Running for Secretary (2 candidates – Jason and Krista)
Jason Kajkowski
Born and raised in metro Detroit, i.e. "Hockeytown." Became a fan of the Red Wings while in high school during future hall-of-famer Steve Yzerman's early years, and got to see them hoist the Cup in '97 and '98 before moving to Idaho in '99.
Education: BA in English, Western Michigan University
MBA, Finance emphasis, Boise State University
Spent about 5 years working in technical communications with various companies, including automotive in Detroit, then moved into a Finance role at Micron Technology. Spent about 9 years as an internal auditor, and another five as manager of capital investments at Micron. Now work as the Vice President of Finance for Dairy West, an organization that contracts with dairy farmers in the state of Idaho to promote Idaho dairy products and the dairy industry.
Served on the Homeowner's Association Board for our 220-plus housing development in Meridian for about 5 years, with 2.5 of those as the President, before moving to east Boise. My current job role requires lots of interaction with various dairy-related Boards, including preparation of financial summaries and supervision of meeting minutes.
My son developed an interest in playing hockey after watching my wife show off her old figure skating moves during a family trip to McCall. He progressed through learn to skate and Hockey 101 lessons, and will now be starting his third year of Jr. Steelheads travel hockey. Although I grew up a fan of the Red Wings and the NHL, I tell everyone that I've never enjoyed watching hockey more than when my son and his teammates play.
Krista Howard
My name is Krista Howard. I am running for Secretary and would like the opportunity to be a member of the BYAHA Board. I have been impressed so far with the Board and their efforts and would like to assist with the continued success of the board and see the organization grow here in the Treasure Valley. I have been interested in becoming more involved with the organization in some manner the last couple of years. I feel this position would be the perfect opportunity to volunteer my time in helping with the organization, the kids and the families. From my perspective I felt that since my son is so invested in his hockey that I needed to be just as invested and volunteering to help with the Board provides the opportunity.
Next year will be our third season with travel hockey and it is clear that so many people give so much time and effort to help with every aspect of the organization in order for the kids to have strong coaching, playing, support and teams. I want to see that continue and am committed to seeing that the kids at all ages and levels get the best.
My husband, Bob, and I have two kids. Our family’s involvement with the organization has been through our son playing travel hockey. My husband Bob has also been helping out with coaching on our son’s teams. Our son loves hockey so we are in this for the long haul and want to see this organization grow and succeed. Our daughter has also learned how to play hockey. I have not learned to play hockey yet, but am determined to learn to play hockey myself. However, I have been involved with organized sports my whole life and currently am involved in organized sports.
In my professional life I work full time as an attorney and have been practicing for 18 years. I have worked in private practice, for the state and worked for both Ada and Canyon counties. Currently I am working for Canyon County. Professionally my ethics and integrity are everything and that carries over into my personal life and I give 100 percent all the time. Throughout my career I have served on several different committees for professional organizations and my employers.
Our family has really enjoyed travel hockey and have been so impressed with the organization, the hockey families and all the support and dedication given to see the kids succeed. I want to help with the continued success and growth of this organization and help to see that the kids have the best hockey experience as they grow through each level of hockey.
Running for Tournament Director (2 candidates – Virginia and Carla)
Virginia Bennett
My name is Virginia Bennett. I am a Boise transplant from Southern California and a mom to 4 wonderful boys. I've been a hockey mom for 11 years, including 5 years of travel hockey. I have exceptional organizational and communication skills which I have utilized to successfully coordinate my son's team travel, hotel, and team building events over these last 2 years. This past hockey season I played a very active role in planning the Jr Steelheads PeeWee B Battle for the Biscuit Tournament. I also have 3 years of experience as a board member for Treasure Valley Doulas. During my tenure on the TVD board, I worked with a team to coordinate the SW Regional Idaho Doula Conference. I believe my previous experience, dedication, and attention to detail would make me a great choice for this position.
Carla Cerchione
Introduction:
Hi, my name is Carla Cerchione. I am a first year Squirt parent although Nick has been skating for 5 years. We had a great first season with the Jr Steelheads and are excited for next year! This year I was the Co-Travel Coordinator for our team. I also assisted our team Tournament Director with our home tournament. With one year of travel hockey behind me, I am ready to jump in with both feet.
Experience that I will bring to the Tournament Director position:
I have worked in event planning for over 15 years with a wide range of experience. While I was at CIGNA Healthcare, I was part of the Public Relations Team responsible for training. Our group was responsible for every aspect of the training from creating and mailing the invitations, crafting the presentation, scheduling the venue, mailing all the materials and then delivering the presentation. The territory I serviced included 17 states in the Midwest and West. During my last four years with CIGNA Healthcare, I served as the Idaho Operations Manager responsible for contractual compliance. As a contractor with Micron, I was an Events Manager responsible for developing event meeting plans including messaging, print materials, demonstrations, signage, event staffing, meeting facilities, media opportunities, event promotional items and all related show services. The events that I managed were domestic as well as international both full scale booths and smaller events.
I currently work in an elementary school which has allowed to me spend more time with my family: Guy, Ella and Nick. I love hanging out with my family and friends, camping at Redfish and online shopping!
My primary interest in this position is to help in any way I can to make this a fun and rewarding experience for the kids. I am looking for forward to many more years of hockey.
Thank you for your consideration.
Running for Vice President (one candidate, Jan-Erik)
Jan-Erik Peterson
Occupation: Construction Director
Employer: Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI)
Education: Boise State University 1994
Higher Level Sports Experience: Boise State University, Football 1989 - 1993
Sports Coaching Experience: Upward Football Head Coach, Upward Soccer Head Coach, Y-Basketball Head Coach, TVYLL Lacrosse Assistant Coach, Optimist Football Assistant Coach
Wife: Jodi
Children: Coen (13), Maggie (5), Kate (5)
Introduction:
I have been a hockey parent at Idaho Ice world for approx. 8 years watching and cheering on my son. We have made the family commitment to be part of a travel team for the past three years and will continue that commitment. I have witnessed the highs and lows associated with travel hockey as team parent and also as a current board member which started out in the Secretary Position and moved into the my current position as Vice President.
I’ve had the pleasure of coaching various youth sports including football, basketball, Lacrosse, Soccer, and Football. And also had the opportunity to play many sports growing up including playing football collegiately for Boise State. My path never did allow me to play hockey, but as a fully committed parent and current board member, I have grown to love the sport. In my current role as Vice President, I feel that I have a developed a great understanding of what it takes to help our organization grow and become better. In the past year, I have also realized that change doesn’t take place overnight but with positive influences that I can provide, I look to enhance the organization to keep it moving in the right direction.
My career in the management of very large construction projects allows me the opportunity oversee projects from the very beginning of design through handing over the keys to the owner at completion. This process allows me to work through the various issues that may arise and make the necessary decisions critical to keep moving forward. This is not unlike sitting on this board and working through the issues that arise with the goal to keep moving forward for the betterment of the program and the kids. I would love to continue in that leadership role in order to be part of that process.