Candidates for Election

Nominees to serve as RRRC Officers


RRRC has five officers: President; Vice President - Operations; Vice President - Communications; Secretary; and Treasurer.

The duties of officers are specified in the By-Laws:

  • President - to preside over meetings, represent the Club before the Road Runners Club of America, Inc. ("RRCA"), call special meetings and appoint committee chairpersons thereof.
  • Vice President - Operations - to assume the duties and powers of the president in the president's absence, perform special assignments as requested by the president, manage the club's race calendar and serve as contract race coordinator.
  • Vice President - Communications - to develop and coordinate the club's communication, marketing, promotion and merchandising efforts, and sponsorship program.
  • Secretary - to record the minutes of meetings, handle correspondence as requested by the president and keep records of such minutes and correspondence.
  • Treasurer - to administer all financial duties, sign checks and make disbursements for expenditures approved by the Board of Directors, present a budget pursuant to the By-Laws, prepare financial reports requested by the president and prepare or assist in the preparation of all necessary tax filings.

Rainey Niklawski

Candidate for President

I would like to throw my hat in the ring for 22-24.  

I have been a member of RRRC since I started running back in 2013. Since that shift in my life, I have dedicated myself to the sport and the community that graciously comes with it.  The heart of the running community is enormous, and it always has its arms open. I would love to be an RRRC board member to make sure everyone always feels that way, and the races/programs RRRC puts on/is involved with always have the community in mind.

Shawn Lafland

Candidate for Vice President - Operations
 I would like to officially submit my nomination for Vice President of Operations for the Richmond Road Runners Club! 
I have been a lifelong runner, a member of the club for a few years, and a board member since 2020.  I’ve taken over shared responsibility of Run Sign-up and all administrative activities such as club emails, club email and data storage, and maintaining the club website.

I am inspired by the dedication of the club members, leading an active lifestyle with the community, and giving back to the community members.  This inspiration drives my decision to further commit to the club and community to take on the VP of Operations.  A tremendous amount of potential, coupled with my energy, can bring the club to even more significant benefits to the club and community!

I look forward to serving the club and community as Vice President of Operations!

Thank you for your consideration.

Shawn

Victoria Hauser

Candidate for Secretary

I would like to continue serving as the board Secretary for the term of 2022-2023 to further my support of the club and the RVA running community as a whole. I have been serving in this role for the previous term- preparing meeting agendas, minutes, attendance, and record keeping. I would like to continue as we move out of the pandemic. 

I have been a lifelong runner, and a frequent race volunteer and race participant with RRRC, as well as being a Grand Prix finalist since 2015. I’ve also contributed to Miles & Minutes, and was co-race director for the virtual edition of the First Day 5k for 2021. Outside of RRRC, I have volunteered and served on the board of several other local nonprofits. 

Leigh Anne Stacklin

Candidate for Treasurer

I would like to be considered for the Treasurer position with RRRC.  I think Richmond has one of the best running Communities and RRRC is a major contributing factor.  I would like to do what I can to ensure that this organization continues to encourage and support runners in the future, therefore I would like to volunteer my time and experience as an auditor and accountant to keep RRRC running.  (No pun intended)  I have included my contact information below, please let me know if there is anything else you need from me.

Nominees to serve as an RRRC Director
(as of November 11, 2021)


The Board of Directors manages the affairs of the Club and establishes its policies and procedures.

The Board of Directors consists of the five officers and at least five but not more than twenty additional elected Club members who hold no other Club office.

Duties of members of the Board of Directors who are not serving as officers are to engage themselves in an active and ongoing leadership position in one or more key Club roles and responsibilities, including, but not limited to, the following: membership coordinator, volunteer coordinator, social media coordinator, newsletter editor, director or co-director of a Club race, head coach of a Club training team, or chair of a standing or ad hoc committee as defined in the By-Laws.

