Shenandoah Region 2019–2020 Board Election Results

By Bill Blodgett, Election Chairman

The votes received during the October 30–November 20 balloting period have been counted and validated. The Election Chairman (Bill Blodgett) congratulates the newly elected 2019–2020 Shenandoah Region Officers:

President: Mark Francis
Vice President: Jeff Elmore
Vice President: Mark Sackson
Secretary: Michael Evans
Treasurer: Jeff Blatter
Mark Francis–President

I joined PCA in 1992 as an associate member on my father’s membership while in college. We were members of the Potomac Region. We mostly attended social events until getting involved in autocross and driver’s education events in 1998. I became a DE instructor and started PCA Club Racing in 2000. After a short stint as assistant editor of der Vorgänger (Potomac’s monthly newsletter) I took over as editor and served in that position from late 2000 through 2006. I was helper and event photographer for the rally program when my former wife served as rally chair. Currently still active as an instructor with Potomac Region, though I haven’t done any racing in four years.

What I would like to accomplish during my term in office is to get more members participating in club events. Maybe encourage more to come to the local cars and coffee events, more driving events like rallies, tours, or just social events. All too often, many join the club for a few years, then let their membership lapse because they just aren’t that active in the club. Communication is key.

Jeff Elmore–Vice President

I see myself contributing to our club in some very specific ways. As an autocrosser I would like to become more active in the administration and planning of our events. I am active autocrossing with other area clubs and I believe my input could help to increase participation in our autocrosses, managing scheduling conflicts with the other clubs, and making their members aware of our upcoming events. I feel that I could also contribute to SRPCA’s rebranding initiative.

As a state-level Adult Education practitioner, I have been involved in rebranding and outreach strategies for Adult Ed programs throughout Virginia. I’m confident that my skills and experience will transfer over to SRPCA’s efforts. In particular, I am excited about opportunities to expand SRPCA’s social media presence.

I have been a member of SRPCA since 2006. I currently own two Porsches: a 2000 Boxster S autocross car and a 1999 Carrera 4. Between 2007–2009, I authored more than 20 Tech Tactics articles for the SRPCA’s newsletter, The Heat Exchanger. This effort grew into RennZenn, a (very!) small business performing maintenance, performance, and detail work on Porsches and other automobiles. I live in Palmyra with my wife Ginger and our two Bassett Hounds, Turbo and Sadie.

Mark Sackson–Vice President

The second thing I did after buying my Porsche was to join PCA. The first was to replace the IMS, RMS and install a new clutch. I have enjoyed the club. It is a very warm and welcoming group of people. As far as the brand is concerned, I’ve wanted a Porsche since I was in junior high school. I had a long delay: after college I lived in NYC for 16 years, making Porsche ownership impractical. I have served on both nonprofit boards and social club boards for many years. If I had an objective for our club it would be to increase membership. There are a lot of Porsches in our area, and I’m guessing only a small percentage belong to the club. I would work to figure out how to reach theses owners and show them how much fun and how much more they can appreciate these wonderful machines. I grew up in Scarsdale, NY, graduated from Hobart College with a BA, and received an MBA from The Lubin School of Business. I lived and worked in NYC for about 16 years, raising three boys. I moved to Charlottesville about 15 years ago, where we had our fourth child, a girl. About 10 years ago I decided to try my hand at teaching. I’m a substitute teacher and work to keep our farm going.

Michael Evans–Secretary

As Secretary I want to better document the Club’s activities with articles and video recordings of fun events so that members may see their cars. This will include working towards a newer website and having a place for Club members to share their own pictures and video.

Jeff Blatter–Treasurer

I grew up in Crozet, attended Western Albemarle High school and VA Tech. I learned how to drive a stick in a 1966 Porsche 912 and owned a series of unreliable foreign sports cars. After college, I moved out west and worked in corporate finance in Boulder, CO. In the early 2000’s, my wife and I sold everything and moved to Bozeman, MT where I worked as a fishing guide and outfitter in the summer and did tax work in the winter. I returned to Charlottesville 4 years ago and work as a financial planner for a local firm. I am a Certified Financial Planner and an Enrolled Agent with the IRS. On nice days I drive my emerald green Porsche Carrera Cabriolet.