PRESIDENT

Jim Chakeris

Jim's Columbus Stompers' experience began in late 1996.  "I showed up at Wall Street one night and was hooked," he says.  "Little did I know that I walked into Wall Street Nite Club and found my 'second family.'"

Jim has served as President and Vice President and helped out with just about everything along the way.  He has danced on the Medley, Open, Line and Couples teams. 

Jim says he has enjoyed traveling to IAGLCWDC events and competitions.  "I have always loved our 'You're Gone' routine," he says.  "But my most memorable experience was the moment we completed our competition routine at the 2004 IAGLCWDC Annual Convention/Hoedown held in Columbus.  It is a constant reminder that 'I Believe.'"

Jim would like to thank everyone who has been a part of his Columbus Stompers family.  "I am confident it will keep growing."

VICE PRESIDENT

Sara Ernest

Sara is a relatively new addition to the Columbus Stompers family.  She says she was brought into the fold four years ago by her wonderful girlfriend and is very excited about her new role as Vice President.

Sara has danced with the Stompers competition teams for the past three years and has appeared in numerous exhibitions around town. This year, she decided to step up and take a leadership role for the first time. "I'm hoping to draw on my experience with other community organizations here in Columbus," she says. "By working together, we can help the Stompers reach new goals."

Sara says it's important to remember that the Columbus Stompers are a unique organization with a mission to dance and have fun but also to raise money for local charities.  

"It is our job to continually reinvent ourselves to do the most good for our community," she says. "If there is one thing I have learned over the course of the past year, it is so important to support our family and our community. The Columbus Stompers have provided me with a place to belong."

TREASURER

Shaun Whybark

Shaun says he is very excited to have been elected Treasurer of the Columbus Stompers for 2010. He arrived in Columbus about two  years ago and says he was interested in the Columbus Stompers from the very first day.  "This group is an amazing bunch of people who have brought me into their family and made me a part of it," he says.

Shaun has a business background and is in the process of completing his business degree.  He has been in management positions during most of his adult life and believes his work experience makes him a natural fit for the Treasurer's post.

"I love being part of this organization," Shaun says, "because of its reputation, its standing in our community, and the love it shows its members."

"When you are a stomper," Shaun continues, "you are part of something bigger than yourself."

He says he hopes to help the organization move forward with new ways of thinking, new ways to grow the membership base and get more people involved, and to renew the Stompers' community ties.

SECRETARY

Geri Rousculp

This is Geri's third year with the Columbus Stompers and her first year on the Executive Board.  As Secretary, she says her goal is to keep all the members, the Board and other interested, like-minded folks informed about Stomper activities and opportunities for participation. "Keeping track of the group's official business is crucial to moving forward," she says. "It's vital to maintain a historical record of decisions and events."

Although she has no previous experience with the Stompers' Board, Geri has held leadership positions in other professional groups such as the Ohio Society for Public Health Education and the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition.

In 2008, Geri was a member of the Stompers Couples Team.  Unfortunately, in 2009, she was sidelined by a mid-season injury and was unable to compete with the award-winning Line Team, so she is especially enthusiastic about rejoining the team for 2010.

"The Columbus Stompers have provided a whole new outlet for exercise, fun, social activities, and a chance to work toward a goal: the International Competition.  I love it!" she says.  Geri hopes her enthusiasm rubs off on others in the community, bringing in new members and encouraging previous members to rejoin the Stomper family.