Candidate Statements for 2027 OWSA Board
Published 5:32pm on 2 Oct 2026
The election for Board Officers for the 2027 year is coming up on October 28th, so please read the candidate statements here to be fully informed before you vote.
VICE COMMODORE
Candidate: Zumi Sims
I was honored and a little surprised when asked if I would be interested in running. I hesitated in the moment because it is a three year commitment. Then, I looked back at my (short) time in OWSA, and the answer became clear - whole heartedly, yes! In two years, I have gone from not knowing anything about sailing, to (finally) learning to skipper, and buying a boat, … not to mention climbing masts, servicing outboards, rebuilding diesel engines, resurfacing decks, racing, cruising, the list keeps going - all because of the connections I have made and the mentorship I’ve received through OWSA. I am genuinely excited for the chance to be able to give back as a Board Member.
As Vice Commodore, I will be committed to being a good steward to you, the members of OWSA. I come from a background that required rigorous work ethic, organizational skills, and diplomacy - and I will bring my integrity, service and excellence. Having served on multiple boards, I learned many hard lessons on how to work with generational gaps, cultural differences, and how to bring people together with different priorities and different communication styles. I can facilitate by finding and refocusing on a common big picture: the good of the organization.
As an OWSA member: I am a newly minted skipper (on BOAST's Ranger 20), and new boat owner (of a Hunter 30) with a lot more to learn. I started out as the Fleet Manager for BOAST. I am very grateful to my mentors who set me up for success and took time to help me process the new sailing world. Even though the learning curve was steep I was in my comfort zone and I was able to hit my stride. Through the support of my mentors, I now host workshops that give other members exposure to the different tools and techniques they would need as boat owners. I truly enjoyed these past two years as the Fleet Manager. On the other hand, learning to skipper was not in my comfort zone and a LOT rougher. I started at a nice easy pace with the Wednesday Night Sails program. It gave me exposure to different boats, different ways to skipper, and the confidence I needed to be a good crew. I learned to do tasks well, but did not know how to lead a crew or have the confidence to make decisions when something unexpected happens. When I first started my skipper training (with BOAST and on my own boat), I was a hot mess. I found myself terrified: scared of what I couldn’t see (the wind) and frustrated at not being able to master a skill (using the tiller) as quickly as I wanted. It did take an OWSA village (thank you everyone!) but I did it! And let me tell you, being able to read the wind, and feel comfortable on the tiller, and then check off all the skills of a skipper felt soooooo amazing! This exhilaration of overcoming a challenge was possible because we have people who are willing to teach and support each other. I hope to continue to build OWSA as a strong vibrant sailing community by leaning on our internal talents, networking with the community, as well as bringing in new fresh ideas.
As a human, I am not perfect - but when I make mistakes I know to take ownership and be accountable for my actions. I am a sharer/empath - I look to bring people together and compassionately work with others. I am also an optimist - and I think about the potential … whether they are shortfalls or opportunities. I am a multitasking problem solver - I have learned the importance of prioritizing emergencies in chaotic situations.
It would be my privilege to be on the Board and give back what OWSA has given me. I would be honored to receive your vote to be your next Vice Commodore, and if elected commit my energy "for the greater good" of OWSA.
SECRETARY
Candidate: Dawn Tacker
Thank you for nominating me for the position of Secretary. I am interested in this role to help guide the future of OWSA, lend support to the Flag officers, and continue the work of good documentation and record-keeping.
My volunteer experience with OWSA includes Co-Coordinator for our BOAST Program in 2025-26, and working on our fleet. Along with BOAST Co-Coordinator Kathy Clevenger, we worked all winter updating the BOAST application and other paperwork, making sure the program aligned with policies, and organizing our Google Drive files. We also created a participant survey that was presented to the Board.
In my professional life I own and direct services at a dyslexia clinic, which also requires a much organization and planning. I am confident that my professional and volunteer experiences will set me up for success as Secretary.
I joined OWSA as a new sailor a few years ago, and joined the BOAST program for three years (aboard Picaroon, Salud, and River Rose). I completed my ASA 101, 103 & 104 with San Juan Sailing, and I am planning cruising trips in more distant seas. I credit OWSA with my development as a sailor, benefiting greatly from the education and positive all-women environment. I am delighted to have the chance to support the mission of OWSA as a volunteer at the Board level.
