That's the outgoing SG on the left - Mike Thompson. I feel I've known him for ever! It was in August 1992 that he became the Secretary of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, a job that, at the time, also involved World Curling Federation responsibilities. A couple of years later Mike became solely a WCF man, and his job has grown considerably since then. A permanent staff of ten employees is based out of the WCF Secretariat in Tay Street, Perth.The WCF is managed by an Executive Board of seven, each from a different country and elected by its forty-six Member Associations.
The Executive Board of the WCF comprises President Kate Caithness (Scotland), Vice-President Patrick Hürlimann (Switzerland), Director of Finance Andy Anderson (USA) and Members at Large Graham Prouse (Canada), Young C Kim (Korea), Leif Öhman (Sweden) and Niels Larsen (Denmark).
The role of the Secretary General can be gleaned from the job description issued recently. (1) To implement the strategic goals and objectives of the Federation. (2) With the President, enable the Executive Board to fulfil its governance function. (3) To give direction and leadership towards the achievement of the Federation’s philosophy, mission strategy, and its annual goals and objectives.
The Major Roles and Responsibilities of the post are:
1. Responsibility for the operation of the Headquarters Office and for the overall administration of the WCF.
2. Board Administration and Support. Supporting operations and administration of the Board by advising and informing Board Members, and interfacing between Board, Staff and Member Associations.
3. Program, Product and Service Delivery. Overseeing design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of programs, products and services.
4. Financial, Tax, Risk and Facilities Management. Recommending annual budget for Board approval and prudently managing the Federation’s resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations.
5. Human Resource Management. Effectively managing the human resources of the Federation according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully confirm to current laws and regulations.
6. Public Relations. Ensuring that the Federation and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders.
Top job indeed. I have always found Mike to be both courteous and helpful in my dealings with the WCF over the years. I understand he will help the new appointee get settled before embarking on his own well deserved retirement.
So, who will take over from Mike? There are lots of rumours of course, but I'll keep these to myself and await an official announcement in the weeks ahead!
Photo of Mike © Skip Cottage
