Vice President's Column

By Ryan Chiotti, Vice President, Board of Trustees

Every MAC member follows their own path to the club. When I ask people what they enjoy most about this club and why they stay, the answer is almost always about community.

As a third-generation MAC member, my initial path to MAC was set in motion for me. What kept me here was sports and the dedication to service I experienced from a young age.

As a competitive swimmer in my younger years, I spent thousands of hours in the 50-meter Pool, often bringing home the distinct aroma of chlorine and sweat. Those years in the pool taught me invaluable life lessons: focus on a goal, dedication, determination, consistency, the ability to adapt to a messy situation, and showing up matter. It was also my first introduction to the dedication of the MAC community who selflessly give their time to help make this place amazing. What I didn’t understand at the time was that they were part of the committee system. I still see some around the club today, and I can’t thank them enough for their generous service.

My wife did not grow up as a member. One of her first MAC experiences was our rehearsal dinner in Ainsworth/Lownsdale. When we transitioned to a family membership, she felt a little disconnected at first and she wasn’t quite sure where to start. Eventually, she joined a committee, and then another. By getting involved, she felt invested, connected, and inspired. Now, she probably is more involved than I am!

As a board member, I am privileged to work closely with committees and the inspiring staff. Committee service is a powerful tool for building stronger connections within any organization or community. The ability of this service to enhance collaboration, drive impactful change, and foster professional and personal relationships is part of MAC’s special sauce.

Nearly 600 members dedicate time every month to partner with staff to help surprise and delight members who walk through the doors and into this community we call our second home. Committee members get first-hand connection with experts in the field who can help ideas come to life. In some committee meetings, you’ll even get a MAC-catered lunch, dinner, or — my favorite — breakfast.

On any given day, you’ll find groups at happy hours, putting on pool parties, or at one of the hundreds of other events the team helps inspire throughout the year. Committee service also provides valuable insight into what is happening at the club and introduces you to the multitude of wonderful team members who work tirelessly to provide the best possible experience for us all. For example, our incredible Committee Support Team helps ensure that we have the resources available to do the committee work.

Hopefully, you’re saying to yourself, “This sounds amazing! How can I get more involved?” The committee year is from April to March, with recruitment occurring in the second half of the year. Members can submit committee interest forms via themac.com starting in September. Forms are due Dec. 31. Please join us in helping govern this great club!

If you are interested in learning more about committees, or you just want to meet new and exciting people involved in the committee system while sharing a frosty beverage and some laughs, please join us at the annual Block Party on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

As I enter my final six months on the board, I want to thank so many people. To my fellow trustees, former trustees, and all committee members, thank you for your dedication and collaborative efforts to help guide this club. To the incredible staff, thank you for being a part of this team and making everything appear so effortless. To the membership, thank you! I have yet to meet a member who doesn’t inspire me to strive for greatness.

Most importantly, I want to thank my amazing and enchanting wife for her support of our work here at the club. Also, my incredible daughter, who is now swimming and growing up at MAC and is already volunteering. To my parents, for their constant guidance and inspiration, and my spectacular sisters who I appreciate now more than ever, thank you!

If you’re ever looking to meet someone new, you can find me at a Timbers/Thorns game, working out, watching some of our amazing athletes compete, or in the Bistro. Come join me for a beverage and let’s get you more plugged into the club!