Candidate: Kyle Stephens
Kyle Stephens
Sarasota, FL
I was born and raised in Sarasota, FL, with most of my childhood summers spent in Runaway Bay, Jamaica. I followed a unique path in life, starting as a professional poker player and later becoming a serial entrepreneur. I joined USPSA in 2016, earned my RO certification in 2017, CRO certification in 2018, and Range Master Certification in 2021. On a similar timeline, in early 2021, I finally made GM after slowly working my way through the classifications. Along the way, I've been lucky to have incredible mentors who have pushed me to excel and instilled in me the importance of giving back through volunteering. It's a principle that I respect, and I've made it a priority to pass it on to others by teaching and mentoring them successively. Off the range, you can find me running a fishing charter business in Florida or getting intentionally lost in the backcountry with my wife.
Why are you seeking to be an Area Director of USPSA?
USPSA has had a profound impact on my life. In the past two years after deciding to run for the board, I've immersed myself in understanding the organization and identifying the actions that can significantly improve it. As a top-level shooter, match director, range master, small business owner, and someone who loves the game, I've observed three key issues: a lack of outside perspectives in decision-making, the membership's lack of trust in the board, and limited volunteering opportunities. I'm determined to change this. Becoming an Area Director allows me to leverage my skills to implement policies that will enhance our organization.
Prior to announcing your candidacy, what have you done to help promote safe, fun and fair practical shooting in your area?
I've had the pleasure of being involved in almost every aspect of the sport, from organizing new-shooter-focused matches to serving as a Range Master at multiple National Championships. Additionally, I have provided assistance to match directors and stage designers by offering expert advice on RM-specific questions, creating stage-building guides, and developing instructional videos.
What qualifications set you apart from other candidates? What previous or current employment or volunteer experience do you have that qualifies you for Area Director?
As a professional poker player and entrepreneur, I possess a unique set of qualifications that differentiate me from other candidates. My experiences have honed my strategic thinking, risk management, adaptability, analytical skills, and emotional intelligence. These skills are vital for effectively serving as an Area Director and implementing policies to enhance our organization.
I have been an active member of the community as a dedicated volunteer at locals, majors, and nationals while remaining a top-level shooter. I have also provided assistance to match directors and stage designers with RM-specific questions and offered guidance through the creation of stage-building guides and instructional videos.
My experience in these roles has allowed me to gain valuable insights into the USPSA and identify areas where improvements can be made. As an Area Director, I would leverage this knowledge, and my experience outside the sport, to implement policies that would benefit the organization and its members.
Describe the current culture of USPSA.
Our culture is welcoming to hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals alike, with a consistent emphasis on safety and a balanced test of shooting skills. While the organization provides opportunities for serious competition at various levels, many members simply enjoy the camaraderie and friendly competition of shooting with like-minded individuals. I believe we need to focus on expanding our volunteer culture and creating resources for emulating successful clubs. This includes providing guidelines for new clubs to get started and fostering a culture that is both competitive and supportive.
After reviewing the bylaws, please explain what an Area Director of USPSA is responsible for and how will you fulfill those responsibilities if elected?
Article 5, Section 5.1 clearly lays out most of the Area Director's responsibilities, but additional ones not listed include: putting on a successful Area Championship with my experience at major matches, being a representative for the members in their area by conducting surveys and timely communication, and support Match Directors and Section Coordinators by making the organization better through effective leadership, improving our volunteer culture, and marketing to potential new members.
What are the top three areas that need to be addressed within USPSA? As an Area Director what is your strategy for addressing them?
I believe our first step should be restructuring committee policy and an expansion of our volunteer culture. After two years of studying the fundamental issues of our organization, it became apparent that relying on a group of 8-10 Directors to make every decision and carry out committee work was an ineffective approach. It is critical to our success that we broaden our volunteer culture to permit individuals with expertise in specific areas to volunteer on committees and provide recommendations on how we can enhance our organization. Our membership base represents a diverse range of knowledge, and we need to leverage this expertise to improve our organization. Furthermore, committees are an excellent platform for training future Area Directors.
Second, we need to exercise financial oversight and fiscal responsibility as an organization. Responsibility for this rests with the Executive Director and, ultimately, the Board of Directors, who should seek to increase revenue through means such as new memberships and other revenue-generating initiatives while also implementing a tight, manageable budget to reduce expenditures.
Finally, the issues of membership recruitment and retention, which are distinct but interrelated problems. Both require a thorough analysis of expert data to develop solutions that can make a significant impact.
If elected Area Director please explain how you will help support the clubs, sections and current members in your Area as well as promote USPSA to potential members?
As an Area Director, my goal is to foster the growth and retention of members by supporting clubs and sections. To achieve this I would like to use proceeds from the Area Championship to host NROI Seminars annually in each section. It is my belief that providing a well-run and safe match that follows the rules will go a long way in ensuring new members return. My anecdotal experience has shown that volunteers are particularly vocal in promoting the sport and loyal when it comes to membership renewal to maintain their NROI credentials.
