Continuing the momentum from previous years, the Nominating Committee met several times to consider a robust list of candidates for the 2012 Mountaineers Board of Directors election which will end on Wednesday, October 17, at 6 p.m. In identifying governance needs for the next year, the committee came up with a slate of diverse candidates with strength and experience in education, volunteer programming, youth programming, fundraising, non-profit finances, technology, publishing, hospitality/real estate development or management and political expertise to ensure that top organizational priorities were met. After evaluating current board strengths and the needs of the organization, the committee believes the four candidates listed below will best serve the board and organization (many of those not selected this year have been identified as future board candidates or advisory council members). The Mountaineers Board of Directors unanimously endorses the four. Every year Mountaineers have the opportunity to nominate additional candidates from the floor during the Annual Meeting. No candidates were nominated from the floor this year.

Candidate Statements

• Chloe Harford
• Leah Schulz
• Kara Stone
• Tom Varga

The four board candidates above possess the professional skills and personal commitment needed to further our mission:

Voting

Voting opens at 8 a.m., Monday, October 1, and closes at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17. You have two options:

VOTE ELECTRONICALLY by email. By October 1, all members with valid email addresses on file should receive an email invitation to vote. If you do not, please check your email service’s junk mail or spam folders. If you are still without an emailed invitation to vote, please verify that we have your correct email on file. Due to the nature of our online ballot, you will have to submit a paper ballot (see below) if you are without a valid email address on file or sharing an email address with a family member. All active members and children over age 14 are eligible to vote. Duplicate votes will not be counted.

VOTE VIA PAPER Download this paper ballot. If you have any problems with downloading or printing, please contact The Mountaineers Program Center for assistance: info@mountaineers.org (please write “ballot” in subject line); 206-521-6001.

Chloe Harford | Leah Schulz | Kara Stone | Tom Varga

CHLOE HARFORD

Background: Chloe is vice president of product management and strategy at Zillow, the leading real estate information marketplace in the country. Chloe has also worked at eLong.com in Beijing, at the Boston Consulting Group, Expedia in Europe, and at the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. Prior to getting hooked by technology, Chloe was a volunteer teacher in a remote school in the Nepal Himalayas, where she recently returned to launch a non-profit technology project. She holds an MA in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University, a PhD in Volcanology from Bristol University, an MBA from INSEAD, and is a Fellow of the Explorers Club.

A member since 2005, Chloe is an avid explorer, skier, climber, windsurfer and kitesurfer. She started the ski and snowboard mountaineering class within weeks of coming to the U.S. and has since taken basic climbing, intermediate climbing and telemark courses with The Mountaineers. She has served on the Books Governance Committee since 2010 and has advised on technology issues for The Mountaineers.

Why the board approves Chloe

Chloe brings a strong background in technology and executive-level management skills. Her business acumen in strategy, marketing and general management would be an asset, as well as her familiarity with Mountaineers Books.

Personal statement: I joined The Mountaineers within weeks of coming to the U.S. in 2005, opening up fantastic opportunities for me to learn new skills, explore the Pacific Northwest, make lasting friendships and become a part of a vibrant outdoor community. I have since enjoyed contributing on the committee for Mountaineers Books, our global ambassador. I grew up exploring the mountains and waters of the British Northwest, where I first discovered and became a fan of Mountaineers Books. I welcome the opportunity to serve on the board and ensure that The Mountaineers and the outdoors flourish for generations to come.

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Background: With 20 years of experience in the real estate industry in Washington state, Leah is a licensed mortgage broker and real estate agent. She is also a member of the Greater Seattle Business Association since 1992.

A member since 2006, Leah is a graduate of the Basic Climbing Course and a student of the Intermediate Climbing Course.

Why the board approves Leah

Leah is applying for climb leader with the Seattle Branch. She was instrumental in the launch and growth of our youth programs. Leah has a clear passion for The Mountaineers and would broaden the diversity of the board. She has extensive fundraising, nonprofit and youth program experience--all qualities that the committee seeks in candidates this year.

Personal statement:I have dedicated many years of my life to the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA), an organization that is the largest gay and lesbian business chamber in the country. I served as executive secretary for the 25-member GSBA Board of Directors--a huge responsibility that involved national travel, extensive fundraising, recruiting major donors, sponsors and event attendees. I am currently enrolled in the Intermediate Climbing Course and am scheduled to finish the curriculum this year. I was excited to be involved with designing and implementing a three-part youth curriculum created by Mountaineers Education Manager Becca Polglase. One of my longtime clients is a teacher at John Muir Elementary, and I convinced her to let Becca and I try out our new youth program on her students. It’s been a great success! I was also able to solicit a “mini-sponsorship” from another colleague on the Board at Pacific Medical Centers to supply our students with retired first aid supplies. I love The Mountaineers, and it has become a vital part of my life. I would be honored to be considered for a board position.

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KARA STONE

Background: Kara is general manager of the REI flagship store where she has managed a multi-million dollar business with hundreds of hourly employees. Kara also has extensive volunteer and youth programming experience, serving on the boards of YMCAs for over seven years.

Joining The Mountaineers in 2012, Kara is a charter member of The Mountaineers Advisory Council and a current member of The Mountaineers Board of Directors.

Why the board approves Kara

Kara has offered to serve for another term. With her leadership, she will bring her passion for the outdoors and her professional expertise in managing large organizations and volunteer-run programs. Her passion for youth is crucial to our organization, and she would continue to be a welcome leader on our board.

Personal statement: For all of us that consider time outdoors essential to life, and have found assurance and stability in the unpredictable environs of the mountains, there has likely been an influential person or organization that has connected us to the outdoor lifestyle.

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Background: Tom is founding partner of CFO Selections, a Seattle-based professional services firm focused on financial management and on suporting Washington’s children in need. He and his company were critical business partners during the recent controller transition at The Mountaineers. Tom is currently responsible for overall operations of the business including its expansion into other markets across the western United States. He holds an MBA from The University of Notre Dame and a BS in Finance and Accounting from John Carroll University.

A member since 2002, Tom is active in The Mountaineers climbing program as a student and an instructor. He is currently enrolled in the Intermediate Climbing Course. He has climbed numerous peaks in Washington, Oregon and New Zealand, and has been to the summit of Mt. Rainier four times. He is a founding member of our Peak Society and actively supports several of the organization’s strategic initiatives with his time and talent.

Why the board approves Tom

Tom has served The Mountaineers Board of Directors with distinction over the past two years. His financial expertise, as well as his focus on the efficient management of both for-profit and not-for-profit corporations, makes him an ideal fit. His skills as an entrepreneur and financial manager are critical to the board as we continue to evolve. He is a natural leader and has served on numerous board committees.

Personal statement: Since first experiencing the Pacific Northwest in the mid ‘80s (I grew up in Ohio), I have been mesmerized by the sheer beauty and amazing diversity of this region. The foresight of those who worked to protect and preserve our wilderness areas has provided us today with the awesome gift that is the Northwest outdoors. I feel both obligated and privileged to pay that stewardship forward for future generations, and I am convinced that helping The Mountaineers is one of the best ways to accomplish this goal.