My wife, Barbara, and I have enjoyed living in Oakmont since 2017. Starting in 2018 I served as OVA Board vice president, and after re-election in 2020, as president. The board was busy throughout those four years with many challenges, and my experience in engineering, finance, and project management (which I continue to teach for Berkeley) often came in handy. As a board member I helped manage the successful acquisition and operational transition for the golf course properties, completed the East Recreation Center renovation on budget, increased the accuracy of OVA’s annual reserve studies, and established a five-phase process to improve oversight of major community projects.

That said, I think the biggest accomplishments of the boards I served on were the building of trust and respect both within the board and throughout our community.  With every new issue came disagreements, as is inevitable within diverse groups. But the board directors did their best to listen to each other and to our membership to ensure that everyone’s views were heard. Making decisions that weighed differing inputs and sought consensus has led to financially responsible outcomes that align with the values and the best long-term interests of Oakmont.

The next few years will bring more challenges. As we work to plan for the future of central Oakmont and enhance our safety and fire resiliency, we must ensure that people can voice their views in a civil manner and can disagree without being disagreeable. This will depend heavily on effective communications, community conversations, and substantial volunteer effort. Board directors must listen to and treat people with respect, trust their abilities, and recognize volunteers and our talented OVA staff for their hard work.

I look forward to contributing to our future on the next board, and I ask for and appreciate your support.