NACD BoD Election

[Capt Tom McMillan]

The following is my platform statement as I am running for Director at Large of the NACD BoD. It will also appear on the NACD website www.safecavediving.com. I appreciate your support.

My name is Tom McMillan and I am running for the Director at Large seat on the NACD Board of Directors (BoD), and I am asking for your support and vote.

I would like to explain to those of you who do not know me some things about me as well as my background as a diver, cave diver and volunteer. Followed by this I would like to point out a few things that piqued my interest, concerned me and caused me to think that I needed to run for the BoD. I believe it is time for a change on the NACD BoD and the way the NACD conducts itself. I know many of you agree with me from conversations I have had with you over the past few months. I also realize that many others do not see “behind the scenes” here in cave country and I hope my position statement sheds a little light on some of these issues.

I have been a scuba diver since 1966 and am currently an instructor with the IANTD. For ten years (1985 through 1995) I owned a commercial dive business specializing in work in contaminated waters. I currently own and operate a charter boat on the Cooper River in South Carolina where I take divers out in search of sharks’ teeth. I currently hold a USCG 50 Ton Masters’ License. I run this charter operation on weekends. I was certified as a cave diver through the NACD in March of 2000, my instructor was Harry Averill and I have logged approximately 500 cave dives.

My current job is a federal employee/civil service technician at the Charleston Air Force base, soon transferring to Kings’ Bay Georgia. I will be retiring from civil service in July of 2008 and will take no other jobs. Because of my upcoming retirement I will have plenty of time for my expected duties as a member of the NACD BoD.

My history of volunteering in the cave diving community began in 2002 when I built the first tank rack that was installed at Peacock Springs State Park (PSSP). I built the rack at my home in Charleston, SC and brought it down with me on one of my many monthly trips to cave country. I also built and delivered a picnic table that is currently at Peacock III. I am a sponsor of the Dark Water Tunnel. This is an adoption program much like the adopt a road program where periodically I and friends go into the Dark Water tunnel and ensure there is no trash and that the line is in good repair. For the past three years I have been a guide at Hart Springs.

In 2002 I was elected and served as the Commodore of the James Island Yacht Club in Charleston, SC. This was a voluntary position that required a lot of time and energy and I was at the yacht club every day handling some aspect of that position. In 2000 I volunteered and served as a counselor at Camp Happy days in Charleston, SC this was a camp for children suffering from terminal cancer. In 2005, 2006, and 2007 I served as a staff volunteer for the Special Olympics in Charleston, SC.

Many of you are aware of the kiosk program at PSSP, I am a sponsor of a kiosk there and that is why you see my name on the sign as you approach Orange Grove Sink at that park.

If you elect me to the NACD BoD I will work toward re-instituting term limits for officers and committee chairpersons such as president, training director, safety officer, operations and general manager. When the NACD was initially formed there were term limits for many of these positions. I would like to see these term limits reinstituted. Also of interest is the fact all current NACD BoD members are cave instructors, I am not a cave instructor and feel that my presence on that board will provide better balance in that I do not rely on any aspect of cave diving for my income. The current BoD is also composed of only Florida residents, I live in South Carolina and would add some geographical diversity to the mixture of the board.

When I initially decided to run for the BoD and was nominated at the general membership meeting I decided I needed to better understand the financial status of the organization. In accordance with NACD by-laws section 10.04 any member has the right to inspect the books and records for any proper purpose at any reasonable time. Florida law Chapter 617 also defines these responsibilities for the organization to make available these records to me. I made the request to see these records on or about November 22, 2007. My request was stonewalled; I have still not been able to inspect the records. Three BoD members answered my request in a manner whereby they were reluctant to take the time to review these records with me. I was told to simply take their word that all matters are in order. One director went so far as to state the only reason I was asking for these records was due to friendship with a former board member and that I simply wanted to stir up trouble. They have now told me I can see the records in January 2008 one hour before the next BoD meeting. The reasoning is that it is a volunteer organization and no one has the time to go over these records with me until then. It seems to me that if current volunteers do not have time to conduct the business that our by-laws and Florida statutes require they should step down and let volunteers who do have the time into these positions.

