Fellow members:
Several months ago I announced Nancy Ridout's decision to retire as Pacific Masters' Registrar at the end of this year. Since that time the organization's leadership team has been working to find a replacement for someone who in many respects is irreplaceable. An early decision was to rename the position as the Pacific Masters Office Administrator. This new name is more descriptive of the role Nancy has been filling for some time and reflects the administrative needs of an 11,000 member organization.
In addition to the name change, a job scope was created, a search plan devised, resumes were accepted and screened and interviews were conducted. We were fortunate to receive many applications from well qualified candidates, all of whom were committed to our organization and passionate about swimming.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Charlene O'Brien as the new Pacific Masters Office Administrator. Charlene has significant experience working with non-profits, including financial administration and supporting the efforts of volunteers. Her organization and communication skills impressed the selection team as did her desire to serve the local adult swimming community.
Charlene swims with Walnut Creek and has been a member of Pacific Masters for over 30 years. She has excelled competitively at the highest levels of our sport but she remains at heart a fitness swimmer who enjoys the healthy benefits that are associated with swimming. Her service as a local delegate to the USMS convention and past experience with the Club and Coach Development team have given her an excellent knowledge of the local and national organizations. Please join me in welcoming Charlene as our new Office Administrator.
Over the next few months Nancy and Charlene will be working together to get Charlene up to speed and begin transitioning responsibilities. In the near term your phone calls and emails will continue to go to and be answered by Nancy. Over time more and more of them will be redirected to and answered by Charlene.
We are confident this transition will be seamless to most members.
Just keep swimming,
Peter Guadagni
Chair, Pacific Masters
