Please click on each picture below to get to know each nominee before you vote.
Dan Prater
Running for President
Mark Hromnak
Current Vice President
Devin Gates
Running for Vice President
Katie Leeker
Current Secretary
Will Scherff
Current Float Director
Jim Warren
Running for Member at Large
Jerry Schafroth
Running for Member at Large
The Ballot
Fill out the ballot below with your choices. Each position has an “other” option, where you can nominate another MWA member.
Each member is entitled to 1 vote, if you have a family membership, your family is entitled to 2 votes. Family members must complete this form separately.
Devin Gates | Running for Vice President
Devin Gates, worst class 2 paddler in Missouri.
I was introduced to whitewater by Tim Pfiel in 2009 via Team River Runner. I’ve swam rapids in 5 states and 4 countries and currently am trying to raise 2 young sons in the whitewater community.
I’ve recently made some career changes which will allow me more time to contribute to the organizations I enjoy and hope to take some weight off of the legends who have carried this group for years.
My goals if elected are to serve as an active Team River Runner member and liaison for veterans within the whitewater community, host youth paddling events to help grow the next generation, and to look as good in a dry suit as John Tansil.
Katie Leeker | Running for Secretary
Hi, I’m Katie Leeker, the current Missouri Whitewater Association secretary. I’ve been involved with the MWA for about 4 years. A few of the things I’ve been involved with are stream team clean ups, race volunteer, pool classes/141 moving water practice, Wilderness first aid training, picnic/float organizer, Spring River Arkansas trips, 2022-23 secretary. I have enjoyed getting to know the club & have made great friends along the way. The MWA fosters a unique & diverse group who come together for the love of paddling.
On a personal note: I’m from St. Louis, am married to Jeff Leeker & we have an 11-year-old son, Oliver. We all like paddling and have enjoyed getting more involved with the kids/family paddling scene. I asked Oliver what I should say about myself, and he said, “you’re weird and sometimes goofy” which is true. I’m easily distracted by rocks, plants, animals, a cool looking cloud…… I enjoy long walks on the beach and sunsets too.
I’ll be a good secretary because I enjoy listening and taking notes. So far as secretary, I’ve been taking notes & minutes at the MWA meetings. I plan to step up my game and fulfill my past goals as secretary. I intend to share the notes with MWA club members & get input on what information will be most helpful. My intent is to increase MWA members’ personal investment in the club by keeping them in the loop with meeting topics, activities & needs. I’ll keep an open mind with the new board and use my experience to benefit the club.
Jim Warren | Running for Member at Large
Greetings! I’m running for the position of MWA Non-Officer Board Member, also known as the “Member at Large”. Just like the job title says, the person is a member of the MWA Board of Directors, but not an officer (VP, Secretary, etc.). Historically, the job was created to help maintain continuity for newly elected Boards, and was often filled by the outgoing President. It also serves to provide transparency for all MWA members into the workings of the Board. Along with attending meetings and working with the other Board members, the only specific duty of this position is to perform an annual audit of the Treasurer’s books.
I have the experience and the skillset, along with the enthusiasm and persistence, to perform these (sometimes mundane) duties. I’ve been paddling since 1987, still in the same Perception Dancer! Since then I’ve been a contributing member of MWA – as an officer or Board member for the majority of those years, and as the race director, event organizer and club volunteer. I was Treasurer for 9 years, and for the past 11 years I’ve been assisting our most recent Treasurers, Scott Becker and Steve Janney. And I was honored to be selected as an MWA Life Member in 1996. You can usually find me paddling the Saint on warm, sunny weekdays in the Spring, in the scoring tent on race weekends (don’t interrupt us!), and urban cycling with the TNR group on Tuesdays (all are welcome – come join us!).
For those of you who know me well, this may be the shortest message I’ve ever written! So if you’d like more details about me or my background or our 2 years living in Costa Rica, please feel free to contact me at: jawarrenjr@sbcglobal.net. Meanwhile, I’d appreciate your support and your vote in this election.
– jw
Jerry Schafroth | Running for Member at Large
- I am Crazy Jerry- some days more so than others.
- I enjoy kayaking and hiking.
- During the cooler hiking months, I am alway willing to hike the quiet side of the river.
- I enjoy being moral support for boaters trying to improve on their skills.
- ( I’m not a big fan of flat water)
- I have a small farm across from Millstream gardens, where I raise bees, trees, deer and rock.
- the deer are hard to catch-
- the rock is a hard item to sell-
- the trees produce firewood, sold to the campground and to the MWA-
- the bees produce local raw honey, always for sale or trade.
- I also do roofing and siding repairs in my spare(?) time.
- I am not on Facebook, if I need drama, I just ask my granddaughters about their life(!!!)
Mark Hromnak | Running for Vice President
Dear MWA Members,
- Current MWA Vice President (2 years)
- MWA member in good standing – for eight consecutive years.
- Liaison between MWA and Mehlville School District (MSD) kayaking classes for the last 8 years – ensuring a positive relationship between the MWA and MSD.
- Certified White Water Kayaking Instructor. In 2022 I taught 230 high school students in our Introduction to White Water Kayaking class at the Mehlville High School pool. In 2023 I taught 260 high school students.
- Logging my instructional hours into the ACA course management system along with all other MWA member kayaking instructors lead the club to a first-place finish nationwide in 2023 for the most instructional hours by a Paddling Club. The club received a $500 check for this accomplishment. The MWA came in 2nd place nationwide in 2022.
- Annual participant in the MWA Clinic.
- Worked at the MWA Clinic as a safety boater for two years; then an instructor, for the last two years.
- Hosted and took part in the Annual MWA Pool Slalom races at the Mehlville pool, three years running.
- Help set up and break down gates at SLU Pool Slalom.
- Volunteer to set up and take down gates for the Annual MWA Whitewater Championships and helped during the race for the last eight years.
- Responsible for the organization and tracking of the MWA boats, paddles, skirts and float bags.
- Strive to keep a safe, family friendly environment in all MWA activities I oversee.
Thank you for your consideration,
Mark Hromnak
Dan Prater | Running for President
As an engaged and committed local paddler for over 10 years, I pledge to actively champion and elevate MWA by collaborating with other paddling organizations nationwide – a task I’m not unfamiliar with. Just as I have been, I will continue to have a proactive presence at the river, diligently working to inspire and cultivate paddlers of various skill level, and ensuring a fun and safe experience for Missouri paddlers.
Through spearheading initiatives, such as cleanups and debris removal on The Saint, my goal has consistently been to foster an exciting and safe paddling environment. My established track record underscores my dedication and unwavering commitment, qualities that will be reflected in my transparent communication practices.
As MWA President, I want to encourage autonomy for our various committees to ensure proper safety trainings, skills clinics, and trips are run with efficiency and fun. I offer my solemn assurance that my focus will remain resolutely on the interests and welfare of the boating community and the act of boating itself. Let’s take our club out of the eddy, and into the flow!
By the boaters, for the boaters!
VOTE FOR DAN PRATER!
Will Scherff | Current Float Director
Will didn’t provide a statement. He must be too busy paddling.