Hello Avondale Membership!  The Nominating Committee met last night to interview a number of Avondale Members interested in running for the Board of Directors.  It was amazing seeing so many interested in giving back to our Club.  Sincerely, it was difficult for the Committee to choose just three Members to represent the Avondale Family.  After much discussion, the three finalists were:

Kevin M. Johnson, MD, FACS (a.k.a. KJ, Doc or just Kevin)

Thank you for your considering me as a nomination for the Avondale Board of Directors. I was born and raised in Colfax, Washington on a wheat farm where my parents still live. I’m married and have 2 adult children. I’ve lived in the Northwest my whole life. Growing up, my family spent many summers vacationing on Hayden Lake at various relatives’ lake cabins. Now my family and I get to live here. And we love it. After completing my undergraduate education at PLU in Tacoma, Washington and then Medical School and General Surgery Residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington I began my private practice in General Surgery at The Polyclinic and was clinical faculty for the surgical residency programs at the University of Washington and Swedish Medical Center. We relocated to Pullman, Washington where I worked in 3 hospitals as a General Surgeon specializing in GI surgery, laparoscopic surgery, trauma, cancer, vascular and thoracic surgery holding various hospital administrative and committee positions along the way including Chief of Staff and Medical Director in charge of the build out and equipment procurement for a physician-owned surgery center. Our third (and final) move was to Hayden, Idaho in 2005. Starting from scratch, I spent 9 more years as an on-call private practice General Surgeon at Kootenai Medical Center and Northwest Specialty Hospital. During that time, I slowly built my current practice to incorporate office-based cosmetic medicine and surgery through marketing, management, strategic planning, research and conservative growth. Now, I’m the owner and CEO of Advanced Aesthetics. In addition to seeing patients and performing cosmetic procedures, I spend time lecturing, teaching and training other physicians and nurses advanced cosmetic, surgical and laser techniques. And, sometimes I play golf. Why do I want to be on the BOD? I really like the positive trajectory Avondale is currently experiencing.  It speaks to the culture that we have which is represented by not only the welcoming members, but the Golf Professionals, Management and amazing Staff that we currently have. Avondale also has so much potential. As of yesterday, we were at 399 memberships!  I would like to see if I can help preserve what we have while making the Benefit of Membership to Avondale even more rewarding.  I’m not sure I’m any more qualified for this position than any other member, but I’d like to try to be of service.  -KJ

Stew Kuespert

Although I grew up in rural southern Idaho, the Coeur d’Alene area has always been near and dear to me.  My father grew up in Coeur d’Alene, and my family spent a large amount of time in the Panhandle with family and friends enjoying the area.  After graduating from Parma High School, I was lucky to play golf for Lewis Clark State College, before ultimately graduating from the University of Idaho.  I have spent the last 20+ years working in insurance as the general manager for Panhandle Insurance/Kuespert Insurance

I have served as the Young Agent Chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Idaho, as well as a Regional Director for IIABI, Co-Chair of the annual “Big I” Idaho Golf tournament, Regional Director for American Bass Association, been an Idaho Hunter/Bowhunter Education instructor for 22 years, Referee/Umpire for youth soccer and baseball, and currently serve as President of the Board of Directors for Avondale Golf Course.  I have a strong dedication to sharing my love of the outdoors kids, to help get them outside and grow their interests in the outdoors.

As much of my free time as possible is spent enjoying our amazing area and all that it has to offer with my lovely wife Amanda and our “four” kids Andrew (13), Abby (8), Angus (black lab), and Pearl (incorrigible Mini Labradoodle).  We play golf, hunt, fish, and ski as much as time allows.

Dean Wilson

”We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”   Winston Churchill

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” – Muhammad Ali

“no margin, no mission.” This phrase was originally coined by a nun, Sister Irene Kraus, 

As a member of Avondale Golf Club, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that has brought me much joy.   I have 35 years of Board experience with civic, church, and professional organizations.  I have not for profit experience in leadership, budget planning, strategic planning / implementation, marketing, sales, and operations.  I strongly believe that an organization must be financially solid which includes funds for a working cash flow, cash reserves for asset repair / replenishment and corporate growth. The focus, of any organization, must support its vision and mission created by a Stakeholder survey and involvement.  I am confident that I can assist Avondale Golf Club attain its long-range goals using my professional and volunteer experiences. I am semi-retired and have the time to do whatever is necessary to be an active and involved participant of the Board of Directors. 

Professional Experience highlights

Wilson and Associates, Hayden Idaho Jan 1, 2015 – Current Owner  

Consulting … Manufacturing, M&A, new products, business development, strategic planning, marketing, sales, executive coaching

Kimberley Clark Global Safety— Roswell, GA Oct 2007 – Dec 2014 Dir Business Development

KC acquired Wilson Industries

Wilson Industries, Inc. Pomona, CA. Jan. 1975 – Oct. 2007 Owner

Manufacturer: primary products: being industrial partitions, protective clothing and safety product accessories for the welding, laser, material handling and safety markets.  Industrial textile converter / job shop.

Volunteer Experience highlights

  • American Welding Society 2014 President, 2010 -2014  Chair of Government Liaison Committee and 2005 Chair of Welding Equipment Manufacturers Committee.  AWS Board of Directors 13 years
  • Laser Institute of America Director at Large, Board of Directors 6 years
  • Gases & Welding Distributors Association   Member of Industry Partnering Committee & Government Affairs Committee
  • Glendora Country Club Finance Committee and Social Committee.
  • Glenkirk Church Elder for 25 years, Finance Committee, Personnel Committee

Management and Financial Knowledge Experience

I have 46 years of management experience in manufacturing.  During my 20-year term as President of Wilson Industries, I built a company that was fiscally conservative and financially strong.  I understand financial statements, budgets and cash management.  Additionally, I have over 30 years’ experience of budget management with non-profit organizations.  

Personal

I am married and my wife, Debi and I have three married sons and a granddaughter.  I enjoy family activities.  I like to read, play golf, trout fish, snow ski, hike, garden and tinker with inventions.  I enjoy getting to know people and appreciate diversity in personalities and talents.   I serve / served on the Board of Directors for multiple corporations and non-profit organizations.

These are the 3 Avondale Members selected by the Nominating Committee.  Members can still run “From the Floor” if interested.  If so, please stop by the Admin office and pick up a petition to run from Jason or Kelly.  It will need to be signed by at least 20 Stockholding Avondale Members to be included on the ballot for the election on October 5th at 5:00 pm.  Petitions must be turned in by the September 16th Board of Director meeting where you are invited to introduce yourself to the Board and any members in attendance at the meeting.