This is your home for all 2025 Nordecke Board of Directors election info! Full details on Election procedures can be found in Article IV of the Nordecke Bylaws.
Voting is now open! Voting closes on 1/19 at 11:59pm.
All 2024 Nordecke Members are eligible to vote for the 2025 Board of Directors.
Each Nordecke member received an email from ElectionBuddy on 1/9 with your unique voting link. If you did not receive this and cannot find it in your Spam folder, please email communications@nordecke.com to ensure you receive your ballot.
Schedule
- Declaration period: 12/16/24-1/1/25
- Cure period: 1/2-1/9/25
- Voting period: 1/9-1/19/25
January Board Meeting 1/7/25 (Whetstone library)
Annual General Meeting 1/19/25 (Seventh Son Brewing)
New Board assumes office 2/1/2025
Transitional Board Meeting: Thurs 2/6/25 at 6:00pm
Candidates
Candidates were asked to review the Director role responsibilities, the Nordecke Leadership Code of Conduct, and consider the required time commitment before submitting their Declaration.
This section will be updated periodically throughout the Nomination/Declaration period, so that members can review candidates and their experience/goals prior to voting. Candidates are listed alphabetically by first name under each position. Updated 1/9/25 at 6:00pm EST.
Heather Giles
Have you previously served on the Nordecke Board of Directors? If so, what role(s) and year(s).
I have been the Community Director for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In the 2022 season I was in the appointed role of Tifo Coordinator.
What makes you a good fit for this role?
I have been a season ticket holder since 2014, and an active member of the organization since 2021. We moved our seats to the section starting in the 2022 season. While I’m newer to the organization, the history and culture of the team and group is apparent. As the section grows, I believe it is important to use that history to grow the organization as well.
Having spent 14 years in education and education related fields, I have deep connections to ensuring that community is a place that is accepting of all. All of my teaching experience has been with diverse populations across various socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. In my professional career, I have held many leadership roles working to positively impact the growth within both Columbus City Schools, my building, and the Columbus Education Association. Over my career, I have mentored multiple educators at the beginning of their careers. I have also been tasked with leading a variety of committees within the schools I have worked in.
Beyond that, during my tenure as the Community Director, the Nordecke has had an increase in engagement with the greater Columbus community. During the 2024 season, the Nordecke participated in the Columbus Pride Parade for the first time. We also started several supply drives and raffles to donate both supplies and financially to local organizations. With the support of the organization we were able to donate nearly 800 tickets to local organizations, schools, and youth soccer teams around the city.
While all of these initiatives and achievements were under the umbrella of Community, I was not the only one who worked on them to accomplish the goals. The board members work together to collaborate and achieve results as a whole. It is important that the community within the board exists because no one person can accomplish everything required of the role. It is a group effort. I supported many of the initiatives that fall in other roles on the board. Constant communication between board members and deputies is necessary to ensure a functioning board.
In addition to my role as Community Director, I was asked to lead various board meetings throughout the year. In working with Katie, and others on the by-law revision, I was able to help organize feedback meetings, both large scale, and small group, to listen to the voices of the members. In turn, I was able to help make final edits to the by-laws, incorporating our members voices before they were up for a vote. I also supported our game day operations with the sales and distribution of tickets, helping to streamline some of our processes. I spearheaded the creation of the Code of Conduct all board members are required to sign upon election. This included researching other organizations and what they had in place for their directors.
Throughout the 2024 season, I was an active participant in the board meetings, showing up to events, and helping to ensure we were hearing the needs of our members. I hope to continue that into the 2025 season, working to make the organization a better and stronger place.
If elected, what do you feel should be the first business for your role?
If elected, I believe one of the first things that should be done is to continue to be a voice for the fans. The current board worked hard to rebuild the trust and transparency with their actions. I believe it is critical for the health of the organization to continue on that path. This includes enforcing the Code of Conduct, having board meetings in open, accessible locations, and being available to hear member concerns. I also believe it is important to continue to be a voice to the front office when decisions that are made will negatively affect our members and fans. I do not shied away from using my voice to share opinions and concerns of the membership in various meetings with the front office.
