ESDC 2026 Board of Directors Election
- Any candidates who have not submitted materials may be called from the floor as write-in candidates during the annual membership meeting.
- Candidates may only apply for one role.
- The board seeks to fill 5 officer positions and 4 general director positions as outlined in the bylaws, for a total of 9 board members.
- The Annual Membership Meeting will take place from 7:30-8:00, in the Dance Studio.
Annual Membership Meeting
- The meeting will include:
Explanation of the issues on the ballot for vote- bylaws changes,
- namw change,
- and club legal status change
- Each candidate will have the opportunity to state their name and the role they’re pursuing. Further campaigning will not be allowed.
- Brief summary of projects the board has completed during this term and a few statistics about the club.
- After the membership meeting presentation concludes, voting will remain open for 45 minutes, in the Dance Studio.
- Results will be announced as soon as tabulation is complete. Results will also be sent to the members via newsletter/email within 14 days of the election.
- Members must vote in person at the membership meeting. Proxy, absentee, and vote by mail ballots will not be provided.
The people shown below submitted applications to be on the 2027 Eugene Swing Dance Club Board of Directors.
Recommended Slate of Officers
Our current bylaws require the board to approve a recommended slate of candidates. The recommended slate is marked with an asterisk [*] next to their names. All of the below candidates have been vetted for eligibility, and members can vote for whomever they prefer.
Samantha Brauner*: Treasurer
I've served as the ESDC secretary for this past term and it has been exciting to bring new energy and ideas to our organization (more themed celebrations and weekend workshops hosted by out-of-town instructors) even while doing some of the more mundane operational activities; like introducing the ability to pay by credit card, updating bylaws and obtaining insurance, which are important for the health of our organization. I would like to serve another term and continue with the momentum that the current board has built. Change is messy, but hopefully you have noticed positive changes over the past year. If I'm elected as Secretary for another term, I will work with the board to continue to serve and respond to our membership.
Christopher Browning*: Parlimentarian
It has been a honor to the club Parliamentarian and work with the rest of the board to modernize our club with compliant bylaws, expanded workshops and a general 20% growth in attendance. I would like to continue making these and other improvements.
Michaela Hager*: President
I have been an ESDC member since 2021. I’m an obsessed Westie, competitor, DJ, teacher, and current vice president.My time as VP has given me extensive knowledge of the club’s operations and a clear understanding of the president’s duties. This year, I wrote a code of conduct, new terms of service, and dance etiquette guide, collaborated on curriculum updates, and helped plan our first workshop weekend. It's been so rewarding to bring ideas to life to enrich our community, and I'm excited about our projects and goals for next year and would love to help realize them. My relevant experience includes supervising large teams, managing a complex budget, facilitating meetings and group discussions, managing events, and production technology.
Kenny Rasmussen*: Vice President
As a long time WCS dancer, I'm passionate about spreading, encouraging, and supporting the open and welcoming culture of West Coast Swing. I believe I can best do that as the Vice President of the Eugene West Coast Swing club. I've been teaching WCS for over 18 years and, supporting the ESDC lesson program for two. I'm love the welcoming culture of inclusivity and love sharing the joy of West Coast Swing at a local level as well as leading those interested into the greater world of West Coast beyond our city. Moreover, I'm a problem solver and was key in implementing the club's new digital payment system.
Yonghui Yang*: Treasurer
I will provide my years of professional accounting skills, gained from working for both for-profit and nonprofit companies, to the club.
General Director Candidates
Kathryn Bothman
I have been a part of this community for over six years and I think that the dance community brings something specials to people's lives -- a place to be known and get to know your community. I want to give back as much as I can.
Dan Johnson*
I've been a member of the club since 2012 and have served on the board for about 8 of those years. I'm running for a General Director position to help support the community and share the workload of the rest of the board.
Samantha Page*
I love building confidence and independence in beginner dancers! I also have some community organizing and graphic design background I’m happy to contribute to our club. I hope to help you create fun memories and lasting friendships through dance!
David Richey*
West Coast Swing has brought friendship, joy, and community into my life, and I want to help ESDC provide those opportunities for others. During my board service, I've helped secure liability insurance, ensure music licensing compliance, and improve organizational practices. This behind-the-scenes work helps keep our club strong and sustainable. I believe ESDC has tremendous potential as a welcoming community where new dancers feel comfortable, experienced dancers continue to grow, and everyone can contribute. I'd like to help foster that growth through quality instruction, great social dancing, and a collaborative, accountable board that listens to its members. I'd welcome the opportunity to continue helping ESDC thrive.
Lauren van Vliet*
Over the last year, Eugene West Coast Swing has become my pillar for community, joy, creativity, and learning. I would like to volunteer my time and expertise to support this zany & wonderful group of dancers in having fun and achieving their goals.
