Election of Board Members

Club Members who have donated at least $36.50 to the Optimist International Foundation during the 2006-2007 Administrative year, will have the opportunity to vote for one (1) US Board member for a four-year term from October 1, 2008 - September 30, 2012.

Voters must include all contact information in order for their ballot to count. This is an online ballot. When you are ready to vote, click vote now. This will open a new window with the Official Ballot. You may vote only once.

Voting will begin March 1, 2008, and end on May 1, 2008.

Candidates are Jim Brown, Benjamin Lowery , and Frank Ruman.

The candidates provided the following information:

JIM BROWN

Aurora, CO

An Optimist since 1997
Home Club: Optimist Club of Denver-Monaco South, CO

Presidents Club Member, Christian D. Larson Partner
Lifetime Giving Level: Distinguished Benefactor

Understanding of business practices: Graduated from the University of Puget Sound obtaining a degree in Accounting. Able to read and understand Financial Statements. Fifteen years of business experience. Worked for the IRS and H&R Block. Worked in Civil Service, in charge of Medical Records.

District Lieutenant Governor, (Zone 5) 2000-2001; (Zone 8) 2001-2002
District Leadership Development Chair 2001-2002, 2003-2004
District Governor 2004-2005
District New Club Building Committee Chair 2005-2006, 2006-2007
District Club Services Committee Chair 2006-2007
District Foundation Representative 2005-2008

Candidate’s Statement: I believe in what the Foundation is doing. The programs of the Foundation are excellent especially the Dime-A-Day program that lets each Optimist become involved. The programs support the Programs of Optimist International.

I will serve the Board and Members with time and talent. I am a self starter and in any job I take, I devote my time and energy to complete the job. I am a people person, very friendly with people and will answer any questions I receive. That skill I feel is very important. As the saying goes in the District, “Call Jim, if he does not know, no one else will.” I will continue to be a hands on person, letting the members know that I can be asked a question or questions and I will work to answer them. This approach will let me work with the Board and Staff.

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BENJAMIN LOWERY

West Branch, MI
Vic Bond Sales
Branch Manager/Sales, Retired

An Optimist since 1986
Home Club: Optimist Club of West Branch, MI

Presidents Club Member, Friend of Today and Tomorrow, Diplomat
Lifetime Giving Level: Distinguished Benefactor

Understanding of business practices: Partially retired, worked in plumbing and electrical wholesale and retail as a Store Manager for 33 years. Had to purchase materials and then price so that a profit could be had, but also able to give the customer the best for his or her money. Kept track of charge customers to make sure their accounts were current and, if not, had to collect them. Tried to be kind to all customers because they were the ones buying and also the reason I had a job.

Lieutenant Governor (Zone 16) 1996-1998
District Oratorical Contest Committee Chair 1995-1998, 2001-2003
District Governor 1999-2000
District Candidate Qualifications Chair 2000-2001
District Foundation Representative 2003-2004 (Finished year as Distinguished DFR)
International New Club Building Field Representative 2004-2007
District Assistant Governor, Region 1, 2006-2007
New Club Building Field Representative 2007-2008

Candidate’s Statement: I believe that what the Foundation does for the future of this world is what we are all about. Trying to bring out the best in kids. I have a knowledge of small business and a need for profit and growth.

I believe in the Foundation and all that it does for Clubs and Districts. We have some great people who work in the office in St. Louis and try to keep all the contributions straight, but with the help of the DFR and the CFR working together, it would make the Foundation easier to manage for those who do the daily job of posting the contributions and distributing the funds for scholarships and other outgoing expenses. It is not a position that should be taken lightly, but one that has the understanding of the many people who work within the Foundation and the different personalities that each person has. In order to be successful, you have to be able to work with all.

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FRANK RUMAN

Jeffersontown, KY
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
Retired - Senior Systems Analyst

An Optimist since 1964
Home Club: Jeffersontown, Kentucky

Presidents Club Member, Friend of Today, Christian D. Larson Partners
Lifetime Giving Level: Honored Benefactor

Understanding of business practices: 30 years experience as a Systems Analyst. Gained expertise in areas of Payroll, Human Resources and Pensions. Many years service in various Optimist office positions.

Lieutenant Governor 1979-1980
District Secretary/Treasurer 1980-1981, 1987-1988, 2003-2004
District Finance Chair 1981-1982, 1988-1989
District Oratorical Contest Committee Chair 1982-1983, 2002-2003
District Achievements & Awards Chair 1983-1984, 2004-2005
District Essay Contest Chair 1984-1985
District New Club Building Chair 1986-1987
District Governor 1989-1990
District President’s Ambassador 1990-1991
District Candidate Qualifications Chair 1990-1991
International Convention Committee Member 1991-1992
District Foundation Representative 1991-1992, 2005-2006, 2006-2007
District Club Services Committee Chair 1991-1992
International Host Area General Chair 1992-1993
International Sergeant-At-Arms 1996,1997, 1999, 2001-2003, 2006, 2007
District International Relations & OI Convention Ambassador 1996-1997
District International Development Chair 1996-1997, 2003-2004
District Leadership Development Chair 2007-2008

Candidate’s Statement: I am a proud and long-term supporter of the Foundation. My broad range of volunteer service as an Optimist has prepared me to contribute to the leadership of the Foundation and to support its Mission.

It is critical that all Optimist and friends continue (or begin) to financially support the Foundation. We need to find ways to get new (first-time) donors to become annual contributors.

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