First, I’d like you all to know that I am healthy and well, and have an excellent report from my doctors. While I still have a way to go before I can be as active as I’d like, each day I am improving and feeling stronger and more eager to get back on the mat.
Over the summer I thought a lot about my position in the USAF and in my mind compared it to my dojo, New York Aikikai. A few years ago, I resigned from the Board and as the President of NYA. My job title now is simply Chief Instructor. It is the position I am most happy in. I realized that my title at my dojo would also work very well for the USAF and helps create a good plan for our future.
As of January 1st, 2016 I will no longer be the President of the USAF and will no longer be a board member. Instead, I am excited for my new title, Chief Instructor and Technical Advisor of the USAF.
The positions of President, President Elect and Vice President of the USAF will be eliminated. The officer positions will be Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary, and there will also be a Chairperson of the Technical Committee. When I can no longer serve as Chief Instructor or Technical Advisor, the Technical Committee will assume my responsibilities. The Board and Technical Committee, along with Laura Pavlick as Director of Operations, have very different roles and qualifications, and will work together to serve our members and support our federation.
I am very pleased with these changes because I think they solve concerns about the future in the most positive way. I plan on being around for a long time, enjoying my new title and providing my oversight and guidance just as I have always done.
I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year and look forward to seeing you on the mat soon.
