John Leist, Commodore
John and Mimi arrived in Hampton Roads in 2003 compliments of the USAF. Mimi was originally a Vermonter and John hailed from Kentucky but since traveled the globe. John, a retired Air Force Colonel, joined an Oral Surgery practice in 2007 and is currently a retired partner of Colony Square Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery working part time. John loves music and song writing. His group, Chisman Creek Band, just completed a CD of original Americana songs. They play often in many venues around Hamptom Roads. He is also active in his church and devoted to his faith. He belongs to the Harley Owners Group and spends time riding his bike when the conditions are right. John spent several years in Florida sailed windsurfers and hobbie cats until he purchased a Catalina 22 in 2005 at Fort Monroe. He has crewed in many York River, Old Point Comfort, and Seaford Yacht Club regattas since 2005. John currently owns Romanus, a Catalina 30. His passions include Coastal Church, all types of music, riding his Harley Ultra Limited, snow skiing and anything on the water to include racing, day sailing, cruising, scuba diving, water skiing, and jet skiing.
Brad Berry, Vice Commodore
Brad and Angee live in Gloucester and keep their 48' Sea Ray "Phaze Three” at their home on the Severn River.
Brad served 24 years in the US Navy with is final position as Crafter Master of a US Navy Hovercraft. During which time he attained a Master of Towing 1600 Ton Near Coastal USCG Captains Credential which he maintains today. He graduated from Excelsior College with a Bachelor of Science Degree while on active duty. After retiring he secured his contractor's license and opened a construction company specializing in pre-engineered metal buildings, he has since moved on to General Contracting specializing in government contracts for the USCG.
Brad has spent all his life on or around boats and has experienced the Yacht Club atmosphere as a youngster with his family. Growing up on Lake Erie and living on a 43' houseboat and a 53’ 1955 Chris Craft with his parents and 2 sisters from 7th grade until he graduated high school. This instilled his love of boating and the need to be organized.
Brad and Angee spent many years boating the Chesapeake Bay Inland rivers by themselves and joined the Yacht Club to enjoy yachting with other avid boaters.
Jody Kelly, Rear Commodore
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Jandy Strickland, Treasurer
Jandy Strickland and her husband, Randy, have lived in Williamsburg for 20 years. Jandy is a retired special education teacher. The Stricklands keep Zephyros, their 35 foot Tartan sailboat, at the Seaford Yacht Club. Jandy is a past Dinner Meeting Co-Chair and has served multiple years as Treasurer.
Mike Brower, Secretary
Retired AF pilot with 3,500 hours flying time plus tours in management engineering and communications. Ten years with industry supporting joint military programs. First sailing experience on a 26', Kriss, 100 year old Hudson River ice boat. Owned and sailed 15' Hobie Holder in Northern Michigan. Sailed the Northern Chesapeake out of Rock Hall, MD for 3 years in a 22' Aquarius “Whimsy.” Bought “Dream Weaver,”a 36' Hunter, in 2006 sailing from Regent Point Marina and Seaford Yacht Club. Joined the SYC in 2007. Served three years as an SYC Trustee and seven years as Chair, House and Grounds Committee until 2020.
Pete Showalter, Past Commodore
Pete Showalter has been a resident of Seaford for the past 30 years. After college and dental school, he served in the Air Force and was stationed at Tyndall AFB in Panama City, Florida. While living in the Florida panhandle, he bought a sailboat and his love of being on the water began. He is an alumnus of the University of Virginia and graduated from MCV/VCU School of Dentistry. He opened his dental practice in York County in 1986 and retired in 2017.
Early in his marriage, Pete bought Penny a 21-ft Key West for Valentine’s Day. They have since upgraded to ‘A Pretty Penny’ and now enjoy boating trips around the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore, and the Albemarle Sound over the past few years.
Greg Epperson, Trustee 2021-2021
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James Richardson, Trustee 2019-2021
Jimmy Richardson moved to York County at the age of 8 and attended and graduated from York County Schools. He retired from the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office at the rank of Captain in March of 2016 after thirty-five and a half years of service. He received an Associate of Arts degree from Saint Leo College in June of 1990, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology from Saint Leo College in May of 1993, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Troy State University in June of 1997. He also holds certification as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician EMT. Married to his wife Judy for the last 38 Year he lives in the Dare area of the county not far from where he grew up. He has three adult children and two grandchildren. Jimmy currently serves as a member of the York County School Board for District 4 and was recently reelected. He currently serves as Board Chair on the School Board. He is also a sworn Marriage Commissioner and has married over 1,000 couples.
Jerry Dooley, Trustee 2020-2022
Grew up in Lake George, NY where first learned boating and skiing. My wife, Donna and I met at Auburn University and raised 2 children. We retired to Yorktown in 2013 from Pittsburgh to enjoy sailing the Chesapeake and be close to our daughter and 4 grand daughters in Williamsburg. Been pretty much full time seasonal sailor and I have met some new friends around the bay on my travels. Greatly benefited as a team member on Solstice, (J40), with other SYC members which has been a great adventure. Enjoy moving boats up and down coast with friends.
All the SYC members I have the opportunity to get to know have been wonderful and appreciate the willingness to help each other with boat solutions. I really appreciate the teamwork aspect of our working club format. WAR EAGLE !!!
Steve Riley, Trustee 2020-2022
Becky and Steve are natives of Northern New York where Steve grew up boating on Lake Champlain. After college Becky and Steve married in 1991 and began their journey in the Army (where Steve currently serves). They have owned both sail and power boats since 2007, boating from the Narragansett Bay of Rhode Island to lakes in Texas. Becky decided it was time for us to get serious about sailing so they began sailing in the Chesapeake Bay in 2016, racing out of the Hampton Yacht Club. In 2017 they joined the Seaford Yacht Club after purchasing the "Jabbykat", a Catalina 30. Since then Becky and Steve have loved exploring the Chesapeake Bay with members of the friendliest yacht club on the Bay!
Nancy Kane, Trustee 2021-2023
I grew up in Richmond and graduated from what is now Randolph College. Jack, our three sons and I moved here in 1975 and became charter members of SYC. Jack served the club as one of the earliest Commodores.
After working for many years in the office, I was elected Clerk of Circuit Court for York County and the City of Poquoson.
In retirement I have enjoyed being one of the SYC bridge players.
Cliff Collier, Trustee 2021-2023
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