Gold Coast Region
Gold Coast Region
porsche club of america
Gold Coast Region
Gold Coast Region
porsche club of america

2024 GCR Election – Candidate Bio’s

Officers

Sorted by last name in alphabetical order

Ian Gerada

Ian Gerada Headshot

Candidate for: President

I’ve been a Porsche enthusiast for as long as I can remember. I bought my first Porsche in 2012 and joined the Gold Coast Region in 2013. Since then, I’ve been deeply involved in the club, contributing significantly in various roles.

WHY I’M RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT:

  • Member Engagement: I’m committed to increasing participation through innovative and fun events. The 911 and Turbo Chronicles attracted over 350 members combined and received rave reviews.
  • Member-Centric Focus: My goal is to ensure every member feels valued and included. By improving communication and organizing events like the annual new members’ picnic, I’ve helped create a welcoming community.
  • Innovative Growth: I am dedicated to initiatives that will grow our membership and enhance the benefits of being part of the PCA Gold Coast Region.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS & ROLES:

  • Board Member & Membership Chair: I keep members informed about events and news. My work as Membership Chair over the last three years has been recognized as the “Gold Standard” by Zone 12.
  • Social Media Chair: I manage our Facebook and Instagram profiles, engaging with members and increasing our online presence.
  • Webmaster: I oversee the goldcoastregion.org and zone12.pca.org websites and serve on the PCA National Website Committee.
  • Event Chair: I have chaired several events, including Stone Crab Drive & Dines, 911 and Turbo Chronicles, and Oktoberfest.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

  • Rookie Of The Year 2016: I was honored with the PCA Gold Coast Region Rookie of the Year award.
  • Virtual Engagement During COVID: I initiated and ran virtual socials, including a virtual car show with over 150 members participating. I also created Mission 911, a photo project that spelled out a message of hope during the pandemic.

I’m committed to making our club the best it can be—together, we can grow and improve!

Christy Spangler

Christy Spangler Headshot

Candidate for: President

Christy Spangler is a highly motivated and conscientious member of PCA Gold Coast Region (GCR). She joined the PCA in 2001 and has become an exceptionally active participant in club events. During the past 23 years, she has volunteered at numerous national events such as WERKS Reunion and the annual Porsche Parade. Within our region, she currently holds the appointed position of social chair. Her enthusiastic efforts involve organizing, scheduling, and creating the many GCR events. In addition, Christy is a regular contributor to our monthly Kassette magazine. Prior to these duties, Christy was elected to serve on the Gold Coast Board of Directors for the 2020-2022 period.

Beyond her efforts on behalf of the GCR, she participates in many club activities such as Autocross, HPDE, and the annual Fall Tour while enjoying her 1985 944 and her 2000 Carrera 996. She travels throughout our region to enjoy the camaraderie among our vast membership.

Christy earned her Bachelor’s from Jacksonville University and Master’s from East Tennessee State University. She is a visual communicator specializing in technical and engineering subject matter for over 20 years. Art, science, engineering, and technology inspire her creativity, curiosity, and desire to both continue learning and help others. It’s her education and work experience that have given her the skill set necessary to be a strong, active, and heavily involved leader for the PCA Gold Coast Region.

As President of GCR, Christy will continue to participate in all club activities as she feels it is necessary to understand the interests and desires of the members. She will develop new and interesting opportunities for increased member enjoyment and participation. She is committed to supporting the team of directors, committee chairs, and general membership while strengthening relationships with sponsors to make Gold Coast Region a success.

Bobby Varela

Bobby Varela Headshot

Candidate for: Vice-President (Unopposed)

Born in Miami, Florida, in 1972, I was fortunate to grow up with a father who was a factory-trained Porsche technician. His passion for Porsche and dedication to performance was infectious. At 16, I proudly owned my first Porsche, a black 944, and have since also owned a Porsche 911 and a Boxster.

With over 35 years in the European automotive industry, I have worked with renowned companies like Eckler’s Industries as a Porsche Tech, Champion Motorsport as Service Director, and Foreign Affairs Motorsport as General Manager.

I have been a proud PCA member since the early 1990s and have received awards such as Rookie of the Year in 1993, Sonnenfest overall winner in 1994, and Enthusiast and Family of the Year in 1995.

My involvement with the Gold Coast Region (GCR) has been extensive, serving as a Board of Director, Membership Chairman, and Social and Club Race Volunteer Chairman. I spearheaded GCR’s largest membership drive, contributed to the launch of the now magazine-styled Die Porsche Kassette, and organized events like Stone Crab Drives, Collier Museum Tours, Tech Sessions, Oktoberfest, and the Porsche Chronicles series.

As a National PCA instructor and previous autocross champion, I have had the privilege of instructing and racing at tracks such as Sebring, Homestead, Road Atlanta, and Roebling Road.

I am running for the position of Vice-President because I believe my over 30 years of experience in volunteering and supporting GCR with new members will benefit the club for years to come. I am committed to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community, ensuring that all members have opportunities to engage and enjoy their passion for Porsche.