I also want to foster growth for the organization by continuing to encourage opportunities for social events outside of game days. This season we had multiple organizations participate in fundraisers around the city, as well as the introduction of a bowling league. Continuing this work is important to build on the “family not friends” ideals of the Nordecke. To accomplish this, the work to continue education on the differences between the section and the organization must continue. Through partnership with the front office, we can work together to build a stronger soccer community in Columbus.
Kourtney Sullivan
Have you previously served on the Nordecke Board of Directors? If so, what role(s) and year(s).
Dear Nordecke,
My name is Kourtney Sullivan, and I am thrilled to announce my candidacy for Nordecke Board Chairperson. Currently, I serve as the Matchday Operations Director, a position I have held since the summer of 2022. As a lifelong Crew fan, I’ve been part of the community since the team played in The Horseshoe, attending my first match during those early days. Over the years, I’ve been an active member of multiple Crew Supporters Groups and have consistently engaged with the Nordecke since its inception.
What makes you a good fit for this role?
I believe I am a great fit for the role of Chairperson on the Nordecke Board for several reasons:
Experience: I bring a wealth of experience in fan engagement and leadership within supporter groups. Over time, I have developed a deep understanding of what makes a strong, thriving fan base and how to foster a culture of passion and inclusion.
Existing Relationships: My established connections with fellow fans and supporter groups position me well to communicate effectively across the Nordecke community. I have donated to various donation drives with BFSC and GCGBAG as well as participated in their Earth day cleanup around HCS. I have built trust with a variety of groups, which helps ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and respected.
Creating a Welcoming Environment: I am committed to creating a fun and healthy atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to volunteer and get involved. I believe in fostering a sense of belonging for both long-time members and newcomers, which enhances the game day experience and strengthens our fan culture.
Strong Connections with the Crew Organization: Having strong relationships within the Crew organization allows me to effectively negotiate and collaborate with Crew staff on issues that matter to the fanbase. I know how to work with the organization to ensure that fan interests are taken seriously, creating positive outcomes for both supporters and the team.
Commitment to Growth: I am excited to apply the lessons I’ve learned from my experiences in this role, continuing to develop the Nordecke into an organization that offers tangible benefits for its members while making a lasting impact on the broader fanbase. My goal is to ensure Nordecke’s growth, inclusivity, and continued relevance in supporting the Crew.
In summary, my combination of experience, relationships, and commitment to fan engagement and organizational growth makes me an ideal candidate to lead the Nordecke Board into the future.
If elected, what do you feel should be the first business for your role?
As a passionate supporter of Columbus Crew and an active participant in Nordecke, I aim to strengthen the fabric of our fan community. We’ve celebrated triumphs, and faced challenges, and it’s time to unite to take Nordecke to new heights. Under my leadership, we will focus on:
1. Unity & Inclusivity:
Nordecke is a diverse community, and it’s essential that every member, regardless of background, feel welcome and heard. We will foster unity by recruiting more drummers, Capos, and Nordecke Brass members to create the most intimidating atmosphere in MLS/the world. I will also focus on recruiting supporters from every corner of the Crew fanbase and ensuring they feel valued. Additionally, we will strengthen our community outreach, growing partnerships with organizations that align with our values, and promote inclusive, engaging events.
2. Engagement & Communication:
Transparent communication is key to success, and we must ensure that the voices of every supporter are heard. I will work toward a more connected and communicative relationship between the Board and supporters, always listening first. I will also work to ensure that each board member has a deputy and a senior leadership team to help execute and support their goals, ensuring the continued success of our efforts.
3. Fan Experience:
The heart of Nordecke is our passion, our chants, and the energy we bring to the matchday experience. To enhance this, we will continue to support Gameday to become the largest supporter section in the MLS/the world, creating the most electric atmosphere possible. We will also build bigger, better tailgates and strengthen our partnerships for Batelle Plaza, ensuring that even when the North Lot isn’t available, our fan experience remains top-notch. The goal is to make every match unforgettable, including themed events like the smoke-out tailgate that brought multiple supporter groups together for a massive celebration.
