USPA National Director Special Election
Features
Thursday, October 29, 2020
Following are photographs, candidate profiles and biographies for those who have offered to fill the one vacant national director seat on the USPA Board of Directors and serve the remainder of the term. It is your responsibility as a USPA member to vote for the person you feel is best qualified to represent you.
Candidates were required to complete a standard biographical form and were invited to submit personal statements (limited to 250 words) describing their qualifications and their intentions if elected. These statements are printed along with the candidates’ photographs and skydiving histories, as provided by them.
The Board of Directors
USPA’s Board has 22 elected members, eight of whom are national directors elected by the entire USPA membership, and 14 of whom are regional directors elected by the members from the regions where they reside. When seated on the board, regional and national directors have equal authority.
In this special election, you may vote for one national director candidate. You may vote for one candidate whose name appears on the ballot or you may write in a candidate whose name does not appear on the ballot.
Voting Procedures
Please read the information about each candidate carefully and study the instructions for voting. Only current, regular members (annual and lifetime members, but not temporary members) are eligible to vote. Ballots must be in the approved format and received on or before the deadline. You may vote either by paper ballot or electronically.
Electronic Voting. Beginning November 2, 2020, members who have previously logged into their USPA accounts and set up their profiles and user names and passwords, may log in to their USPA profile (uspa.org/me) at any time and click the “Vote Now” icon to view the online ballot and vote.
Also around November 2, current members with a valid email address on file at USPA Headquarters should receive an email from USPA. To ensure delivery, members are encouraged to add uspa.org to their list of approved contacts (sometimes referred to as a whitelist). The email will provide instructions on how to record your vote. There will be occasional email reminders from USPA until a vote is recorded or until the end of the election. If you are a current member but did not receive an email, you may still vote online at uspa.org/election.
Paper Ballot Voting. Paper ballots are available as downloadable PDFs at uspa.org/election. You may also request a mailed ballot by contacting the USPA membership department at (540) 604-9740.
Ballots containing more than one national director vote will be disqualified. Ballots are valid only if they are individually marked and signed in the voter’s original handwriting. You may vote any time after receipt of your ballot by indicating your selection and mailing or delivering it to USPA at 5401 Southpoint Centre Blvd., Fredericksburg VA 22407. Faxed or emailed ballots are not acceptable.
Members may vote one time only. If more than one ballot is cast, the first ballot received (by any method) will be the one counted. USPA Headquarters must receive all paper ballots or electronic votes no later than 5 p.m. EST, Monday, November 30, 2020.
The new director will be seated at the 2021 winter board meeting, to be held January 29-31 in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Click on candidate's name to view their bio.
Age: 33
Profession: Professional Skydiver/ Story Analyst at Disney
Year Joined: 2007
Total Jumps: 8,500
Jumps Past Year: 100
Licenses: D-33009
Ratings and Appointments: Coach, AFFI, TI, SLI, IADI, PRO
Awards: Not Reported
"I'd like to help improve education and increase access in skydiving so that our sport continues to be a benchmark for free expression and personal responsibility, leading our society as a culture of progression and camaraderie."
Age: 51
Profession: Skydiver/Alligator Wrestler
Year Joined: 1992
Total Jumps: 9,657
Jumps Past Year: 269
Licenses: C-24064, D-16592
Ratings and Appointments: SLI, IADI, TIE, AFFI, PRO, S&TA
Awards: 4,000 Jump Wings, 48-Hour Freefall Badge
"The only reason I am a DZO is that I was a single father back in the day and my son traveled with me to drop zones. When he became grade school age, that traveling agenda was not possible. Since there was not a local DZ to jump at, I started my own with a camper and a tent so I could continue in the sport. Fifteen-plus years and several aircraft later, I still forge on. I am running for national director because I see a need to get back to the basics. No need to raise requirements for ratings or licenses if we just enforce current requirements. I see a move/shift in policy and procedures that really benefit large drop zones. Being a DZO, if I had a large DZ, I would want all policies to help me, also. We cannot forget the life blood of this sport, the Cessna drop zones that grew this sport to where it is today. Granted, I run to a turbine DZ every chance I get. I have even run turbines at my drop zone. We need a voice in the decision process that does not only consider the past, the current and the future but does not forget the little guy and gal that makes up this organization. 'Beer lights required at all DZs; if you don't know what a beer light is, I might be too late.' Please vote for William 'Wild Bill' Geaslin, National Director."
Age: 67
Profession: Writer, Skydiving Coach and Judge
Year Joined: 1972
Total Jumps: 12,250
Jumps Past Year: 350
Licenses: D-6411
Ratings and Appointments: National Judge
Awards: Not Reported
"By vote tally in the prior election, I believe I am the next in line among the national director candidates. But this is a special election, and there are several promising new candidates— why not pick one of them? Because with one year left on the current board's term, it would be prudent to go with experience and the ability to step into the vacant seat and not miss a beat. Having long been involved with the board and USPA, I can offer the membership a 'veteran, steady at the wheel' for the next year. What else? I'm an active skydiver and proud member of the 2020/2021 U.S. Team. If you attended a USPA Nationals or World Championships event where I served as your meet director, you know I practice servant leadership, an 'ears-open, mind-open' approach to getting things done, fun and efficient. With 47 years in the sport, having served two prior terms as a national director and five years as your USPA Director of Competition, I'm well versed in the inner workings of headquarters and the board of directors. I'm committed to making the process more effective and transparent, so that it serves you, the member. I would be honored to receive your vote and serve as your national director."