MARKETING AND FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Candidate - Angela Benitez
I am excited to be nominated and applying for the Marketing and Fundraising Director role with OWSA. I see so much potential in this organization and would be happy to be a part of its growth.
I first learned how to sail about a year and a half ago at the Portland Sailing Center. I was instantly hooked and excited to get more experience on the boat. If it wasn’t for OWSA, I don’t think I’d be actively sailing today. Last year I got to learn and meet so many people through Wednesday Night Sails, and this year I am experiencing being part of an amazing cohort of women through the BOAST program.
Over the past several months I’ve worked alongside our current Marketing and Fundraising Director as the Fundraising Coordinator and have learned about the relationships the org holds as well as opportunities for future collaborations and campaigns. I currently work in the nonprofit sector and have supported the development of fundraising initiatives, led marketing projects, and utilized storytelling to drive growth and change.
OWSA provides opportunities for so many people from all walks of life and I would be so excited to contribute my skills to continue to see this community thrive.
Thank you!
PROGRAM CHAIR
Candidate: Julie Schuman
Greetings:
I'm asking to be elected to the position of Program Chair. For the past three years I have served on the Board in the position of Commodore and Rear Commodore. Outside of my duties as Rear Commodore, I took on the responsibility of co-chairing the BOAST program. During my terms as Commodore and Rear Commodore, OWSA has sold Calypte, sold Picaroon, and added Kermit, River Rose and now LeMaskotike. I am proud to have helped secure these vessels for the BOAST program. We are in the middle of reorganizing the BOAST program and I would like to stay on as Program Chair to help facilitate the changes. My connections in the sailing community provide me with multiple resources to keep programs running smoothly.
Thank you for nominating me and considering me for the position.
SOCIAL AND MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
Candidate: Fran Walsh
Growing up sailing in the San Francisco Bay Area and the California Delta, I learned to sail as a teenager on a 14.7 ft. Chrysler Dagger and a 16 ft. Hobie Cat catamaran, and later crewed on my Dad's 70 ft. schooner. Sailing has always been a source of joy and adventure for me, and after all these years, the happiness I feel while out on the water has never left me.
Joining OWSA in 2025 reconnected me with that sense of joy after being away from sailing for many years. Within a week of attending my first Fireside meeting, I was sailing on the Columbia River on a beautiful 32 ft. O’Day sailboat, where I found my skills and instincts quickly returning. I also appreciated the immediate inclusion of inviting new members of any age onto the water, without requiring a prerequisite course or prior experience.
After a year of attending meetings, taking OWSA’s basic/refresher sailing class, and enjoying many Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon sails, I’ve seen firsthand how OWSA builds skills, confidence, and community. The quality of my experience has made me want to give back so others can enjoy the same positive experience I’ve had.
With a background in marina operations and 20+ years in nonprofit fundraising, special events, membership and volunteer management, and community relations—work that is interconnected and moves an organization forward—I believe I can contribute meaningfully as Social and Membership Director.
Thank you for considering me for this role. With your help, I look forward to strengthening our connections and growing this incredible community of smart, capable, and adventurous women who make OWSA what it is.
TREASURER
Candidate: Erika Spooner
My history with sailing and OWSA started in 1996 when a friend planned to take a sailing class, and I thought that sounded like fun. I took the class too and started learning and sailing any chance I could. Three years later, a fellow sailor who was an OWSA member invited me to join a committee planning a new OWSA event to raise money for breast cancer support. OWSA’s mission resonated with me, and I became a member to be part of its supportive community. I was active for many years before my membership went on the back burner while I was in the thick of raising my two boys. I returned in January 2025 and joined the board in June as Fundraising/Marketing Director to support this amazing group. I had missed being on the water and have thoroughly loved being back.
In 2016, I became Treasurer of my children’s school parent-teacher organization, after spending a term as President and feeling that the board lacked the information it needed when making financial decisions. I had basic accounting knowledge and had kept the books for my own business, so I began educating myself about the intricacies of nonprofit financials. Two years later, I was recruited as Treasurer of The Clackamas Bookshelf, a position I still hold. As reporting needs have grown more complex, I have built my skills to match, including tracking restricted funds and multi-year grants.
My goal as Treasurer is to provide clear, timely financial information that supports confident decision-making, and to help OWSA sustain the financial stability it needs to achieve its mission now and in the future.
It would be my pleasure to serve OWSA in this role, and I appreciate your consideration.