4. Growth & Legacy:
To leave a lasting impact, Nordecke must grow, not only in size but also in sustainability. I am committed to helping Nordecke move toward financial independence from the Front Office by expanding our partnerships within and beyond the 614 area code. We’ll work toward creating a more inviting Tifo space and organize painting events with food and entertainment at HCS during the warmer months to support this.
5. Travel & Away Games:
We are a family, and that means supporting one another beyond our home turf. I will work to find viable travel options—such as buses, hotels, and other travel experiences—to make it easier for our supporters to attend away games, ensuring that our traveling fanbase feels connected and supported, no matter where we go.
6. Leadership & Support:
Nordecke’s growth requires strong leadership. I will ensure that each board member has the support of a deputy and a senior leadership team to help execute their goals and contribute to our mission. Gameday’s success this past season was a testament to the dedication of my team, and I will ensure that our leadership structure continues to grow, making Nordecke a more dynamic and effective organization.
7. Community Impact & Charitable Outreach:
Nordecke isn’t just about soccer—it’s about making a difference. We will focus on growing our charitable initiatives, collaborating with fan podcasts and other groups to promote events like 5k/10k runs and fundraising efforts. Our goal is to highlight the supporters who are giving back and make Nordecke an integral part of the greater Columbus community.
I’m invested in supporting this club, but I’m even more invested in the supporters & fans that make this Community what it is. Together, we can make Nordecke stronger, more inclusive, and more impactful than ever before. Let’s ensure that Nordecke remains the heartbeat of Columbus Crew for years to come.
Glory To Columbus!
Blaine Dearth
Have you previously served on the Nordecke Board of Directors? If so, what role(s) and year(s).
N/A
I have spent the last year working with the Communications team, and have a deeper understanding of the role and it’s responsibilities. In that time I contributed graphic design elements for use on Nordecke social media platforms, and helped to craft statement language to help ensure that concerns from membership are addressed clearly. My working relationship with senior leadership in communications over the last year has given me a strong foundation for creating a vision that will push our external communication efforts toward capturing the next generation of Crew fans – and turning them into not just Nordecke members, but volunteers, and board directors. I have worked in Communications with campaigns for elected office across Central Ohio in my career, and currently work as the Public Information Officer for the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. This, coupled with a passion for the Crew and the Nordecke, give me the knowledge and motivation to push the organization further.
Ensure the Nordecke remains a fan-led, grassroots bastion of the American SC community. As pallbearers of the American soccer culture here in Columbus, I will ensure that the Nordecke remains a leader within it.
Collin Hill
I believe this role has an opportunity to evolve. Comms Director could very easily get by with social media posts, email updates, etc., but I believe there can be so much more to Comms Director.
Those things include, but may not be limited to:
- Pre/Post match weekly analysis of matches played and upcoming.
- “Supporters Spotlight” where fans get to tell their story of how they became a Crew fan and more.
- Supporter’s Group awareness posts and spotlights. Nordecke is a collection of fans, but it’s also a collection of supporters groups. Giving them recognition, allowing them space to share their stories, making fans aware of their traditions, helping spread the word of how to join, connecting them with Nordecke fans, etc are all small ways to help our supporters groups (the best in MLS, btw) feel more connected with Nordecke members, grow their memberships, and create a culture of inclusion across groups and fans.
- Clear, transparent information sharing between Nordecke and its members. Sometimes decisions can be made and the rationale is left in the dark. When possible, I would make it my mission to share insights into decision making and how the Board arrives at final say.
- Two Way Communication Channel. This is one that I feel is most important. Often times it can be difficult to voice an opinion or a concern as a Nordecke member. My goal would be to create a clear and simple process for members to state their opinions with me and I would facilitate those comments to the Board. Not everybody can make Board Meetings and sometimes speaking in front of a crowd can be difficult. I believe it is the duty of the Comms Director to afford all members an equal chance at voicing themselves in Nordecke.
