FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Alexandria, VA (December 3, 2007) One of Alexandria’s historic institutions, called “the jewel on the Potomac,” by Mayor Eulle in a recent speech, is writing new chapters in its 128 year history. No where is that more apparent than in the recent elections held on December 3, 2007. Every year the Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC) has elections for its new Officers and Board of Governors. With so many outstanding candidates for these few coveted positions, competition is keen. This year, in the race of President, “a very accomplished individual was elected based on past performance and a great vision for the future” stated by Eric DeSoto, current President of ODBC. But that in itself is not unusual, what is noteworthy is that ODBC has elected Carolyn Dabney Bell, their first women President in their 128 year history.

Carolyn has volunteered at ODBC for the last eight years serving on numerous committees and has been the Vice President for the past two years. She was an Executive with US Airways for over 25 years, has a BA in Business from Robert Morris University and a MBA from Wheeling Jesuit University.

“Carolyn has worked really hard for our club and is determined to keep us on-track for a bright future,” stated Jim Dooley, Chairman of the Board. During Carolyn’s election speech to the membership, she stated “I will strengthen our financial standing by using improved technology, focus on process improvement of membership services, increase family opportunities which include our children and improve our internal communications.” In closing she stated, “I will truly listen and hear what you think is good for our club and its members.”

Apparently, her fellow club members heard what she said because she was elected by a very decisive margin.

Also elected were Terry Anderson as Vice President, James Lavery as Treasurer, Dee Philips as Secretary and Tom Whalen as Commodore. The Governors on the Board will be for former ODBC President Eric DeSoto, Dee Beresford, Chuck Bryant, Marianne Caulfield, Jim Dooley, Larry Landgraff & Doug Phillips.

Carolyn’s closing remarks to the membership, after the votes were counted, was “I am very excited to be your President-Elect and look forward to working with all of our other volunteers because together we can continue to keep the Old Dominion Boat Club a great institution and maintain our place in Alexandria’s history.”

Old Dominion Boat Club

The Old Dominion Boat Club, the oldest rowing boat club in the United States, has been located at the foot of King Street in the Alexandria since its first meeting in September of 1880. Over the course of history, the Boat Club has consistently had a record of service to the community by its continuous support to the social, recreational, civic, and material progress of Alexandria.

The Club’s community support includes its sponsorship of Rowing by the funding of high school rowing scholarships, and a 40-year-long sponsorship of the Salvation Army Christmas Bell Ringing. Sponsorships also include fundraisers for the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, Alexandria Chapter of the American Liver Foundation, the Lombardi Cancer Center, the March of Dimes and making charitable donations to the Make a Wish Foundation and the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.