I also plan to continue volunteering at matches in the area to show my support and engage with the community. This will give me a chance to meet current members and volunteers to learn about their experiences and concerns.
Finally, I plan to communicate transparently and openly with members, club officials, and section coordinators. Asking for feedback, listening to their concerns and suggestions, and providing them with updates on USPSA's activities and initiatives.
After reviewing Article 5 bylaw 5.1 please provide an outline of your strategy for items i) through vi)
These fundamental principles are essential to maintaining a successful organization, and much more could be discussed on the topic than space permits. Leveraging my business and competitive experience, I intend to collaborate with other members to optimize our resources. We require a team of individuals to develop the most effective strategies, rather than a single person's efforts.
Explain your strategy to best represent the members in your area as it relates to your role of Area Director and member of the Board of Directors.
I plan to use a simple strategy for tracking conversations I learned in one of the books I read on nonprofit leadership and take advantage of our underutilized member survey system. Part of that will require the questions I ask to be well-written and easy to understand; the other part requires some membership education on the survey system. Despite it being a great tool, only a tenth of our membership replies to the questions that shape our sport.
What is USPSA doing right?
As previously mentioned, USPSA creates a welcoming environment for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals by providing extremely safe conditions, a consistent set of rules, and a balanced test of shooting skills. Clubs are able to operate autonomously using the rulebook and classification system to provide diverse matches and club cultures. Additionally, we have a dedicated volunteer base, from local matches to nationals, that want to do what's best for the sport.
What other issues do you feel that if elected you would want to address?
I hold the view that most challenges within USPSA are solvable with the right strategy and a proactive approach. While it's possible that there may be unforeseen issues in the future, I am confident that by fostering a culture of volunteerism and improving our committee structure, we can position ourselves to address any challenges in a timely and effective manner.
I believe that a collaborative approach and open communication channels with all members is vital to a successful organization. As an Area Director, I would strive to promote a positive environment that encourages members to contribute their ideas and perspectives. By doing so, we can build a stronger organization that is better equipped to tackle any challenges that may arise.
If you are unsuccessful in your bid to become Area Director, how will you serve USPSA in the future?
Regardless of the outcome, I will continue to volunteer my time and skills to assist in any way I can. I'll also actively seek out opportunities to further the sport and better serve the USPSA membership like applying to become a Range Master Instructor.
If I am unsuccessful in my bid, I will support the efforts of the Area Director by contributing to the organization's initiatives and advocating for the best interests of its members. Whether it's through promoting the sport or assisting with matches, I am committed to supporting the USPSA's mission and growth in any way possible.
USPSA has had a profound impact on my life. In the past two years after deciding to run for the board, I've immersed myself in understanding the organization and identifying the actions that can significantly improve it. As a top-level shooter, match director, range master, small business owner, and someone who loves the game, I've observed three key issues: a lack of outside perspectives in decision-making, the membership's lack of trust in the board, and limited volunteering opportunities. I'm determined to change this. Becoming an Area Director allows me to leverage my skills to implement policies that will enhance our organization.
Prior to announcing your candidacy, what have you done to help promote safe, fun and fair practical shooting in your area?
I've had the pleasure of being involved in almost every aspect of the sport, from organizing new-shooter-focused matches to serving as a Range Master at multiple National Championships. Additionally, I have provided assistance to match directors and stage designers by offering expert advice on RM-specific questions, creating stage-building guides, and developing instructional videos.
What qualifications set you apart from other candidates? What previous or current employment or volunteer experience do you have that qualifies you for Area Director?
As a professional poker player and entrepreneur, I possess a unique set of qualifications that differentiate me from other candidates. My experiences have honed my strategic thinking, risk management, adaptability, analytical skills, and emotional intelligence. These skills are vital for effectively serving as an Area Director and implementing policies to enhance our organization.
I have been an active member of the community as a dedicated volunteer at locals, majors, and nationals while remaining a top-level shooter. I have also provided assistance to match directors and stage designers with RM-specific questions and offered guidance through the creation of stage-building guides and instructional videos.
My experience in these roles has allowed me to gain valuable insights into the USPSA and identify areas where improvements can be made. As an Area Director, I would leverage this knowledge, and my experience outside the sport, to implement policies that would benefit the organization and its members.
Describe the current culture of USPSA.
Our culture is welcoming to hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals alike, with a consistent emphasis on safety and a balanced test of shooting skills. While the organization provides opportunities for serious competition at various levels, many members simply enjoy the camaraderie and friendly competition of shooting with like-minded individuals. I believe we need to focus on expanding our volunteer culture and creating resources for emulating successful clubs. This includes providing guidelines for new clubs to get started and fostering a culture that is both competitive and supportive.
After reviewing the bylaws, please explain what an Area Director of USPSA is responsible for and how will you fulfill those responsibilities if elected?
