Canadian Yachting December 2017 - 47
become an integral part of the Squadron or District and contribute a great deal to the well-being of CPS-ECP. Deborah Churchill of the Avalon Squadron, Atlantic District, is one these special people. A long-time member of Avalon Squadron, Deborah has always dedicated a great deal of time and energy into CPS-ECP and for the last eight years has been the Squadron's Educational Officer organizing the courses, instructors, venues and a host of other things all related to extending the outreach of CPS-ECP into the local community of St. John's, Newfoundland. She has also been active in the Atlantic District serving in several positions up to and including District Commander. Deborah has had lots of National exposure as well as she is a past member of the National Nominating Committee and the Editorial Committee. Deborah is never shy about taking on more work! Deborah continues to advocate for her Squadron at the Atlantic District level and is now the Secretary. As well, she takes time to make sure that anyone seeking information about CPS-ECP gets a prompt, courteous and informative reply to their inquiry. Congratulations Deborah for a job very well done and CPS-ECP is so much better for all your dedicated efforts on so many fronts! Deborah is pictured bottom of previous page with Cowan Insurance Group Industry Leader, Programs & Associations, Cathy Bisbee and Chief Commander Robert Pepin, AP. Joseph Gatfield Leadership Award At the 2015 National Conference this award was first given out to P/C/C Joe Gatfield who had worked very hard in directing the change of course that CPS-ECP had undertaken in streamlining its new governance structure. This was an immense task and Joe certainly did a most wonderful job then and remains a huge asset to CPS-ECP today. So each year the National Executive Committee sets out to present this award to an individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership and continues to make long-lasting contributions to CPS-ECP. This year's recipient is Don Griffin, our recently retired National Educational Officer, from North Shore Power and Sail Squadron of the Pacific Mainland District. I have followed Don's work for many years in the Educational Department and recently interviewed him in the October 2016 edition of The Port Hole. In Don's interview he expressed that he always felt drawn to the educational department as "it was a good fit with what I do", and so over his years with CPS-ECP Don took on more and more responsibility and became our National Educational Officer in the Fall of 2014. Don felt that this was his opportunity to participate at the highest level of CPS-ECP and help steer the ship into better educational waters. With much determination and diplomacy Don did just that. CPS-ECP online courses became a reality and there was a significant review and restructuring of all the courses to cater to the new boater who wanted shorter courses and less time in a classroom setting. Along with all of his Educational responsibilities Don also worked diligently with the other officers of the National Executive Committee to ensure the continued success of the recent board restructuring and had providing input into our new website needs and wants. At the Charlottetown Conference it was quite obvious that Don was completely taken by surprise to hear his name announced as the winner of this award, as this award is determined only by the National Executive Committee of which he is a part, which shows that even they can keep a secret. Don received a warm standing ovation for all his leadership and dedication and there were lots of smiles around the room both in the audience and on all the faces of the National Executive Committee. Congratulations Don! - by R. John Garside, AP, Editor-in-Chief www.canadianyachting.ca 47 THE PORT HOLE Don Griffin received the Joe Gatfield Leadership Award. Pictured here with the 2016-2017 Executive Committee.
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