A few weeks ago I discovered that in 2004 and also in 2005 the NACD failed to file the required IRS Federal Income Tax returns. Even though the NACD is a 501 C 3 tax exempt organization its officers and directors are still required to file these forms. In 2006 the tax returns for both years were filed. The IRS imposed late filing fees of almost $3200.00. These fees were waived after one of the NACD’s former BoD members negotiated with the IRS. These tax issues and copies of these penalty letters are available to any member through the federal Freedom of Information Act.

In my opinion the NACD BoD failed in its fiduciary responsibility to the membership by failing to take care of this type business. Because of this I feel the need to look at the current records to ensure they are in order.

My intent is to strive to make the NACD a better organization and to search for members who have time and are willing to take the time to do their volunteering activities in a manner that the NACD, the oldest cave diver training agency in the world and its members deserve.

It is time for a change!!!

Please cast your ballot and vote for me.

Tom McMillan

[Walter Pickel]

Tom,

Thank you for posting your platform statement. And good luck in the election!!!

[Daedalus]

Tom,
Thanks for posting your platform. I have a few questions:
* What classes do you teach for IANTD?
* How much time are you able to devote to attending NACD functions in person in Florida? Would you be able to make it to all/many of the board meetings, seminars, and socials that occur throughout the calendar year?
* What do you think the proper balance is between the NACD functions of Training Agency, Cave Diving Advocacy, Cave Conservation, and Cave Property Acquisition?
* What changes do you propose to attempt make in your first year of service?
* What training/experience do you have that would enable you to "get the NACD books in line" as you propose as your main plank?

Thanks

[stairman]

I only have one question,whats the secret formula for o2 cleaning tanks.You never told us for our own safety.

[Capt Tom McMillan]

Tom,
Thanks for posting your platform. I have a few questions:
* What classes do you teach for IANTD?
* How much time are you able to devote to attending NACD functions in person in Florida? Would you be able to make it to all/many of the board meetings, seminars, and socials that occur throughout the calendar year?
* What do you think the proper balance is between the NACD functions of Training Agency, Cave Diving Advocacy, Cave Conservation, and Cave Property Acquisition?
* What changes do you propose to attempt make in your first year of service?
* What training/experience do you have that would enable you to "get the NACD books in line" as you propose as your main plank?

Thanks

Bob:

The classes I teach through IANTD are open water, advanced open water, nitrox, advanced nitrox, rescue and cavern.

I am in cave country at least 3-4 days every month cave diving and hold down a full time job. This has been my custom for the past seven years or so. When I retire in July 2008 I will be in cave country a lot more. I make this promise – If elected I will not miss a BoD meeting, social or seminar unless circumstances beyond my control arise.

The changes I will propose are term limits and more transparency of the business functions and affairs of the NACD.

As far as cave acquisition goes I have no idea of the financial status of the NACD other than what was in a NACD Journal many months ago, the last NACD Journal had no report of financial position. I would like to see the NACD acquire a cave for our members if the NACD can financially support it.

For me Cave conservation and keeping caves open should be the main thrust of the NACD not training cave divers and selling logo wear.

No where in my platform statement did I state that I plan to get the NACD books in line. I have no idea what state the NACD books are in. The only evidence I have about accounting and reporting functions is regarding the lack of the BoD preparing tax returns for 2004 and 2005.

[skip]

I want to state that Tom is one of my favorite people and I will be voting for him. Now that you know my bias.....

I have not however seen him in attendance at any of the NACD meetings I have attended and perhaps if he had attended he would know the state of the books, the efforts and the money available earmarked toward cave purchase. The NACD is committed to conservation, as the most recent BOD amply demonstrated, and as the regular reports online at the NACD forum also attest. There are many volunteers working their butts off on water quality assessments, water bottling issues, and the drainage of the Floridan Aquifer for golf courses in Miami. Plans are in the works for cave purchases and money is slowly but steadily accruing toward critical mass. The current members of the BOD have worked wonders in the last few years (and sales of logo-wear will only enhance the efforts of the NACD.... I like my T-shirt and Hat!). And there is no good reason I see "for a change." The NACD is on the right track.

However, someone with Tom's motivation and dedication will be an assest to the NACD, contributing to the furtherance of programs and goals that are already in progress. I am not displeased at all with the current configuration of the BOD, but if it can be tweaked for the betterment, then why not?

This is all my personal view, not offiical statements of the NACD, so if anyone knows different, or thinks different, let us know.