Article 5, Section 5.1 clearly lays out most of the Area Director's responsibilities, but additional ones not listed include: putting on a successful Area Championship with my experience at major matches, being a representative for the members in their area by conducting surveys and timely communication, and support Match Directors and Section Coordinators by making the organization better through effective leadership, improving our volunteer culture, and marketing to potential new members.
What are the top three areas that need to be addressed within USPSA? As an Area Director what is your strategy for addressing them?
I believe our first step should be restructuring committee policy and an expansion of our volunteer culture. After two years of studying the fundamental issues of our organization, it became apparent that relying on a group of 8-10 Directors to make every decision and carry out committee work was an ineffective approach. It is critical to our success that we broaden our volunteer culture to permit individuals with expertise in specific areas to volunteer on committees and provide recommendations on how we can enhance our organization. Our membership base represents a diverse range of knowledge, and we need to leverage this expertise to improve our organization. Furthermore, committees are an excellent platform for training future Area Directors.
Second, we need to exercise financial oversight and fiscal responsibility as an organization. Responsibility for this rests with the Executive Director and, ultimately, the Board of Directors, who should seek to increase revenue through means such as new memberships and other revenue-generating initiatives while also implementing a tight, manageable budget to reduce expenditures.
Finally, the issues of membership recruitment and retention, which are distinct but interrelated problems. Both require a thorough analysis of expert data to develop solutions that can make a significant impact.
If elected Area Director please explain how you will help support the clubs, sections and current members in your Area as well as promote USPSA to potential members?
As an Area Director, my goal is to foster the growth and retention of members by supporting clubs and sections. To achieve this I would like to use proceeds from the Area Championship to host NROI Seminars annually in each section. It is my belief that providing a well-run and safe match that follows the rules will go a long way in ensuring new members return. My anecdotal experience has shown that volunteers are particularly vocal in promoting the sport and loyal when it comes to membership renewal to maintain their NROI credentials.
I also plan to continue volunteering at matches in the area to show my support and engage with the community. This will give me a chance to meet current members and volunteers to learn about their experiences and concerns.
Finally, I plan to communicate transparently and openly with members, club officials, and section coordinators. Asking for feedback, listening to their concerns and suggestions, and providing them with updates on USPSA's activities and initiatives.
After reviewing Article 5 bylaw 5.1 please provide an outline of your strategy for items i) through vi)
These fundamental principles are essential to maintaining a successful organization, and much more could be discussed on the topic than space permits. Leveraging my business and competitive experience, I intend to collaborate with other members to optimize our resources. We require a team of individuals to develop the most effective strategies, rather than a single person's efforts.
Explain your strategy to best represent the members in your area as it relates to your role of Area Director and member of the Board of Directors.
I plan to use a simple strategy for tracking conversations I learned in one of the books I read on nonprofit leadership and take advantage of our underutilized member survey system. Part of that will require the questions I ask to be well-written and easy to understand; the other part requires some membership education on the survey system. Despite it being a great tool, only a tenth of our membership replies to the questions that shape our sport.
What is USPSA doing right?
As previously mentioned, USPSA creates a welcoming environment for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and professionals by providing extremely safe conditions, a consistent set of rules, and a balanced test of shooting skills. Clubs are able to operate autonomously using the rulebook and classification system to provide diverse matches and club cultures. Additionally, we have a dedicated volunteer base, from local matches to nationals, that want to do what's best for the sport.
What other issues do you feel that if elected you would want to address?
I hold the view that most challenges within USPSA are solvable with the right strategy and a proactive approach. While it's possible that there may be unforeseen issues in the future, I am confident that by fostering a culture of volunteerism and improving our committee structure, we can position ourselves to address any challenges in a timely and effective manner.
I believe that a collaborative approach and open communication channels with all members is vital to a successful organization. As an Area Director, I would strive to promote a positive environment that encourages members to contribute their ideas and perspectives. By doing so, we can build a stronger organization that is better equipped to tackle any challenges that may arise.
If you are unsuccessful in your bid to become Area Director, how will you serve USPSA in the future?
Regardless of the outcome, I will continue to volunteer my time and skills to assist in any way I can. I'll also actively seek out opportunities to further the sport and better serve the USPSA membership like applying to become a Range Master Instructor.
If I am unsuccessful in my bid, I will support the efforts of the Area Director by contributing to the organization's initiatives and advocating for the best interests of its members. Whether it's through promoting the sport or assisting with matches, I am committed to supporting the USPSA's mission and growth in any way possible.
My focus as an Area Director and Board Member is: to represent the members of Area 6, recruitment and retention of membership, financial oversight & fiscal responsibility, expand volunteer culture, revamp and increase committees to leverage volunteer contributions, grow clubs within Area 6 using proceeds from Area Championship, and utilize the USPSA survey system for membership input
Email Address: [email protected]