Matt Gallagher, Chicago, Illinois
Currently on the board, Matt was elected in 2023, Matt has brought a depth of experience in regatta management, big boat sailing, and youth sailing to the board. In his previous roles, he has served US Sailing in a volunteer capacity through a variety of roles including Offshore Chair, Safety at Sea Committee, leadership in his Chicago Yacht Club, served on the board of the USODA, Regatta Chair for the ORC East Coast Champs & Worlds 2024, and the CYC Foundation Board of Directors. He has a depth of experience in many different key communities that US Sailing is engaged with including youth, big boat, cruising, racing and governance. Professionally Matt is a lawyer. His experience with sailing started later in life, as a cruiser, converted to racer, converted to race organizer of some of the most prestigious offshore races in the world, gives him a unique perspective on the sport of sailing. The nominating committee thanks Matt for submitting his application to be considered for the Secretary position on the Board of Directors and we know that his contributions will be valued.
Mike Van Dyke, Long Beach, California
Currently on the board, Mike was appointed in April of 2024 to fulfill the term vacated by Tony Rey. He comes with extensive experience in Yacht Club Leadership at Long Beach Yacht Club and Alamitos Bay Yacht Club and as President of the California International Sailing Association (CISA) a premier youth racing clinic. Mike has participated in many facets of our sport including youth, high school and adult learn to sail programs. In his
professional life (Morgan Stanley) and volunteer roles, he will bring the experience of a strong financial background and commitment to adhering to a fiduciary standard. He has also participated in many offshore races including Sydney Hobert, Chicago Mac, Super Mac, and Trans Pac. Mike also has a strong involvement for LA28 and serves as a valuable bridge of communication with World Sailing, US Sailing, and the Long Beach stakeholders.
Bob Kottler, New Orleans, Louisiana
Bob comes to the Board with an eagerness to serve the sport that has given him so much personally. He has been a valued member of the Finance Committee for several years and more recently, on the Compensation Committee. Bob’s banking experience in senior leadership positions including reorganization management, brings a depth of knowledge on all things financial. He has a strong passion for community sailing and how it can transform and deepen our sport’s connection to the communities we serve. Bob has been on the board of Community Sailing New Orleans (CSNO), the finance committees at CSNO, Southern YC and Annapolis YC, and is also a board member and treasurer of the International Council of Yacht Club (ICOYC), and of the New York Yacht Club Cruising Committee. He actively races his J27 and enjoys cruising with his family and can often be found serving as Race Committee in larger regattas