ABSF Board Candidate: Chris Morley
Hometown:
Hayward, WI
Years of ABSF Membership:
many
Occupation:
Retired / CEO emeritus Global Risk Managemetment
Why are you interested in being a member of the ABSF Board of Directors?
I am a current ABSF Board of Directors member. I currently serve on the finance committee and Birkie One. I would like your support to serve another 3 year term.
What knowledge and skills do you possess that can benefit the organization?
Having started my own business, running it for over 20 years and then selling it, I bring to the ABSF critical and strategic thinking skills, experience on how to build a team through camaraderie and consensus, and bring an appreciation and respect for others’ perspectives and experiences. Over the the past three years as a board member I have gained huge insight into the workings of the ABSF and an unbounded respect for the skill, talent and dedication of the ABSF staff and volunteers. I, like many, would arrive at an event and have a great event experience without understanding the behind the scenes work that takes place prior to, during, and after an event. I believe this gained insight allows me to better support the ABSF organization and its staff, assist the board in balancing decision’s relating to the operations of the organization, financial considerations, and the ABSF mission and values. I live in Hayward fulltime. Being a local allows me to bring a community perspective to the board through feedback from the local residents, skiers, runners, and bikers. MTV is an amazing world class facility> I was fortunate enough, as were all board members, to be part of that vision and support it through fund raising efforts.
How do you see yourself helping to fulfill the ABSF vision, mission and values?
Vision: As board members we are all required to be on a committee or two. I am currently the committee chair for Birkie One. Birkie One is the community outreach program of the ABSF. Our focus has been working with the LCO Native American Population. Over the past three years we have been able to get the 3rd-5th grade kids on skis for the first time. This past year, a team of volunteers traveled to the LCO school and worked with the kids in their own backyard. Are we challenging them ? Yes. Are creating memories and shaping their lifestyles? Yes. The response from the kids is ” can we do this again?” One just needs to look at the smiles on their faces and their enthusiasm.
Mission: As you know the The American Birkebeiner Ski race/event is one of the largest and most prestigious events in the world. In addition, The Birkie has hosted other high level events such as the Gitchie Gammie Games and the Super Tour. I am a long time participant in the Birkie and a volunteer at the other events. I live on the Birkie Trail and am always amazed how such a rare resource it is and must be taken care of forever. As a “local” I continually get to see people of all ages committed a healthy lifestyle by enjoying the ski trails, bike trails, and hiking trails that the ABSF and other organizations have provided and care for.
Values: I believe a portion of my values are are shown through my activities in the Birkie One program by valuing the diversity of our community, showing up when we say were going to and respecting every participant and volunteer. Being a board member means being a team player. But, it doesn’t mean quelling your view point. I believe being a “local” gives me the opportunity to be part of the Birkie Team.
