Sally Dillon
Candidate for Secretary

Why are you interested in being USMS Secretary and why do you believe you would be a good candidate for this position.

For a number of years I have provided focus to the Long Distance Committee and it's time for that leadership role to change hands and for me to move on to other areas of participation. I will bring excellent organizational skills to the position of Secretary and am prepared for the challenges and responsibility the Executive Committee provides. Being careful and complete is important to me and I take the time to see that any task is done correctly. I have the technical skills (word processing, etc.) and the organizational skills that will enable me to perform the job of Secretary at the highest level expected. Masters Swimming has been a huge part of my life since 1973. It has given me so much enjoyment over the years that I treasure the opportunity to "give back" to the organization. I am a retired school teacher with plenty of spare time and a very flexible schedule.

What do you consider to be the major issues facing USMS in the next four (4) years. As the USMS Secretary, how would you address these issues.

We must assure that USMS's growth in numbers will lead to improvement in the way we do things within the organization, not just additional dollars in the "kitty". Our competition schedule and special event offerings need to grow as well. As USMS Secretary, I would initiate communication with LMSC's, teams and even pool facilities to help USMS expand activities into new areas.

As a volunteer based group, we need to be mindful of member concerns when we expand programs and/or bring on salaried positions. Communication is extremely important and the Executive Board must be open to constructive criticism and interested member's suggestions. As Secretary, I would prepare minutes from Board meetings and make them available to the membership. I support the USMS Goals and would like to see the current Strategic Plan come to fruition and be expanded in the future.

Our convention procedures have improved significantly in recent years but they can be further streamlined and our meeting minutes can be simplified for ease in reading and understanding without losing important content. USMS committees need to be conducted efficiently and according to Robert's Rules of Order. I would like to see workshops and information be made available to the chairs in order to accomplish this.

Please list USMS committees that you have served on.

1. Long Distance Committee, 1988-1993, Chair 1994-present
2. Officials Committee, 1990-present, Ad-Hoc committee Chair 1990-1993
3. Insurance Committee, 1998-present
4. Ad-Hoc Professional Management Committee, 1998-2000

Please list any other experience that relates to your qualifications for office.

I have experience taking minutes at meetings and have coordinated large mailings (such as the Long Distance National Championship entry forms and Calendar of Events). I have conducted surveys and compiled handbooks and manuals. I have led workshops, chaired meetings and conducted special events for various organizations.