- I will facilitate a channel of chant referrals to filter through and to be addressed with whomever wins the Matchday Director seat. There is currently no medium for Nordecke members to make a chant referral despite a very large online consensus calling for new chants. As Comms Director I will take on the referrals and work with Matchday to facilitate a path to make sure referrals are addressed and considered.
- I will righteously advocate for Nordecke’s independence and its ability to remain competitive in its negotiations with the front office.
I consider those points to be crucial stepping stones to innovating the Comms Director position to be more inclusive, more robust, and more fan-first in its approach to governing. I hope you’ll consider my ideas and join me in helping Nordecke take a massive step forward.
Emily Kegg
Hi, I’m Emily Kegg, a proud Columbus Crew season ticket holder since 2014. Before every match, you can find my family and I tailgating in the North lot, sharing snacks and Fireball while building connections with fellow fans. I believe tailgating and community events are essential for strengthening relationships within our supporter network.
I feel that I am the best candidate for the Community Director role.
With my background in working with the Crew’s supporter groups, as well as the initiatives I’ve already been involved in, I think I am in an ideal position to drive meaningful change and bring new ideas to the table. My experience with organizing events and volunteering, combined with my enthusiasm for expanding connections outside of match days, would be a big asset.
As a former Nordecke board member, 2022 AO Columbus Community Director, and Crew outreach collaborator, I bring years of experience in uniting fans and giving back to the community. My vision as Community Director is to reestablish and grow supporter participation in initiatives that reflect our shared values and passion. I have a strong established circle of supporter volunteers who are just as passionate and bring additional talents and connections as well.
Together, we can organize meaningful events like:
Volunteering at 5/10K races and water stations.
Social outings such as karaoke nights, roller skating, and Clippers games.
Supporting causes like Donate Life, Kaleidoscope, CRIS, Habitat for Humanity, and more.
Just a few of the upcoming events already on the calendar include the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics (Feb 2025), Donate Life (April 2025), and a Ronald McDonald House volunteer day (Sept 2025).
Let’s connect off the pitch to support our community, strengthen relationships, and have some fun along the way!
Simultaneously, establishing a calendar of events for the season is crucial. I will want to ensure the schedule includes all planned activities, meetings, deadlines, and other important dates. Once the calendar is finalized, share it with participants in advance so they can plan accordingly.
Brent Miller
I also have plenty of experience in either professional and/or volunteer capacities organizing volunteer schedules, managing supplies and inventory and project planning, all of which are critical components of the Tifo process.
First priority is determining which games will get major displays so we can establish a schedule as far in advance as possible.
Secondarily, I don’t believe the current space is adequate. The smaller size makes the process slower and more complicated than it needs to be. As part of longer term planning, I think we need to begin considering how to find a space that actually meets our needs.
Brandon Poturica
What makes you a good fit for this role?
I am a dedicated Columbus Crew supporter with hands-on experience in game day operations and Drum Corps leadership, seeking the position of Director of Match Day Experience. A Hometown Hero with a track record in game day logistics and a commitment to enhancing the supporter experience, I aim to strengthen the Nordecke’s voice and presence.
Nordecke Member (2022-Present Day)
– Drum Equipment Management: Oversaw the setup, teardown, and repair of drum equipment, ensuring readiness for every match.
– Match Collaboration: Worked closely with capos to maintain synchronized coordination between the three stands and Drum Corps, achieving a unified and impactful Nordecke and Stadium atmosphere.
– Match Day Operations Support: Contributed to setup and teardown of game-day infrastructure, ensuring all components met operational standards.
Key Qualities
– Passionate fan dedicated to unifying and amplifying the Nordecke experience.
– Program Management career background with a proven ability to lead, organize and communicate effectively under pressure.
– Open-minded and innovative, with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
-Open to implementing fresh concepts for banners, chants, and recruitment to continually energize the Nordecke community.
-Local Business Partnerships: Willing to foster new relationships with businesses to expand event sponsorship and resources.
-Advocate for community-driven initiatives to strengthen club and fan engagement.
Anne Marie Dennison
Have you previously served on the Nordecke Board of Directors? If so, what role(s) and year(s).
