To the NW Kite Community: Who the CGKA needs

tonia · Since 15 Jun 2005 209 Posts The Gorge Stoked

To the NW Kite Community....

There has been a significant amount of “campaigning” going on by the current CGKA leadership for the kite community’s vote in the upcoming CGKA elections, and in all fairness, this should be a level playing field. The other CGKA candidate for president, Garret Zallen, should have a voice and medium as well. This led me to realize that the kiteboarding community may not know much about Garret. In the spirit of "Critical Tuesday", I am here to share some background on Garret Zallen, running for CGKA president.

I have known Garret for just over a year, but heard about him long before I ever met him. A dear friend of just 12 years old was undergoing a long and grueling treatment at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Over the course of two years, the family endured frustration with every aspect of the hospital and the illness, except for one shining star that they always talked about: the “doctor kiteboarder.” Pediatric surgery may not be kiteboarding, but how one must communicate and coordinate with the public, the institutions, and the interests of both, is one in the same. Garret does this everyday with humility, objectivity, and a calming and approachable demeanor.

I got to work very closely with Garret on Kiteboarding 4 Cancer, an event in which we had just 3 months to plan, but raised over $63,000 in its first year. Jumping into a partnership with someone you haven’t worked with before is always a gamble, but with Garret on KB4C, I couldn’t have asked to work with a more solid individual.

Garret’s rational and level-headed approach to everything from working with the Port of HR to the city and the state -- always produced success, and best of all – he would leave people happy. Without sounding cheesy, I have to say -- Garret leaves a trail of pixie dust with whomever he deals.

Under pressure on the day of the event, Garret confidently delegated responsibility, but acted quickly on his toes when necessary. He orchestrated with composure and flow, and as a result we had one of the most successful kiteboarding events this region has had in years.

One thing I like about Garret in this role to represent the kiteboarding community is that he will represent and speak for our interests, and he won’t try and do it alone. I have seen great results come from Garret’s empowering of skills, talent, and knowledge of those around him. He is assertive enough to get things done ASAP, but entrusting and selfless enough to enlist the members and committee chairs to be actively involved in decisions and actions.

I have never been more excited to see a new energy, action, and community representation with a change of leadership in the CGKA. These elections represent a huge step in forming a solid foundation for an association that should unify our kiteboarding community and potentially grow to the size of the CGWA, 3000 members + strong. This is where I see Garret’s leadership to help us protect what we have, progress where we should, and lead this organization to one that people really want to belong.

- Tonia Farman

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

Very well said Tonia.
Though I've mostly known Garrett as a affable kiteboarder, a friendly face and one of the most unselfish individuals, I've observed him to be a person who doggedly works for the greater good with a driven yet calming demeanor.
I will not hesitate to vote for him nor would I worry, upon his appointment, on his capabilites for such a position and his capacity to work for our community at large. Thumb's Up

Rico · Since 13 Mar 2005 1219 Posts Vancouver Photographer

I think CGKA has done some great things in the last couple years and has united the kiting community. I hope to help out more this year and look forward to a fun year of kiting. Summer can't come soon enough.....

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

What does Garret ride? I generally know other kiter's by their kites - just wondering if its the same guy I'm thinking of that I see out Sauvie's.

Rico · Since 13 Mar 2005 1219 Posts Vancouver Photographer

Garret before Rev

Bettyboarder · Tue Mar 04, 08 8:56 pm

Garret is a great guy. He honest, well spoken and has a great temperament Very Happy

Last summer he was flying Waroo's now he has Rev's here is a little bit better picture of him. See you guys on Sat

Mike Hawk · Tue Mar 04, 08 9:20 pm **Partay Linez**

Good Points all of you.

The true test of a candidate’s muster is the kite he chooses to ride.

A Statement of Power one might say.

I am voting strictly down party lines.

So Garret/Adam/Pepi... count on it

For the rest of you dudes running please speak up, let us know which kite you ride, so I know to give you my vote...or I write in the Troll
Twisted Evil

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

This was an unexpected post. Tonia I appreciate your words and hope that even half of them are true. I am sorry that there have been rumors going around and I have to say that I don't necessarily agree with some of the tactics that are being used, but I would like to say that I hope whoever wins uses this organization to move kiting to the forefront of the Gorge community. I know that Jim shares the same interest in making kiting and the CGKA successful. I am hoping that these elections will give the members the long awaited opportunity to choose which personality they want to help accomplish these goals. I have sat by and not said much in the way of campaigning lately as I don't want to get involved in dividing the kiting community. I am running for this position because some of the gorge kiters whom I respect asked me to. I have no hidden agenda and my hope is that after the elections the board will take the energy of the kiting community and advance kiting interests through out the Gorge.

I think that it is awesome that people are taking an interest in the CGKA and the elections. See you all on Saturday night.
Very Happy

Oh- and despite what the pictures might show-- I can land on my feet-- sometimes Laughing

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Mar 04, 08 11:26 pm

See how well spoken Garrett is. I met Garrett last summer and you really couldn't hope to meet a nicer and more intelligent guy.

Best of luck in the elections!

forrest · Tue Mar 04, 08 11:55 pm

Lets not forget that all the successes of last year are due to Jim's hard work.

Pepi · Wed Mar 05, 08 12:03 am

Rico · Since 13 Mar 2005 1219 Posts Vancouver Photographer

Garret at Sauvies although I do like the crash and burn pictures better. I think it shows your tough side Wink

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Garret · Since 07 Sep 2006 254 Posts Portland Obsessed

Forrest wrote:

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1734 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

It's great to witness the excitement and energy around this upcoming election.
Best of luck to all who are participating in the process.
The momentum is going the right direction.
I look forward to more great experiences in the gorge this year.
Even though I am from out of the gorge corridor, I'm happy to help so those who seek an office and win, feel free to reach me if you ever need some support.
And thanks to all who had invested their personal time to help CGKA get to where they are today.
I have recognized the efforts of your actions.

jim

Pepi · Wed Mar 05, 08 9:30 am

For those of you who don't know Jim Stringfellow, he and some other like-minded individuals were responsible for the very successful reorganization of the Puget Sound Kiteboarding Association.

I've been personally working on the sidelines on a proposed new CGKA Bylaws and Guidelines handbook for the new CGKA Board of Directors to utilize. Jim Stringfellow's feedback and guidance (along with Katie Crafts of the CGWA) was very helpful and relevent for learning more about how successful non-profit organizations should be organized and run.

If Jim Stringfellow ever pipes in with advice or comments, please give him the respect he deserves.

Pepi

tonia · Since 15 Jun 2005 209 Posts The Gorge Stoked