Max Wiseltier

Max Wiseltier Headshot

Candidate for: Treasurer (Unopposed)

Maxfield (Max) Wiseltier is from upstate New York (Catskills) and spent most of his life in New York City. His first word was “car” and he has loved Porsches from a very young age, as his dad would tell him stories of his beloved 911s, 911t, and 914-6.

Max attended the NYU Stern School of Business for his Undergraduate and MBA degrees. After working at several startups in NYC, he began building his career in real estate and finance. Max worked in residential brokerage for four years and spent three years in investment analysis in hospitality. Max now works in tech strategy at Lennar, the Miami-based homebuilder.

After moving to Miami in 2022, he dove into the automotive scene here, attending as many car shows, meets, and events as he could (and still does!). He also began his 7-month-long search for his perfect Porsche. He daily drives a 997.2 6-speed and loves every minute behind the wheel.

In his free time, Max enjoys working on his car, volunteering, and spending time with his wife Lauren and dog Remy. Currently, he volunteers at Paws4You (a dog rescue) and Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade (a community-empowering, home renovation non-profit for people in need).

Ed Blair

Ed Blair Headshot

Candidate for: Secretary

Hello fellow Porsche enthusiasts. It has been my pleasure serving the club over the past 7 years, both as a member at large and as a director and alternate director over the past four years. I enjoy assisting with various events happening throughout the year and have been hosting an annual club drive to North Carolina each year in the fall.

I would like to continue my service to the club by serving as your club Secretary beginning in 2025. I hope you will consider voting for me when elections take place beginning October 15, 2024. Thank you for your consideration.

Carolynn Ditrichs

Carolynn Ditrichs Headshot

Candidate for: Secretary

Current Treasurer and active PCA member Carolynn Ditrichs is running for the position of Secretary. She has served on the board for 5 years and has been responsible for billing Kassette advertisers and sponsors of our great events, paying club bills, and managing the debts, obligations, and assets of the club. She also assists with the autocrosses, social events, as a volunteer at the 48 Hours, and is always available to lend a helping hand.

Carolynn has been a member of the Gold Coast region since 2012 when she bought her 2006 Boxster S. She knew she had bought a great car but soon came to realize it was more than that—she had become part of the Porsche family, meeting many wonderful individuals. She started her club activities participating in the dine and drives, branching out to other activities including autocrosses, car collection tours, driver’s eds, several Zonefests, the monthly breakfasts, and more. More recently, she has gotten involved in PCA National events including the Porsche Parades, Zonefests at Sea, and Treffens.

Carolynn earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting from the University of Florida and has been a CPA in Florida since 1986. She started her career at the public accounting firm of Coopers and Lybrand. For the past 32 years, she has worked at NCCI Holdings in various accounting and auditing positions.

In her spare time, Carolynn likes to travel, swim, play tennis, and participate in Gold Coast club events, especially the autocrosses, which served as a wonderful bonding experience with her son Damon for many years. She would appreciate your vote so that she can continue to give back to the club, bringing diverse activities and programs to the membership of the club that has given her so much over the years.

Directors

Sorted by last name in alphabetical order

Dan Doyle

Dan Doyle Headshot

Candidate for: Director

My name is Dan Doyle. In 2007, I joined the Porsche Club of America and have been a member of the Gold Coast Region ever since. Shortly after joining GCR, I became involved in the Driver’s Education Program. After much work and study, I became a PCA Instructor in 2012. I enjoy giving back to the Porsche community as an instructor to this day.

I began my public service with GCR as a 2nd Alternate Board Member in 2011. In 2012, I became a regular Board Member. Being a Board Member gave me an opportunity to interact in a different way with all of the wonderful people I’ve met in GCR. In 2014, in addition to being a Board Member, I became the Driver Education Chairman, a job I performed through 2015. Also in 2015, I continued my service with GCR as Vice President, a position that continued through 2016. For 2017 and 2018, I was honored to serve as GCR’s President.

Thereafter, I served as Past President on the Board of Directors and was Chairman of the Nominating Committee. After some much-needed time off, I’d like to continue my service with GCR. It has been my honor to serve the region, and I look forward to doing so again and seeing everyone at upcoming GCR events!

Cynthia Fluhart

Cynthia Fluhart Headshot

Candidate for: Director

Cynthia Fluhart has been an active PCA member for over 18 years. She was awarded 2007 Rookie of the Year and 2008 Family of the Year. Cynthia served as Club Secretary for over 10 years and Miami Social Chair for over nine years. She has created and planned many social events, including the Islamorada Drive & Dine for six years, Annual Mandarin Oriental Lunch & Concours which she named “Porsches by The Bay” for four years, Hollywood Moonlite Diner breakfasts & happy hours, Sunday Brunches at La Palma & Galuppi’s, Schnelby Winery Events, Spring Flings, and holiday parties. For her, it’s all about bringing members together to enjoy new and old friends who share a passion for Porsches while having fun along the way!