Age: 47
Profession: DZO
Year Joined: 1989
Total Jumps: 1,000-plus
Jumps Past Year: 3
Licenses: D-13986
Ratings and Appointments: Not reported
Awards: Not Reported
"Serving on the USPA Board of Directors is a job that requires a lot more than skydiving skills. As president of Skydive Arizona, I have decades of experience that goes far beyond jumping out of airplanes. This includes flying jump planes; maintaining one of the largest fleets of skydiving aircraft in the world; organizing major skydiving events, including boogies and competitions; dealing with the FAA; and working with local and state officials on airport issues that affect skydivers. Having served as Mountain Regional Director and with a wide range of experience, I feel I would be an excellent candidate to fill this national director seat!"
Age: 43
Profession: Entrepreneur
Year Joined: 1996
Total Jumps: 11,150
Jumps Past Year: 100
Licenses: D-20224
Ratings and Appointments: PRO, S&TA
Awards: 10,000-Jump Wings
"I have had the privilege of engaging with the sport of skydiving in a variety of roles, and I believe this gives me a unique perspective of the sport. Over the decades, I have not only witnessed great changes to the sport, but I have also played an active role in inspiring changes within the sport to improve the safety of its participants and to encourage increased competitive participation through developing, hosting and organizing events in newly emerging disciplines. My mission is to serve the sport, which has given so much to me, and focus on sport promotions, represent the vertical disciplines and bring vast, relevant experience to the table."
Age: 50
Profession: Production Manager
Year Joined: 2009
Total Jumps: 1,750
Jumps Past Year: 150
Licenses: A-57467, B-34191, C-38963, D-31962
Ratings and Appointments: AFFI, CE, PRO
Awards: 1,000-Jump Wings, 12-Hour Freefall Badge, 2018 USPA Regional Achievement Award (Southeast)
"Advancing the sport of skydiving is a true passion of mine. From my very first tandem jump in 2009 all the way through to my current AFF instructor/coach examiner status, and in my volunteer role as leader of the mentor program at Skydive Spaceland– Clewiston, I have worked to advance professional development and integrity in safety practices. USPA saw fit to recognize my efforts in this area with a Regional Achievement Award in 2018 for 'tireless dedication to fostering a cooperative learning environment that is both safe and fun.' I have held a variety of positions in the skydiving world, in my professional career as a business owner and in my volunteer work. With this variety of experience, I am fully prepared to tackle the challenges that lay ahead. I am a self-motivated problem solver with an excellent working knowledge of the mechanics and art of skydiving, efficient and effective running of drop zones, and how to work effectively with a wide variety of personalities. And if you need anything built, I'm your guy! I enthusiastically look forward to working with the board to help USPA continue to innovate and improve the safety of our wonderful sport."
Age: 38
Profession: Laser Engineering Manager
Year Joined: 2013
Total Jumps: 500-plus
Jumps Past Year: 10
Licenses: C-44224
Ratings and Appointments: AFFI
Awards: Not Reported
"I am looking to give back to my sky-community in a sophisticated way. My three priorities, if elected to the board of directors, include: 1) Ensure skydiving operations continue in the USA on local, state and federal levels as appropriate. 2) Launch initiatives to attract, sustain and cultivate membership for sport jumpers, including people from all walks of life and highlighting the support of women. 3) Ensure that USPA policies do not just look good on paper but have meaningful roll-out in the field (*cough, cough, COVID*). Since my Cat-A jump in 2013, I have been hooked into the organized mayhem of the sport and the camaraderie of weirdos. Growing up on Michigan drop zones has given me the foundation of skyfamily. I have witnessed the physical, emotional and financial gymnastics in which DZOs contort to keep the prop turning. I delight in new students accomplishing their A licenses and continuing to grow their skills with a seasoned crew of mentor jumpers. Since having a kid in 2019, I took a year off from jumping but was determined to get back on the DZ, and I want to use that experience to help others not have to choose between family and jumping. Vote for me and we'll work together on keeping the sport agile to adapt to change and provide safe haven for your friends and frenemies. P.S. Disclaimer: Sorry, no free lasers."
Age: 59
Profession: Executive Leader/Educator
Year Joined: 1998
Total Jumps: 10,572
Jumps Past Year: 400-plus
Licenses: A-31305, D-23572
Ratings and Appointments: Coach, AFFI, CE, IADIE, AFFIE
Awards: Not Reported
"Relevant experience. As former director, Valley Health Systems Mobile Intensive Care Program, my duties included quarterly meetings at the New Jersey State Department of Health protecting the interest of the hospital. This experience in protecting the hospital against intrusive legislation attempting to be codified into law gives me particular insight into the management of the USPA affairs. While our organization is privileged to have blanket immunity from FAA regulation, this immunity does not cover every action. Recently observed and documented actions of the USPA fall very near actionable offenses in the areas of labor relations, right-to-work standards, discrimination, corporate compliance regulations and procurement practices. I offer my experience in the areas of corporate compliance, risk management, service recover, team building and quality assurance to help protect our organization from undue exposure and litigation. Goals ensure that the use of technology moves us forward. That equal treatment be given to all aspects of skydiving in a fair manner and help protect you, the member-owner, from the organization itself. Return our organization's national publication to its former luster and perhaps even profitability. Update the current licensing and ratings system. Conclusion: I spent 20-plus years in EMS, 20-plus years from first-time jumper to multi-rated examiner. I wish to offer my next 20 years as a leader within the USPA for the benefit of all, from packer to pilot, from rookie to competitor and every other member-owner of our great organization. Full position paper available on Facebook Ranch Ratings Worldwide"