No, I have not served as a Nordecke board member. However, I have experience as a board member with other professional organizations. I have served as a Board at Large for Project Management Institute doing Executive Governance, Strategy, Special Projects and Training Instructor. I have also served as the Vice President of Communications to Project Management Institute of Central Ohio’s board. I am currently serving as a Secretary Board role with Italian Village Society.
What makes you a good fit for this role?
I have been attending Columbus Crew games since 2003. You have seen me wearing many hats in the Crew community. What have I previously done in Nordecke volunteering: I have hung banners at the stadium, traced and painted at TIFO, provided homemade food and served beverages at tailgates, trash cleanup after tailgate, participated in NorOnTour bus trips and traveled to away games near and abroad. I am that fireball spirit you’ve seen jumping and dancing, while holding signs, and cheering as a Capo along with you until I have no voice left. I have a good rapport with the supporter groups and have participated in assisting supporter groups in their missions such as GCGBAG’s trash pick up at HCS and by donating paper and wrapping Christmas gifts for new families at CRIS. I have helped Black Flag Social Club with stocking shelves at the food bank for veterans. I’ve assisted YNA with tailgate activities. I also volunteered at many external community fundraising efforts with other Nordecke members.
In addition to being engaged in active volunteering within Nordecke, I earned a graduate degree in Business Administration w/ concentration in Executive Leadership. Leadership is an important fundamental when representing the Nordecke community both as a member and an independent entity. Leadership is the ability to influence and inspire those around you to aspire to be something bigger, something better. We all know that the board is strongest when the membership is in alignment with its mission. Being a leader doesn’t mean I know or have all the answers, but it does mean that when I don’t know, I will listen and seek out feedback and input from the experts to make logical decisions.
In addition to being a Crew fan, I also have played for Ohio Roller Derby formerly known as Ohio Roller Girls and served on their marketing and sponsorship pillar. I have played as a winger for Scioto Valley Women’s Rugby Football Club and served on their sponsorship committee. I love watching sports, playing sports, and supporting my teams.
I have earned several professional certifications that will assist me in this role. I am licensed, certified Project Management Professional. I also am a Certified Organizational Change Manager which means I am able to adapt to change quickly and rapidly which is needed in my daily job and needed from a game day operations standpoint. I am a certified Scrum Master and able to make iterative improvements on this role’s processes as needed. These skillsets will be complimentary to the skillsets of those incumbents running and ultimately serving on the Nordecke board.
Lastly, I will do as the amazing predecessors and role models that have been in this role prior, I will roll my sleeves up and do the same work, and more, as that of what is asked of the volunteers on my team. We work hard, we play hard, and we make it hype for the team and fans. For these reasons, I ask for your vote in the upcoming election. See you at Crewsmas!
If elected, what do you feel should be the first business for your role?
I have already drafted a tentative timeline and determined the people /resources needed. The first item of business will be to review the historical data available with the previous board member during the transition period. Review the surveys to determine if improvements can be made. Things I have proactively done while writing out my timeline: talk to veteran capos, drummers, LaGuardia, to ensure I would have volunteers ready to go on day 1. I have asked Trent May to return as the deputy as he has expressed interest in one day becoming a game day operations incumbent. I have asked Joey DiNapoli to be a part of the leadership team as an advisor and help with ticketing. Last night at the board meeting, I had discussed tackling the ticketing issues to make improvements for our members.
One final word, it takes a community to make game day operations run smoothly. So here is my call to action: if you have an interest to be involved but aren’t sure where you fit income see me. We will find you a role to fit your schedule and interests : capos, drummers, fire squad, banner set up and tear down, flag collector and much more are awaiting you. If you are new to the community and just need a friend to introduce you to people, come talk to me, I will introduce you. If you are a visionary and have implementable ideas, come talk to me. TIFO was always known as the gateway into the Noredecke, so as a stretch goal I’d like to also build game day into a powerhouse gateway that TIFO was known for.