-skip

[JeffB]

To our friends in the cave diving community,

We are writing this letter to inform you of the upcoming NACD Board of Directors Election. At the 2007 NACD membership meeting held during the 39th annual NACD World seminar, two candidates were nominated for the position of Director at large. The current board of directors unanimously nominated Tracy Grubbs for this position because of his outstanding history of support and hard work in helping make the NACD what it is today. Tracy is currently serving on the NACD board of directors as the committee coordinator. Another candidate was nominated by an NACD Member but was not present for his nomination. We are asking for your help in supporting Tracy Grubbs for the position of Director at large. As an active cave diver and instructor who is very familiar with the highly variable needs of this agency and this community, Tracy is an important part of the NACD team. Tracy has volunteered his time and money to support the cave diving community in numerous ways. If you have walked on the boardwalk to Peacock I, you have Tracy Grubbs and his volunteer team to thank for this. If you attended our social, you have enjoyed the food he has cooked and helped pay for. Prior to Tracy’s appointment to the board of directors, he attended board meetings and volunteered, and learned the inner workings of the NACD. Through the years, Tracy has contributed to NACD publications, played a key role in our increasingly prominent presence at DEMA, the NACD’s constantly evolving workshop, and the NACD social. Since its infancy, the NACD has never been more cohesive or productive entity, and this is all thanks to a business minded professional team. As many of you know, the NACD relies on volunteers who consistently demonstrate a genuine interest in the NACD’s health and well being.

In order to continue the current trend of progressive prosperity, evolving products and programs, and cohesiveness, please cast your vote for Tracy Grubbs.

Thank you for supporting the NACD and all that we stand for.

Sincerely,

Larry Green – NACD Training Director
Jeff Bauer – NACD President
Rick Murcar - NACD Vice President
Richard Dreher – NACD Instructor Director
Bert Wilcher - NACD Instructor Director

[DIVEHYPE]

Dear NACD Members,

I am currently serving as your Director at Large for the NACD Board for the 2007 term. My name is Tracy Grubbs and I began diving in 1982. I progressed from open water diver to Instructor Certifier over the past 25 years as my passion for diving grew. I am currently teaching for multiple agencies including NACD, SSI, SDI, TDI, PSA and DAN. I am serving as a contributing editor for the new SSI TECHXR program. I am a member of the NACD, NSS-CDS and National Eagle Scout Association (BSA).


As a professional manager I utilize a team approach in accomplishing tasks. My experience in setting up teams, establishing goals and organizing conservation projects has always been an integral part of my professional career and one of my strongest assets. Some of my conservation efforts include Ponce Inlet Underwater Cleanup, Halifax River Cleanup, Blue Springs State Park Underwater Cleanup, Deleon Springs State Park Underwater Cleanup, Telford Springs Cleanup and Peacock Spring State Park Boardwalk Expansion. Some recent projects that I completed were the NACD Logbook and the Cooking Team for the NACD Social. My personal goal is to educate safe cave divers, raise conservation awareness and protection of the cave system for future enjoyment.

I respectfully ask you to consider me, Tracy Grubbs, for re-election to the 2008 NACD Board for Director at Large for another term.

Tracy Grubbs
NACD Director at Large
NACD Committee Coordinator
NACD Instructor I-155
SSI Instructor Certifier #6193
TDI Adv. Trimix Instructor #2321
PSA Trimix Instructor #108
DAN Instructor #7417

[skip]

My earlier post supported Capt Tom. However Tracy Grubbs is a good choice too. I had no idea that tom and tracy were the two choices and it is clearly a choice between two excellent candidates. I count them both as friends, trusted dive buddies, and mentors. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I am close friends with either; they both most likely have only vague memory of who I am. I've had little contact/interaction with them, but was favorably impressed with both. Whichever one is elected I have no doubt that the NACD will be well-served.

I wish them both success in the coming election and whatever the outcome I know that both will continue to serve the best interests of cave diving. If I have learned anything in the past two years it is the same lesson that Tom and Tracy exhibit: We all make a difference, we all are needed.

-skip

[curtschu]

I support the idea of a non-instructor being on the board. Is there any other member/canidate that are not cave instructors? Tom, are you planning on becoming a Cave Instructor in the future? I Really believe we need more people that don't make a living on diving involved in the Org.