Allison May

Candidate for Board of Directors

The reason I would like to serve on the Richmond Road Runners Board is that I would like to give back to the organization that has done so much for me.  I started running about seven years ago and quickly started running RRRC races in addition to the Sports Backers races (my first race was the Monument Ave 10K).  My first RRRC race was the RRRC Toy Run six years ago.  My favorite RRRC race is the Carytown 10K. 

Over the years, I have run in countless RRRC races, have participated in three Grand Prix, and made lots of friends while doing so.  I have enjoyed volunteering at contract and RRRC races as well.  I would like to become more involved in the club and volunteer my time and believe that serving on the RRRC Board would be a great opportunity to do so.  I plan on attending monthly meetings and RRRC events, whether running or volunteering.  Serving on the Board would be an honor.  I look forward to many more good times with RRRC.

Anne Magee

Dear RRRC:

Thank you for considering me for your board!

I have been a part of the Richmond running community since 2012. This sport, and this amazing community, have taught me so much about the city of Richmond, the human spirit, and myself. I now can’t imagine my life without running and the many friends I have made on this adventure. RRRC races and members have been a big part of my journey!

As a member of the board, I would continue to promote running and our fabulous community. My involvement with Sports Backers as an ambassador alum and as a current coach with Pink Nation, one of the many subteams of MTT, is one way I already do this. I am a founding member of Bike Walk Hanover, an advocacy group that supports safer roads for biking, walking, and running. I also write a blog, Anne the Vegan, focusing on overall wellness, sharing vegan tips and recipes, information about running, race recaps, and my perspective about running as a physical therapist. I love to write, and you may have read one of my articles to Miles and Minutes! I’m also active on social media, and I maintain the Instagram accounts for Bike Walk Hanover and Pink Nation in addition to my own. 

Serving on your board would be another opportunity to give back to the community that has given me so much. I believe I have a number of skills that would benefit our club. But most of all, I love running and our Richmond running community. It would be an honor to contribute in this way. 

Thank you again for your consideration!

Anne Magee

Ben Wachter

My name is Ben Wachter and I am entering my name for nomination to the RRRC board.

Having run in Richmond for 10 years now I see the impact RRRC has at local events and within the community but lately it seems that it has quieted down over the last couple of years. We need to begin looking at avenues of interest to keep members and local runners interested in RRRC and coming back every year for events. Whether this is creating new events, or changing locations for existing events to include surrounding counties. 

 I am willing to help in any way I can to make the next years of RRRC and Richmond area running a success.

Chris Mason

Candidate for Board of Directors

I feel that I would be a continued asset to the board as I have a passion for our local running community. In the past, I have been a coach for the club’s Winter Marathon Training teams and have been a marathon training coach for the Sports Backers program for the past 4 years. I am the current Social Media liaison for the club and I enjoy making sure that our club is being virtually represented in the way that it should be. I also enjoy using the club's various media platforms to ensure that our club members know about our events, that they feel valued and that their opinions are heard by the club and that we enjoy celebrating their successes!

Outside of the things mentioned above, I'm also currently a Race Director for the Frostbite 15K, which I have enjoyed taking part in. I'm proud to say that it was the second largest race the club had last year and probably one of only a few races that have brought in over 1,000 runners/sign-ups.  Amazing! 

Thank you for your consideration regarding keeping me on board. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any additional questions!

Farleigh Fitzgerald

Candidate for Board of Directors

When I moved from Colorado to Virginia 12 years ago, I was having a difficult time finding the same active community with an emphasis on fitness and most of all, friendship that I enjoyed so much while living out west. It took a while, but once I found my “running family” and more specifically, the Richmond Road Runners, I knew I had found my people.

I always look forward to every Road Runners “family reunion”…. I mean race whether I’m volunteering or running. There is always a special kind of energy that is unique to each event. In particular, I love the inclusive nature of each race- seeing people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities welcomed and supported.