Derek Durham
I am a passionate Crew fan with hands-on experience in behind-the-scenes game day operations. My goal is to continue the smooth operations and successes on game day in the position of Director of Match Day Operations.
Professionally, I’m an engineering project manager. I’m very comfortable breaking down a goal to individual sections, sequencing them and managing the execution of them for a successful operation. I know that success on game day starts well before Saturday (or Wednesday, or Tuesday, or whatever day the Crew play) Success starts with organizing volunteers to be part of the game day experience. Whether it’s hanging banners or deploying smoke, playing in the drumline or leading chants and songs from the capo stand or rolling up flags and cutting down and folding banners after the match, there are so many of you who contribute to the day and the home field advantage the Crew enjoy. It’s my role to organize and keep us pointing the same direction – working toward the same goals.
Success also means leading by example. Saturday morning, 9:00 am you’ll find me either in stadium hanging banners, or in the tailgate lot, lining parking spots to try and keep things organized. Saturday afternoon, I’m back in that same lot, laughing and chatting with those who can make it out to the pregame festivities. Saturday evening, I’m losing my voice along with everyone else to chats and cheers. And after the Crew win, after we serenade our team into the night singing Wise Men, I’m heading up flights of stairs to take banners down and fold them up before they go back in the stadium closet.
Saturdays can be long days when you start at 9:00 and aren’t done until the last banner is down and the closet is finally closed, but there is no other team I’d rather support; no other fanbase I’d rather dedicate time to.
Go Crew.
– Beyond what needs to be done ASAP, I want to take stock of our banners, I know that there are some that are in desperate need of repair or replacement.
– I’d also like to tackle organizing the gameday closet – another Crew year has come and gone and we need to do some spring cleaning before the season starts anew.
Brad Holloway
Have you previously served on the Nordecke Board of Directors? If so, what role(s) and year(s).
Yes, Merchandise director 2022-2024
What makes you a good fit for this role?
In 2024 we were able to sell out of all our membership merchandise kits multiple times and come back strong with another record setting year with 1,100+ members. In conjunction with the selling out of the 2024 merchandise kits, we started working on the 2025 kits to include merchandise options that were suggested by members as part of a Nordecke member survey. This kit will include a mix of old reimagined merch, new merch, and other awesome items. In keeping with the voice of the member input, members were given the opportunity to help start a new initiative; one that aims to grow the Nordecke and help bring in the next generation of members by helping to design the Nordecke Kids Club. This new initiative serves to give the youth a way to get involved with Nordecke, help shape the Nordecke culture, help to provide an outlet for the youth to interact with each other, have membership benefits specific to them, and provide a community of likeminded fans.
Additionally, having a background in logistics and management, we were able to work with 3 new vendors this season and increase our product offerings. I also explored ways to reduce our shipping and packaging costs by adding additional shipping options/carriers and chose cost conscious packing options from various vendors. I will continue to find ways to be cost conscious and use our membership dollars in the best way possible while offering quality and in-demand products. I will continue to have an open dialogue with the membership base to ensure that voices are heard and that the merchandise being presented represents our diverse community. While some of our new vendors did not work out, it allowed me to gain a better understanding of our members likes and desires. I used this knowledge to cultivate existing relationships, as well as look at new relationships that align with what our members value.
In 2024 I made it a goal to continue working with the community director to find various community partners to create merchandise that supports them, as well as bring additional awareness to our common goals. We were able to create merchandise that not only supported these community partners but a portion of the proceeds from the sales were donated directly back to them. We also worked with Nordecke members to create unique products, designed by Nordecke members, that were then made available to the masses. I also continued our relationships with small businesses to offer to offer different merchandise concepts that were well received and proved to be a big hit. The small businesses are excited to continue the partnership and are looking forward to what the 2024 season brings. A secondary focus was to have more various new products released for the year; this was accomplished with 3 different product launches directly by Nordecke…the Nordecke Beanies, the Nordecke member designed Hell is Real, the Nordecke Pride t-shirts, and the Streets jersey released around the All-Star game. In conjunction with our direct product release, we worked with Supporters Supply to have partnered releases that benefit Nordecke including Nordecke Jerseys, Nordecke specific garments, and various TIFO shirts. We also have an ongoing partnership with Homage for Nordecke related merchandise. An additional focus for 2024 was to find ways to increase the visibility of our merchandise on the website, this was accomplished by having merchandise featured in the weekly emails, offering recommended products based on items in cart, having direct links to our partners Nordecke merchandise on our webpage, and offering new products for sale.
