For the first time in years, there is a race for president of the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association (RCNA).
Incumbent Steve Woodland, who is completing his first two-year term as president, is being challenged by first vice-president William O’Brien. There is also a race for director representing Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. Dan McCormick is seeking re-election as director while Jeffrey Wilson, a former director in Ontario who is relocating to Nova Scotia, is also seeking the role.
Jacques Poitras and James Williston, who are running for first and second vice-presidents, respectively, have no challengers and the same applies to the remaining 11 directorships. However, Lloyd Chan of California and Robert Fritsch of New Hampshire are joining the board as new directors representing the eastern United States. They are replacing retiring directors Jeff Chapman and William Kamb. France Waychison is also a newcomer to the board, being acclaimed as director for Quebec-Montreal and suburbs, which was previously vacant.
The elections will be decided by current members of the RCNA, said executive director Paul Johnson. In a letter dated May 17 and accompanied by the ballot sheet, Johnson explains the mail balloting process and that the election committee must receive the ballots by the July 14 deadline. The results will be announced by the election chairperson at the RCNA’s annual meeting on Saturday, July 22 in Halifax. The RCNA’s convention, which runs July 18-22, is taking place at the Westin Nova Scotia.
Woodland says he wants a second term as president to provide “consistent and steadfast” leadership.
“As we emerge from the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic into the ‘new normal,’ a continued and consistent leadership is essential to build on the vision, strategy and accomplishments put in place over the past two years,” he says. “Under my leadership, supported by an experienced board of directors, the RCNA has seen a successful two years and should continue building on these successes and our proven traditions to establish a solid foundation for the association in the future.”
Meanwhile, O’Brien is seeking the highest office in the RCNA “to guide a unified board of directors with the goals of increasing member benefits, strengthening transparency and fiscal responsibility.”
As president, O’Brien explains some of his priorities.
“I want to improve member benefits by increasing relevant communications to members and updating our website,” he says. “I will try and get the organization more focused on social media communications.”
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