ONTARIO
BOARD ELECTIONS
2024
ONTARIO BOARD CANDIDATES
Ontario members – please review the list of candidates below. When you are ready to cast your vote, please use the button below.
ADAM LOWE (INCUMBENT)
VIEW ADAM’S INTRODUCTORY VIDEO HERE
Why are you interested in serving on the CASI Board?
To help maintain the ongoing direction of our vision, mission statement, and strategic plan.
What specific skills, expertise, or networks can you bring to the CASI Board?
CASI involvement and experience of 35 years, BOD experience of 9 years (6 yrs CASI & 3 yrs TRACK3 ONTARIO). A unique skill of examining all issues from multiple sides as a theoretical “devil’s advocate”, strong network built in the Ontario CASI Community, the ability to type 50-60 words per min as Secretary to the Board as well as 27 years of marketing experience.
Currently, what do you view as CASI’s biggest strength?
Explosive Growth & Popularity, Strong Financial Position, Membership Diversity & Sterling reputation Nationally & Internationally
What do you view as CASI’s biggest challenge in the years to come and how do you see the Board addressing them?
With explosive growth come new challenges at management and admin level, we need to maintain our strong reputation as professionals within a larger number of active members around the globe. Additionally, weather patterns affect the longevity of our sport are becoming more and more apparent, this environmental force, although difficult to combat, can be strategized around. Finally, our reach (in Ontario as well as other regions) does not meet 100% of Canadian resorts. While we experience success overseas, we need to always maintain a strong regional/national focus and do what is best for our Canadian members and resort partners long term.
If applicable, describe any previous board roles and what you learned from those experiences:
3 years Track 3 board, 6 years CASI Board, various committee seats (AdClub, Track3, CASI) secretary to the Board 6 years (CASI).
I joined CSF in 1990 to start my snowboard instructing/coaching career and have been passionately involved since then. I officially joined CASI after its year of inception in 1995 taking my Level 2 and subsequently joining NCCP as well as Evaluator training in 1996.
Having conducted well over 160 courses for CASI, I have had a positive influence on member growth and even fellow evaluator staff. Joining the board of directors 6 years ago was a goal set to aid in being a positive driving force in an association I continue to remain very enthusiastically involved with.
Additionally I am a member of other affiliated and non affiliated teaching associations (CSIA. CADS, CGTF, PGA OF CANADA, TRACK 3, ADCLUB TORONTO, SNOWBOARD ONTARIO, SNOWBOARD CANADA).
Awards:
- CASI – Marketing Recognition Award (10-year anniversary)
- Caledon Ski Club – coach of the year, most improved instructor of the year, most “fun” coach of the year, 15 year recognition
- CGTF – Top 50 instructors in Canada, Level 4 Masters course best teaching thesis presentation
- Track 3 – 13-year golf day chair/organizer
- AdClub – 13 year ski day committee member
- CASI – 30-year recognition
- CSIA – 25-year recognition
Zhenyi Jay Chen
VIEW JAY’S INTRODUCTORY VIDEO HERE
Why are you interested in serving on the CASI Board?
I meditated upon the idea of becoming a board of director for CASI for a specific question — am I doing it for ego, or for the greater good? And I sensed a voice from the deepest of my heart said, “your ego will definitely be happy, but remember what truly fuels you is to help people find happiness.” That reminds of the year I joined CASI.
I was lost back in 2019, when my startup business failed and there was less than $1000 in my bank account. The only thing I knew was my passion for snowboarding, so I moved to Mont-Tremblant and joined Tremblant Ski School. The job was not well-paid, but I was filled with joy when seeing the smiles on my students’ faces. The spirit I felt in the community rescued me from the darkness of failing my business. I understood that the meaning of life is about bringing joy to people, instead of making money and gaining recognition; and CASI is fully similar-minded people. I was on my feet again with the courage to tackle the world. The cherry on top, I met my wife, who is also a CASI member while working in Tremblant. Now being happily married and running two profitable companies, I would like to put my talents to use for CASI.
What specific skills, expertise, or networks can you bring to the CASI Board?
All-around Skills
1. Being an entrepreneur with zero external investment, I had to master every aspect of developing a business, including product design, sales, accounting, marketing, customer service, legal, public relations, supply chain management and etc. Specifically, I am gifted with two things:
- Optimizing a system for the most efficiency, which allows me to run my business at a low cost;
- Foreseeing the future trend, which allows me to seize opportunities early and avoid speed traps.
Expertise in China
1. China has become CASI’s single largest market outside of Canada, and CASI needs a person who understands China and loyal to CASI at the same time.
2. I have the right kind of understanding of China because my business activities consist of communicating with staff, clients, manufacturers, logistic providers, accountants, bank and local distributors in China.
3. On the other hand, I have no conflict of interest because I am not in the snowboard-related business. In fact, my wife and I closed the snowboarding apparel business “Devotions Group” and donated the remaining stock to CASI and Tremblant Ski School in the summer because we didn’t want to mix up our passion with money.
Networks
My connections are mostly in immigration, agri-food & meat processing and recruitment.
Currently, what do you view as CASI’s biggest strength?
1. Intellectual Property
CASI accumulated a strong intellectual property in snowboard teaching over the past decades. The Reference Guide and all the courses are the best evidence.
2. Loyal and cohesive members
CASI’s mission attracts tens of thousands of true snowboarders to join and stay. These riders become clients, members, and evaluators who help CASI grow.
3. Multi-national Distribution Structure
CASI is the only organization that built a solid course delivering system to allow not only domestic students, but also foreign students to take CASI courses in their home country.
