Candidates for the FFCC Board of Directors, Term 2019-2021
- Erin Brown
- Trevor Cox
- Jamie Escobar-Dyer
- Michael Higbe
- Jackie Price
- Kelly Ross
Scroll down to learn more about each candidate.
Erin Brown
I would like to be considered for a continued seat on the FFCC Board of Directors for many reasons. First & foremost, I love being able to give back to the organization that welcomed me to the world of winterguard and the pageantry arts as a freshmen in high school 26 years ago. Our unique niche in the arts world offers to students a place to find their identities, form bonds and gain leadership in a way that shapes lives which echoes my goals in my daily profession. Working alongside those that create these experiences for our guard, percussion & wind performers is inspiring. The constant search for ways to refine our process to match the ever-changing “outside” world and best serve our membership is invigorating to me. I enjoy the challenge of change and hope to be able to work to see the FFCC into 2020 and beyond from the view of it’s Board of Directors.
Currently my talents on the board are cultivated in the realm of meeting management & records, Parliamentary Procedure oversight, contract disbursement & record keeping, awards processing & ceremony administration and one point of contact to the participating members. I would like the opportunity to grow in this role by offering my talents to assist, where needed, with the adjudication process and education initiatives.
I am an organized professional with proven teaching, mentoring and communication skills. My ability to be a team player and work through conflict in a forward thinking manner allows for collaborative growth of peers that I work alongside. I am deeply committed to providing creative and educational experiences for the performers with the support offered to the directors to create the best environment for all involved in the FFCC.
Overall, I am looking to contribute my pageantry arts knowledge and creative thought-process to the FFCC Board of Directors in any format seen fit to keep this organization as one of the premiere circuits in the nation.
Participant Relations Manager
Primary Contact to DPMs
Scholarship Committee Chair
Solicits Parties to Review Scholarship Applicants
Trevor Cox
I would like to continue to serve on the FFCC Board of directors because I enjoy being a part of an activity that allows young people to perform in an activity in our state that is growing. I have been able to witness how this activity and circuit has allowed people that have low confidence and self esteem blossom into captivating performers and inspiring instructors. I think the FFCC has talented and passionate people involved, allowing it to grow into one of the premiere circuits in the country. I would like to continue to play a behind the scenes role in giving the performers the opportunity to have memorable experiences and support the instructors of the FFCC.
The skills and resources I bring to the board is an extensive knowledge of all of the contest procedures from planning a show, running a show, and coordinating the logistics of moving FFCC equipment from one show to the next. I have spent the last few years organizing, scheduling, and managing the contests on the schedule. Additionally, I have played a major role in the Championships event with setting up all the contests from a scheduling standpoint and running the site in conjunction with the event managers and other Board members.
Jamie Escobar-Dyer
I have been a member of the FFCC board for 2 years now and enjoyed every second! I have been able to see from a different perspective the ins and outs of the circuit and has made me appreciate even more what our members offer as well as the board and their willingness to give so much of themselves for the best of kids. Stepping in with a platform on education has been so rewarding and I enjoy giving a helping hand to not only our members but the directors and board that push so hard for our circuit to be great. I would love to continue being on the board of directors to even further our circuits education questions, promote best practices not only in the competitive season but at their home sites through proper training and handling of students and parents. I feel any education received is always valuable as to not stunt our growth as directors or a circuit.
Some skills that I feel I bring to the the board is that I have had 9 years of teaching elementary school and coaching adults. This helps in understanding kids and how to work with them as well as their parents. I can truly push education to the forefront as we move forward with our FFCC 5 year plan. I also was a director of my own independent team with the U.S.F. Winterguard from 2013-2017 as well as starting my teaching career in high schools from 2006-2012 which gives me experience working both independent teams and scholastic. I have been a designer for many groups the past few years and have even marched in the circuit from 2003-2006 which has allowed me to foster many relationships with current directors today. I am also very organized and able to plan out events as well as keep up with paperwork and process data. I am an all hands on deck type of person and will jump in at anytime if someone needs me in an area. This past year at Championships I worked as set up crew, break down crew, facility renter, hotel liaison, medal counter, and so much more. My past two years I have helped to create a summer design symposium, website videos, “Meet the pros” series, choose Overview clinicians, and work with the directors of our circuit in person and through emails. I truly am here for the circuit and their needs and hope to again be able to spend another 2 years working in this amazing group of people that want so much for our kids, parents, and directors.
Michael Higbe
I think we have the best winter ensemble association in the country. I want to continue to be at the forefront of positive change and better experiences for all of our directors and students. I want to be certain we create a stable financial environment for our events. I want to provide a safe and professional environment for all of our participants to grow and thrive.
I bring great people skills, a good sense for business opportunity, and a drive for financial stability, I have thirty years of circuit experience, with that experience comes a sense of history and pride for the way we have embraced change. I want to continue to search for opportunities for educations for performers and directors, more direct input from the membership, and the fairest and most positive competitive environment for everyone involved.
Jackie Price
I have been involved with the FFCC since 1995 when my daughter began performing with her high school winter guard. I have always admired the way the circuit was run and the volunteerism that was fostered. I also loved the fact that it was an all inclusive organization. Since 2008 I have been a part of the staff and on the Board. I’ve enjoyed being involved with the inner workings of the organization. I feel that my business background brings a different dimension to the Board. I would like to continue to see the FFCC grow and I want to be part of that. I consider it an honor to be a part of this organization and it would be privilege to continue to be on the Board.
I have always been involved in the day-to-day running of a business and have a long history of dealing with vendors whose services are needed in any business. This has been a part of my responsibilities since I joined the Board. I have good working relationships with hotels, insurance companies, school districts and other organizations which I would continue to foster. I would reach out to our vendors, as well as new vendors, to make sure we are being well served by them. I have also been the treasurer of a high school parent organization and a bookkeeper for the businesses I’ve worked for, which gives me a number of years of working in the financial field. I’ve always been involved with event planning and was the treasurer for a yearly breakfast that benefited an organization I volunteered with.
Kelly Ross
I would like to continue to serve the FFCC as a Board Member because I care very much about our circuit. The FFCC is home to truly outstanding teams and our circuit strives to provide the best experience for all member teams. I am extremely proud to be a part of the FFCC! Serving on the board has allowed me to share my unique experiences and helped me to appreciate the inner workings of our organization. I have had the honor to serve on the board and learn from some of the most incredible people in our circuit. The marching arts has been an important part of my life and has shaped who I am today. I am very thankful for the opportunity to continue my involvement in the marching arts, and would be honored to continue serving as a Board Member of the FFCC.
While I work in any capacity that is needed by the circuit, I officially currently serve as the Event Coordinator for the Solo & Duet Championships and manage the catering/hospitality for all FFCC elite events (Premiere, Percussion Focus, and Championships). I bring experience in organization, event planning, problem solving and creative thinking. I currently work as a freelance designer/choreographer. This allows me the flexibility in my schedule to complete tasks for the circuit when others may be prevented from doing so due to their traditional work schedule. Should I be reelected, I would be honored to expand my role to include anything needed by my circuit.