I have an extensive background in event management, both through volunteer roles in the community and through my professional career. In these roles, I have planned and executed both small and large events, managed budgets, organized committees, led communications efforts, and collaborated with both internal and community partners. It would be an honor to serve on the Richmond Road Runners Board, as I believe it would give me an opportunity to continue to grow my leadership skills and give back to a community that has given me so much. 

Thank you!

 

Katherine Zampolin

Candidate for Board of Directors

As a longtime member of RRRC, I have remained active in RRRC over the years, and on the board the last two years serving on the scholarship and retention committees. I’ve stayed very active in the running community and trail running community, was on the former RRRC race team, as well as a girls XC coach at Trinity Episcopal School for 4 years. I am a certified Running Coach through RRCA, certified Personal Trainer through NASM, and have some certifications in nutrition.  I coach winter training through VCF. RRRC is an amazing club, providing a strong running community with a positive and healthy approach. I hope to continue on, and hopefully continue to add value to the club.

Kirk Millikan

Candidate for Board of Directors

As a member of the Board of Directors over the last two years, I believe that I have contributed to the advancement of the club in several ways but particularly through chairing the RRRC Scholarship Committee the past two years.

As chair of the Scholarship Committee, I spent many hours preparing the announcement of the scholarship, sorting applications for review by committee members, and compiling scores for each applicant in addition to reading and scoring each application myself. I am proud of the fact that we received a higher number of applications each year and that the pool of applicants was more diverse each year.

Over the last two years on the RRRC Board of Directors I have attended almost every monthly board meeting, highlighting my commitment to the club and to the board. Also, I have been a Grand Prix Finalist every year since 2014, showing my dedication to RRRC races both as a participant and as a volunteer. I look forward to continuing my involvement in RRRC in the future.

Thank you.

Mara George

Candidate for Board of Directors

Hi, I’m Mara George and I would love to be re-elected to the Richmond Road Runners Club Board of Directors.  I am 35 years old, but I began volunteering at races when I was 8 years old.  I have been a board member since 2009.  I have been the Race Director for Pony Pasture 5k since 2010 and Co-Race Director of Frostbite 15k since 2018.  I am the Membership Coordinator, assist with the club’s social media, and one of the chip system timers.  This past year at the annual banquet I was the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award.  I work for Sports Backers as the Event Production and Training Team Coordinator.  I am also a 10k Training Team Coach and Half Marathon Training Team Coach.  I love the Richmond running community and the impact that the Road Runners has on the community.  I hope to continue serving on the Board to further the reach and influence.

Marcy George

Candidate for Board of Directors

I would like to offer my name for consideration as a member of the Board of Directors.

I feel I offer a different perspective in that I walk races as well as do a lot of volunteering. This will be my 8th year of being the Race Director for the Sweetheart 8K. I have volunteered at races for RRRC as well as with other groups for as long as I can remember.  I handle walk-up registration, packet pick-up, work the finish line and have become a “Football Guru" for the club. With SportsBackers I am on their committee for the Marathon and Monument Avenue 10K at their expos and help coordinate the finish lines for both races. I also coach their 8K and 10K training teams as well as help them with other races and events they sponsor. In addition, I have volunteered with the Capital Trail Foundation for their Cap2Cap Bike Ride and coordinated registration for the event.

Matthew Novak

My name is Matthew Novak, and I am interested in serving on the RRRC Board of Directors for the 2022-24 term. My love for running began at Deep Run High School where I was an 11-time state champion. My senior year, I was named the Richmond Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers 2015 Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and I was the New Balance Outdoor Nationals Champion in the mile. I continued my running and academic career at the University of Virginia where I received my Bachelor’s in Economics (2019) and Master’s in Higher Education (2020). During my tenure, I earned multiple All-ACC honors, All-ACC academic honors, and one All-American honor. Currently, I work as a financial analyst for CarMax, and I am a volunteer XC coach at Deep Run High School.