As a professional photographer and event planner since 1999, Cynthia enjoys capturing social events and Porsches on various racetracks, such as Homestead, Sebring, PBIR, VIR, and Daytona. She found it exhilarating as a passenger while her late husband, a driving instructor, drove “Porschetta” during DE events. She believes every Porsche should have a name—it’s part of your family! Cynthia traded in her 2007 Boxster S for a 2014 911, which is a grown-up “Porschetta.” She has enjoyed attending events like the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring, capturing moments to share in the Kassette magazine. She has also volunteered at the PCA Hospitality tent during the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Cynthia is an avid motorsport fan and Porsche enthusiast. She wants to see the club continue to grow and offer members quality events that are unrivaled. As she says, “Remember, Porsche—there is no substitute!”

For over 28 years, Cynthia has held dual positions as Secretary and Treasurer on her Homeowners Association Board, including serving as the Architectural Modification Chairperson, representing 552 homes with an annual budget of over $1.3 million. Cynthia attended MDCC, UM, and FIU, earning an AA in Business, AS in Accounting, BA in Business, and a BS in Psychology with a minor in Marketing & Advertising. She currently works as an interior designer with a special focus on bathrooms.

Virginia Holden

Virginia Holden Headshot

Candidate for: Director

Hello Porsche Enthusiasts, I’m Virginia Holden, a candidate for the Board of Directors position. I have been an associate member of PCA since 1998, and my husband Ed is a 48-year member. We have been fortunate to enjoy some of the social events that the Gold Coast Region has organized, such as the Poker Runs, Drive to Everglades City, etc. In 2003, we traveled to Wesley Chapel, FL to participate in the annual Porsche Parade with our 1967 911S. We did our best in the Time Speed Distance Rally, but alas, did not prevail! However, it was a great experience and we met some wonderful Porsche owners. Meeting such great people at these events convinced me to get more involved with the club.

My past work experience involved co-owning and operating a recording studio in downtown Fort Lauderdale. We attracted some of the finest clients to our very private and unique facility, called New River Studios. We offered recording and post-production services to artists such as Jimmy Buffet, Peter Frampton, Enrique Iglesias, and many others. Running a business required me to wear many hats: manager, travel agent, bill collector, caterer, and so on. I would like to bring my skills and experience to this wonderful group of Porsche members.

While our children were in their various schools, we participated in organizing school auctions, charity events, and mentoring new families. I was a member of the School Advisory Board for 6 years during our children’s middle school years. I would like to continue helping out where needed and getting further involved with our club.

Dottie Kidd

Dottie Kidd Headshot

Candidate for: Director

Current Vice President and active PCA member Dottie Kidd is proud to be running for GCR Director. Dottie has been a member of PCA for approximately 27 years and has served on the Board for about 20 years, filling the roles of Director, Alternate Director, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President. She also serves as Safety Chair, Social Committee member, and Autocross Registrar. If you have been to any PCA events or read the Kassette, you have probably seen or heard her name.

Dottie’s PCA accomplishments both regional and national include:

  • GCR Family of the Year with husband Steve Kidd seven times
  • GCR Enthusiast of the Year
  • Zonefest Chair 2016 and co-chair 2013 (GCR’s 50th Anniversary)
  • Serves as registrar for revamped DE program
  • Mentored members into leadership roles
  • Initiated GCR’s Junior Member program and coordinated Junior activities
  • Assisted with charity and community service events
  • PCA National Family of The Year in 2015 (at Porsche Parade)
  • Attended 14 Porsche Parades competing, volunteering, and networking
  • Participated in PCA multi-regional events and PCA Treffen at sea
  • Served as part of the 48 Hours Club Race team for 10+ years
  • Amelia Island Werks & Parade Concours judge and staff 2017 & 2018

Dottie has a reputation for being highly organized, detail-oriented, and always willing to help wherever needed. She is retired from the US Postal Service and previously worked as an Office Manager/Executive Secretary. You can find Dottie at most events driving a 944S2, GT3, or Cayman S. She looks forward to continuing to serve GCR in the future and help make GCR a region of many accomplishments. Her goals include increasing PCA Junior/family membership, mentoring future GCR leaders, and hosting unique events.

Vanessa Varela

Vanessa Varela Headshot

Candidate for: Director

Born in Montreal in 1986, I moved to South Florida with my family in 1992. My love for cars began early, inspired by my brother Petro who owned a track car. At 16, I started joining him at track events in Sebring, which ignited my passion for motorsports.

My connection with Porsche deepened when I married into a Porsche-loving family. Together, we’ve explored tracks from Barber to Sebring to Homestead Motorspeedway. In 2018, my husband Bobby Varela made me an affiliate member of the PCA Gold Coast Region, and since then my involvement has only grown.

I’ve co-hosted several key events, including Oktoberfest, the 911 and Turbo Chronicles, and various drive-and-dine events, contributing to the vibrant community we all cherish. Recently, I purchased my first Porsche, a Macan S, which has been a thrilling addition to my life.

I am running for a position on the Board of Directors to further our club’s positive momentum. My goal is to ensure our events are inclusive and enjoyable for all members, fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and engaged. With your support, I am committed to bringing fresh ideas and continued enthusiasm to the PCA Gold Coast Region.


 
Gold Coast Region

Porsche Club of America,
Gold Coast Region
648 NW 100 Lane
Coral Springs, FL. 33071

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