4. Support from the Industry
CASI’s mission aligns with many other similar-minded organizations, brands and industry leaders. Therefore, ski schools, resorts, CSIA and many other brands throw their support to CASI.
5. International Recognition
Combining the four points mentioned above, CASI became the most recognized snowboard instructing brand in the world.
6. Healthy Cashflow
From a business perspective, CASI built great products, a great distribution system, and a team to support it. Moreover, completion of each step brings a positive effect to the subsequent step. This positive flow propels the balance book to be more than healthy.
What do you view as CASI’s biggest challenge in the years to come and how do you see the Board addressing them?
1. Evaluator Shortage
With the increasing interest received from the world, there aren’t enough Level 3s & 4s to deliver courses, which led to the situation where foreign job opportunities compete with domestic demands. Solutions:
- Balance the course distribution between foreign and domestic market.
- Build a pathway to Level 3 & 4. For example: a. giving conditional incentives to encourage testing & training for Level 3 & 4. (Condition: become an evaluator); b. Organize Level 3 & 4 deep work groups.
- Enable a system to allow evaluators to make a living on evaluating. For example: giving tiered bonus based on the number of courses given by each evaluator (The more someone evaluates, the more bonus he/she receives.)
2. Member Integrity
It is inevitable that some of the members will break the Code of Conduct and even the law. It not only hurts the victims, but also CASI’s reputation. What’s important is how CASI responds to the incidents. Solution: enforce Code of Conduct with clearly outlined the rules, procedures and penalties.
3. To Catch the AI Wave
AI has been proven to be the future for many industries. As the leader of snowboarding instruction, it is essential to combine the accumulated knowledge with AI, so that more students can be inspired on their own. Solution: build an application that can analyze riding and give feedback based on videos.
STUART MUNRO
VIEW STU’S INTRODUCTORY VIDEO HERE
My name is Stuart Munro, and I am excited to apply for the Ontario position on the CASI board of directors. As a CASI member entering my 20th season and a resident of Sudbury, Ontario, I believe my extensive experience and commitment to the snowboarding community makes me a strong candidate. I am 35 years old and have been involved in amateur competitive snowboarding since I was 14 years old and have been teaching as a CASI certified instructor since I was 16 years old.
I began my journey at Adanac Ski Hill after completing my level 1 instructor course at 16 years old. Over the 19 years since, I advanced to Head Snowboard Instructor/Snow School Supervisor and became an evaluator. My bilingual skills in English and French enabled me to thrive in this role. Recently, I stepped back to focus on evaluating and advanced teaching, which has been incredibly rewarding. This has allowed me to work with a broader clientele in Ontario.
Having lived in Switzerland and snowboarding in over nine countries, I’ve gained a deep understanding of diverse cultures and approaches within the snowboarding community. Currently, I collaborate with Adanac, Searchmont, Boogie Mountain, and private clubs from Mount St. Louis Moonstone, enhancing my insight into the business aspects of snowboarding. Building strong relationships with snow school insurance companies and Ontario resorts has been crucial to my success.
As an evaluator since age 19, I’ve assessed over 100 courses, primarily focusing on level 1 instructor and park 1 certifications. Many of the instructors I’ve certified have gone on to become exceptional educators and evaluators themselves. I pride myself on being a people person and maintaining connections with those I’ve certified, serving as their voice in Northern Ontario. This motivates my desire to join the board of directors—bringing a fresh perspective for Ontario members. I am uniquely positioned to understand the challenges faced across various regions of Ontario. Northern communities often struggle with socio-economic issues, while southern Ontario deals with high demand for courses. Eastern Ontario contends with competition from Quebec and nearby resorts. Each region’s needs require tailored solutions, and I have ideas to build new markets while supporting local resorts.
My professional background includes a career in aviation, forest fire management, and emergency services with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. I hold a bachelor’s degree in law and justice from Laurentian University and have completed courses in sports administration, business law, and policy. This education helps me improve training and policies in my current role, where safety and efficiency are paramount.
Climate change is a pressing concern for our industry, especially as southern resorts face delayed openings. As we adapt to these challenges, CASI must continue to prioritize grassroots snowboarding and support local resorts in northern communities to extend our season. The foundational role of snow schools is crucial in fostering future memberships; a positive first experience in snowboarding can determine whether individuals continue in the sport.
CASI’s strength lies in its ability to train instructors through engaging, effective programs. My level 1 course not only improved my skills, but also immersed me in a community I wanted to support. However, I’ve noticed shifts in how new clubs introduce people to snowboarding. We must ensure beginners receive thorough training to create safe and enjoyable first experiences.
One area for improvement is developing beginner teaching materials and supporting local snow schools. While enhancing riding standards is essential, we shouldn’t overlook the importance of personality and teaching ability, especially for beginner instructors. Some of the best instructors I’ve seen were not the strongest riders, but excelled at creating a welcoming environment. Furthermore, some Ontario resorts have begun employing uncertified instructors. As a board member, I would focus on winning these resorts back by demonstrating the value of CASI certification. I would strive to build relationships with resort stakeholders and address their needs at the board level.
My experience includes serving on the boards of the Sudbury Pilots Association and Boogie Mountain Ski Hill. I have actively participated in CASI’s annual AGMs and closely followed developments within the organization. My motivation to run comes from the desire to build on the foundation laid by the current Ontario board member, with whom I have discussed various improvements for CASI.
I believe it’s time to introduce new, motivated members to the board, bringing fresh ideas to tackle the challenges we face over the next few years. I am committed to fostering strong relationships within the board and the CASI community.