Having a background in logistics and management I have a high attention to detail and a strong desire to work in collaboration with others to achieve a common goal. Being able to handle multiple expansive and high dollar projects has allowed me to further develop and hone in my organization skills, prioritize key components that affect the outcome of the projects, and provide a quality customer service to those I interact with on a daily basis. I feel that my 17+ plus years of experience in the logistics and project management industry will greatly be beneficial in the role of membership director.
If elected, what do you feel should be the first business for your role?
If elected, my first order of business would be to have 2025 memberships on sale as soon as merchandise items are ordered, work to quickly distribute the memberships with a goal of having 90% of them shipped by Crewsmas, and to continue working on deepening our current supplier relationships with new products that lean heavily on member design and product desire. I plan to work more with the member base to develop the Nordecke brand and have product releases that we all can wear and represent the Nordecke everywhere we go. I would also cultivate the new supplier relationships that started in 2024, grow them, and provide additional merchandise to our members that meet their needs. Additionally, I would continue reaching out to find new suppliers who can provide a quality product at a cost that is beneficial to our members. I would also explore current and new options for shipping software to ensure that we are getting the most out of our subscriptions and that shipping costs are competitive.
Ravi Pandey
Have you previously served on the Nordecke Board of Directors? If so, what role(s) and year(s).
Yes, I have been the Partnerships Director for the Nordecke since late 2022.
What makes you a good fit for this role?
In the past two years, I’ve developed relationships with over 10 breweries to provide both beer at tailgates and away watch parties. Every home game since I’ve joined as Partnerships Director has had free beer. Last year, I grew the number of new brewery partners by 3-4 from the previous year.
In addition to the brewery partners, I’ve established relationships with a number of new restaurant partners such as Bobcats in Grandview, Walrus, Pecan Penny’s, Roaming Goat Coffee, and most recently, Condado Tacos. I’m always seeking new partnerships to forge and provide discounts for Nordecke Members.
Based upon my experience and existing relationships, I will love your vote to be Partnerships Director in 2025.
If elected, what do you feel should be the first business for your role?
One of the initiatives discussed at the end of the last season was establishing a Nordecke Kids Club. That will be a priority to get more partners involved and work with the Merch Director to make it happen.
I will also continue to drive and develop new and existing partnerships as well as organize events for community engagement.
Kurtis Roush
Have you previously served on the Nordecke Board of Directors? If so, what role(s) and year(s).
No
What makes you a good fit for this role?
I’ve been an active member of Nordecke for several years, and am blessed to be a frequent traveler to away games. I believe I’m one of only 2 people who was lucky enough to travel to both Monterrey and Pachuca for the Conacaf semifinals and finals, as well as a couple MLS away games.
For those of you who were in Pachuca, I was the one who took it upon myself to organize the marches to the stadium while Bud was busy handing out hotel room assignments.
So as someone who has been a regular traveler to Crew matches, I’ve gotten to observe some of the great things that are already occurring and build upon that.
My profession as a management consultant means I travel a lot – 116 nights in hotel rooms in 2024. This means I can leverage my experience and my network to streamline the process. Examples include using my hotel status to get a better rate on rooms, I’m friends with someone who owns a bus/coach company in Columbus so we could work directly with the owner when negotiating deals and troubleshooting issues, etc.
Attending away games as a Crew supporter has been such an amazing experience, and it’s something I’d like to open up to as many Crew fans as possible.
If elected, what do you feel should be the first business for your role?
Overall I think Bud did a great job, so I’d like to build upon what he’s already started. There are 3 ideas I’d like to explore.
