Leslie Penton

Candidate for Regional Director

Northeast Region

My name is Leslie Penton and I am seeking the position of Northeast Regional Director for the American Volkssport Association (AVA).

I like to walk. I enjoy the socializing and camaraderie that volkssporting presents. During the last 23 years, I’ve met many wonderful friends. I have walked in most of the states and seen so many new areas - which is something I would not have done without volkssporting.

I have also seen participation increase and then decline. I have seen the financial situation deteriorate - due to unforeseen circumstances - not mismanagement. I believe that participation and finances are the major challenges for the AVA. It is my desire to see participation in volkssport events rebound and the AVA to be financially solvent, responsive to member clubs and nationally recognized both inside and outside the walking community. I want to serve as Northeastern Regional Director to assist in achieving this goal.

I do not know what can be done to achieve the goal. I’m not sure anyone knows. I am willing to take ideas from the region to the EC and vice versa. I am willing to review ideas and offer my thoughts. I am willing to work within my region and with the EC to better understand the issues and resolutions.

I believe the major challenge for the AVA is increased participation for the long term. Increased participation would bring in additional revenue. Increased revenue will help the financial hurdles and move toward national recognition inside and outside of the walking community. I also believe that funding is a major challenge. Grants or additional corporate sponsorship could help fill the gap when sanction and participation fees are not enough.

I would bring 23 years of firsthand volkssport knowledge and experience to the AVA EC. This includes holding club offices and presidencies (1986 in Oklahoma City & 1994/1995 in Largo, Fl), living and walking in 5 regions (Southwest, South Central, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast). I have been a delegate to the 1985, 1987, 1989, 1995, 1997, 1999 & 2001 AVA Conventions. I have served on the Strategic Planning Committee (1999 to present) under Fred Sheets. I have assisted in the AVA Convention Credentialing in 1995, 1997, 1999 & 2001. I have participated in almost 800 events and I have worked too many events to count. I also bring 30 years of general business work experience to include customer service, training, project management and technical support. I hold a BA in Business Management, a Masters in Business Administration.

I feel my most significant volkssport contribution in the past five years has been the maintenance of the websites for Connecticut Valley Volkssport Association, Volkssport Club of West Point, Prairie Dog Plodders (site removed) and Holy Family Walkers (site removed). These sites have all received AVA Awards for content. As more people use the internet, it is vital to have information about the AVA available to internet users.

I look forward to serving the Northeast Region during the next AVA Executive Council.