I am interested in serving on the RRRC Board of Directors because I believe in the club’s mission of supporting running and healthy lifestyles. I am forever in debt to the sport and serving the Board of Directors provides an opportunity for me to give back while supporting the Richmond community. My experience, passion, and expertise make me a great fit, and I will leverage these strengths to support the club’s mission.

Thank you for the consideration, and I look forward to continuing the election process.

Matthew Novak

Michael George

Candidate for Board of Directors

I would like to place my name on the ballot for the RRC board.

Qualifications? OK:

  • RRRC member since 1989
  • RRRC board member since 1991
  • RRRC club president 1996 - 1997
  • Battlefield 1/2 marathon race director for 13 years
  • Patrick Henry 1/2 marathon co-race director for all years in existence
  • Start line/finish line/timing coordinator for RRRC and SportsBackers events
  • Raced/ran 5k's thru Ultra-marathons over 30+ years
  • USAT&F course certifier
  • Loudmouth
  • Provider of fun, mischief, and Grateful Dead

Mike Bender

Candidate for Board of Directors

The RRRC has been a part of my family’s life for over a decade and I have been an active participant, both as a runner and a volunteer.  I am an avid runner who didn’t start distance running consistently until 2008.  That year I ran my first half marathon in Richmond.  I enjoyed the training and found the friendships developed out on the road to be some of the strongest I have made.  I have since gone on to complete numerous half marathons and three full marathons.  In that time I have found that helping others to complete their running goals is as satisfying as reaching any personal accomplishments.  

Running is part of my life, along with my family and my career in public safety.  My wife and daughters are all active members of the club and we compete annually in the Grand Prix competition.  I have lived, worked and run in the City of Richmond for 25 years as a Richmond Police Officer.  Within the department I have been an ambassador for running and living an active healthy lifestyle.  With my current assignment, I believe the time has come for me to give back by serving within the RRRC as a Board Member.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Mike Gholson

Candidate for Board of Directors

I would like to nominate myself for a position on the RRRC Board of Directors. I have been a runner for 40ish years. I have participated in and volunteered for many races within the RRRC community over the years. I was co-director for one year, and now director for the Cul-de-Sac5k race series put on by RRRC. I was also on the race committee for the very first Monument 10K. I would love the opportunity to contribute to the racing community and give back to the sport I love! 

Thank you for your consideration.

Mike Levins

Candidate for Board of Directors

I have been a Club member since 1978.  I have been a Board member and directed the Stratford Hills 10K for many years.  I am still an active runner and volunteer, so I have experience as both a race participant and manager.

Thanks.

Noah Mercer

I would like to nominate myself to be on the RRRC Board of Directors.  I have been a member of the club for a few years now and have volunteered a number of times for races.  I really enjoy working on the behind-the-scenes aspects of the club and believe I would be an asset to the board.  

Sarah Allen

As someone new to Richmond, the first thing I looked for was a supportive running group that accepts ALL runners of ALL sizes. I started talking with Nikkia about Girls On The Run Coaching, and she mentioned checking out RRRC. I have only been able to get to one meetup and one race, but the support is there! I would love a spot on the board not just as a runner, but as a member of the community that shows all bodies are runners. The RRRC has made me feel welcomed and wanted as a runner, and a chance to help with whatever the community needs is what I am all about. 

Sarah Golightly

I would like to be considered for the RRRC Board.  Over the past few years, I have actively supported RRRC by participating in most of the races offered by either running, volunteering, and/or promoting amongst my friends.  Additionally, I am a SportsBackers Monument Avenue 10K training team coach.

I realize what a gift we have here in our Richmond running community with this group. This group is inclusive, and members are full of knowledge they are willing to share. 

I would like to be on the Board to help promote our mission of supporting running and healthy lifestyles in the Richmond region.  My background is in clinical exercise physiology.  I have always been active, and I have continued to encourage and support those around me with their activity goals.   

Thank you for your consideration for allowing me to be on the ballot for the December election.  I will see you in the October meeting.

Please let me know if I can answer any questions for you.