- I’d like to partner more with the local supporter groups for away games for some fun pregame activities. This would be done as a quid pro quo thing – we invite them to our tailgates in Columbus when their team comes here, and they invite us to their pregame meetups when we’re at their stadiums. I’d like to expand the away games experience to be more than just the game. (This would likely exclude Cincy since we have so many fans at that game)
- I haven’t seen a great push to get non-Ohioan Crew supporters to away games. I know many of them tend to make their way there anyways (though secondary market ticket sales), but I’d like to see Nordece take a more active role in working with away fans to get them to the games. For cities with Crew supporter groups (NYC, Denver, etc), this could be done through those organizations. For areas without organized Crew groups, we’d need to get more creative on finding these persons. I’d propose making away tickets for non-premier games (not Cincy or Chicago) open to all supporters, regardless of whether they’re Nordecke members. Let’s get as many people wearing yellow to those games as as possible.
- Finally, I’d like to see more of a voice of the fans in organizing trips. I’ve heard some grumbling from Nordecke members that sometimes trips leave at inconvenient times or they don’t like the itinerary. Some of that is inevitable because you can’t please all the people all the time, and someone will always be upset. But where possible, I’d like to have some opportunity for away fans to have their voices heard in organizing away trips – which could help encourage more fans to attend away games.
Schedule
- Declaration period: 12/16/24-1/1/25
- Cure period: 1/2-1/9/25
- Voting period: 1/9-1/19/25
January Board Meeting 1/7/25 (Whetstone library)
Annual General Meeting 1/19/25 (Seventh Son Brewing)
New Board assumes office 2/1/2025
Transitional Board Meeting: Thurs 2/6/25 at 6:00pm
Cure Period 1/2-1/9
Due to the lack of Declarations for two Board positions, we have reopened the Declaration Form for an additional 7-day Cure Period, per the Bylaws. The new deadline to declare for the 2025 Nordecke Board is 1/9 at 6 p.m.
The Cure Period will reopen declarations for positions with no declared candidate. Individuals who have declared for another position may withdraw their declaration from that position and declare for a newly reopened position. Any positions left without a declaration after the cure period would be appointed by the elected 2025 board.
The open positions are Creative Director and Matchday Operations Director.
Cure Period Updates:
- Declaration – Derek Durham, Matchday Operations
- Declaration – Brent Miller, Creative
- Withdrawal – Anne Marie Dennison, Partnerships
- Declaration – Anne Marie Dennison, Matchday Operations
Roles and Duties of each Board position can be found here.
Individuals seeking an officer position must:
- Be a current Member who is registered, pays the required dues, and is currently in good standing;
- Have been a Member during the year prior to declaring candidacy (Member for at least 2 years)
- Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by the date of the election; and
- Personally affirm CSU’s tax-exempt purposes, abide in all respects with the policies set forth in these Bylaws, and characterize personal commitment to the values of CSU.
Declaration Form Here!
Members must be logged in to complete form. Candidates may run for only one Director position.
Questions include:
– What makes you a good fit for the role?
– If elected, what do you feel the first business for your role should be?
– Have you previously served on the Board? If yes, what role(s) and year(s)?
Interested in getting more involved but not ready to run for the Board? There are various Leadership positions that the 2025 Board will appoint! Keep an eye out for an application or interest form after the election ends.
Learn more about the positions and responsibilities in section 4.4 of the Bylaws!
Election Info
(Administered by Election Buddy)
How do members vote?
- The current membership list will be uploaded to Election Buddy, which will send out a unique voting link once voting is open. Members will only be able to vote once.
- Members will receive three reminders to vote from Election Buddy.
- This will be a ranked choice vote. More information about ranked choice voting can be found here.
Once voting has started, no one will have access to the voting results. Once voting has ended, the results will be published by Election Buddy for all to see. This means that even Nordecke Election Administrators will not have access to results until voting has ended.
- The ballot will show each role with the responsibilities listed as they are on the Nordecke website.
- Any current Board member that is running will have (I) next to their name to indicate incumbent candidate.
- Each candidate will have a photo and an information link to view the candidate’s answers to the two questions they answered when declaring for candidacy.