By Kerri Loudoun, Communications and Marketing Portfolio Leader (kerri.loudoun@skipatrol.ca)
Last month we provided an overview of the organizational structure of the CSP at the national level.
In this month’s article, we would look a bit closer at the board of directors, and how it functions within our organizational frame.
General overview of the board of directors
Board members are elected by zone presidents and serve a minimum of three-year term, with an opportunity to extend their term by an additional two years.
Board members’ terms are staggered, so the number of vacant positions that become available varies each year.
The board of directors meets monthly via Teams video calls to discuss a variety of topics affecting the CSP at a very high level. The board’s work is often strategic in focus, but at times it is also required to provide input on ad hoc projects or issues that may arise within national portfolios.
The board is structured as follows:
- Board chairperson
- Board vice-chairperson
- Board corporate secretary
- Four additional board members
How the board of directors connects to the other levels of the organization
Four advisory committees (financial oversight, IT advisory, medical advisory, legal advisory) all report directly to the board of directors. These committees provide advice specific to their assigned focus. They also work with the co-executive directors and portfolio leaders as required.
For the CSP National Management Committee (consisting of the portfolio leaders and the co-executive directors), a single board member participates in biweekly meetings to provide a voice on behalf of the board.
In essence the board has representation at these meetings to offer insights into matters they are working on that may impact the other working groups directly.
In addition, this allows for a direct and reasonable line of communication with the leaders at various levels to maintain dynamic, open dialogue among all groups at the national level.
Process to join the board of directors
At a minimun of 60 days before the annual general meeting (AGM) the board corporate secretary put a call out for individuals to be considered for a board position. There is a detailed process potential candidates must follow, which is outlined on the members website. Members should keep an eye out for a patrol bulletin that provides this direction on eligibility, along with resources and deadlines for consideration.
Once candidate nominations have been accepted, there is a review process and prospective board member candidates will have the opportunity to speak with zone presidents formally and informally. The formal meeting is a structured video meeting: it allows candidates to present why they should be considered as a board member, as well as ensuring zone presidents can ask specific questions of each candidate.
Once each candidate is interviewed, the zone presidents are provided with a window of time to vote on the candidates. Votes are cast electronically, and the election results are then shared with the full membership.
Your current board of directors
Below you’ll see a list of your current board of directors. We’ve asked each board member to share a little about themselves so you can get to know each person.
Stephane Niles (board chairperson
What year did you join the CSP? 2011
What resort/area do you patrol at primarily? Crabbe Mountain, in New Brunswick
Do you patrol on alpine skis, Telemark skis, a snowboard, or Nordic skis? Telemark skis
Describe your fondest memory (so far) while volunteering with the CSP. There are so many!!! Volunteering at the Canada Winter Games 2023 downhill events was definitely one of the great ones. Meeting athletes from all across Canada and being part of making their experience a memorable one is something I will always remember and cherish.
What’s your go-to food item to order and consume at your resort/area? I get what my hill calls a “Fix”, a poutine. Who can resist squeaky cheese, gravy and crispy fries after an awesome day at the hill?
If you went back in time to talk to yourself in your first year with the CSP, what would you tell yourself? You’re about to embark on an amazing journey learning great first aid and leadership skills, helping others, and meeting awesome people along the way. Don’t give up, get involved and have fun… you won’t regret it!
Also, be careful of that Jodie guy 🙂
Jodie-Marc Lalonde (vice-chairperson)
What year did you join the CSP? 2009
What resort/area do you patrol at primarily? Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area, Huntsville, Ontario
Do you patrol on alpine skis, Telemark skis, a snowboard, or Nordic skis? Alpine skis
Describe your fondest memory (so far) while volunteering with the CSP. It’s a bit outside of scope but being able to patrol at the Women’s World Cup downhill at Lake Louise.
What’s your go-to food item to order and consume at your resort/area? Bacon and eggs.
If you went back in time to talk to yourself in your first year with the CSP, what would you tell yourself? There is more than the local ski area. There is a wonderful world of great people who are members of the CSP. Get to know them and if you can help make things better put your hand up. Don’t wait to be asked.
Glenn Bonsall (corporate secretary)
What year did you join the CSP? 1986 and 2002
What resort/area do you patrol at primarily? Lake Louise
Do you patrol on alpine skis, Telemark skis, a snowboard, or Nordic skis? Telemark skis
Describe your fondest memory (so far) while volunteering with the CSP. Epic ski conditions and close friends.
What’s your go-to food item to order and consume at your resort/area? Chili fries.
If you went back in time to talk to yourself in your first year with the CSP, what would you tell yourself? I wouldn’t change a thing with my rookie year
Jenn Delaney (director)
What year did you join the CSP? 2011
What resort/area do you patrol at primarily? Blue Mountain, Ontario
Do you patrol on alpine skis, Telemark skis, a snowboard, or Nordic skis? Alpine skis
Describe your fondest memory (so far) while volunteering with the CSP. I enjoy sharing info about the CSP at events at the hill, and had a lot of fun showing some young skiers the toboggan and explaining how we use it to get them down the hill. The kids got to sit or lie down in the toboggan while their parents got to take some photos of their kids in the toboggan.
What’s your go-to food item to order and consume at your resort/area? Breakfast! I love having eggs/eggs benedict at the hill on Sundays.
If you went back in time to talk to yourself in your first year with the CSP, what would you tell yourself? My first year with Kawartha zone was pretty good! They were very welcoming, and I was new to the area and enjoyed meeting people from Durham region. We had a lot of fun, I had some great mentors, and got to have a lot of practice on the hill when the season started. I really enjoyed learning how CSP did some medical skills compared to my EMR/first responder training.
Fred Haight (director)
What year did you join the CSP? 1976
What resort/area do you patrol at primarily? Sun Peaks Resort, Sun Peaks, British Columbia
Do you patrol on alpine skis, Telemark skis, a snowboard, or Nordic skis? Alpine skis
Describe your fondest memory (so far) while volunteering with the CSP. Helping young people and seeing them return to the ski area after being treated by us.
What’s your go-to food item to order and consume at your resort/area? Chicken wings.
If you went back in time to talk to yourself in your first year with the CSP, what would you tell yourself? You will meet a great bunch of people and develop lifelong friendships.
Don Silverman (director)
What year did you join the CSP? 2012
What resort/area do you patrol at primarily? Big White in B.C.
Do you patrol on alpine skis, Telemark skis, a snowboard, or Nordic skis? Alpine skis.
Describe your fondest memory (so far) while volunteering with the CSP. National Capital Marathon patrol days
What’s your go-to food item to order and consume at your resort/area? My smoked meat sandwich.
If you went back in time to talk to yourself in your first year with the CSP, what would you tell yourself? Keep calm. You are never alone.
Anick Vaillancourt (director)
What year did you join the CSP? 1994
What resort/area do you patrol at primarily? Owl’s Head, Québec
Do you patrol on alpine skis, Telemark skis, a snowboard, or Nordic skis? Alpine skis
Describe your fondest memory (so far) while volunteering with the CSP. All the friendships made over the years.
What’s your go-to food item to order and consume at your resort/area? Poutine
If you went back in time to talk to yourself in your first year with the CSP, what would you tell yourself? You’ll be there for a long time; patrolling is so rewarding!
Next issue
Next month, we will outline the role of the National Management Committee, profile the group members and explain the function of the different portfolios.
This post is also available in:
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