SRRFC Board of Directors
Since its official formation in July 2024, the Severn River Rugby Board of Directors has been focusing on understanding how best to operate within the club’s existing structure. Our primary focus has been on the eight key charters we’ve identified as critical to the club’s growth and success. Here’s an update on the progress in each area:
1. Infrastructure Charter
Chair: Henry Posko
Progress: This charter has focused on both short-term and long-term capital goals. With the expansion of the club to four active teams, there’s a heightened emphasis on infrastructure needs. The Board recently approved a dual strategy:
Work with the Legion to improve facilities including the provision of additional field lighting. The Committee has been working closely with alumni member (and lobbyist) Mike Johansen and the Legion leadership to seek State funding. Senator Gile (District 33) recently introduced a Legislative Bond Initiative ($75,000) to support that effort.
Focus on a longer term (5-7 years) facilities and field vision.
Next Steps: The club and Legion will provide testimony and support for our capital project throughout the legislative session. We will continue seek support from all stakeholders, including the Anne Arundel delegation to the General Assembly.
2. Fundraising Charter
Chair: Lily Soliday
Progress: This charter has faced challenges due to the Ravens' shift in hospitality partners from Aramark to Levy. Despite these obstacles, the club exceeded its fundraising goals, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Next Steps: Build on this momentum to explore additional revenue opportunities and further refine fundraising strategies.
3. Finance Charter
Chair: Katie Turner (Board Treasurer)
Progress: The Finance Charter, led by BoD Treasurer Katie Turner, has made great strides in creating a solid financial foundation for the club’s future. The collaboration with Operations Board Treasurer Steve Long has helped the charter better understand its role in advancing the club’s financial stability.
Next Steps: Continue to develop long-term financial strategies and ensure the club’s sustainability.
4. Recruitment Charter
Chair: Erik Dronberger
Progress: The Recruitment Charter has been working closely with both the Honey Badgers and Men’s team boards to enhance player recruitment efforts. New initiatives, such as yard signs, are being rolled out to help build visibility and attract new players.
Next Steps: Continue to explore innovative recruitment strategies for both players and alumni participation.
5. Youth Development Charter
Chair: Ruth Seerey
Progress: Led by Ruth Seerey, this charter aims to strengthen the club's presence in youth rugby through a comprehensive five-point development plan. The initiative focuses on collaboration with SRRFC members—Kerry Froh, Catherine Giordano, Andy Naylor, Jeff Donselar, and Jenn Fenzel—who currently coach local youth programs. Immediate goals include further expanding the club's involvement in established youth programs within the community and create an educational fact sheet regarding safety for all ages.
Next Steps: We are moving forward with a clear focus on expanding youth rugby involvement. These include building a presence at Maryland Youth Rugby Tournaments to enhance visibility and foster connections with other local programs, hosting more youth clinics to provide additional opportunities for skill development and increase youth engagement, and creating a credit program with SRRFC that will incentivize members to support local youth programs, fostering mentorship and a strong sense of community. Additionally, the charter aims to establish a scholarship fund to make rugby more accessible by providing financial support to youth players in need. Lastly, the charter looks to include girls' and boys' U19 teams in SRRFC's roster down the road, promoting inclusivity and offering a continued pathway for youth players. These steps are designed to strengthen the club’s presence in the local youth rugby scene and create lasting, sustainable growth.
6. Alumni Charter
Chair: Rachel Priddy
Progress: The Alumni Charter has been planning events to engage and maintain connections with former members of SRRFC. This includes Alumni weekend activities, and alumni dinners and happy hours.
Next Steps: Continue developing alumni events and initiatives to keep former players involved in the life of the club and to build the membership numbers to the SRRFC Alumni Association. Upcoming events include a trip to Chicago in November 2025 for the Ireland vs. New Zealand rugby match at Soldier Field. We are waiting on an exact date confirmation.
7. Systems and Structure Charter
Chair: Charlee Bryan
Progress: This charter has been focused on identifying and mitigating potential legal, player welfare, public relations, and digital risks. The committee is combining what were previously unwritten expectations into a Code of Conduct and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Partnered with Ryan Kivitz and Operations to secure an EMT at every home match this past fall and will continue that effort moving forward.
Next Steps: The vision for this group includes partnering with the active boards for the development of a Coaching and Leadership Succession Plan.
8. Board of Directors Development Charter
Chair: Milton Greenstreet
Progress: The BoD Development Charter, led by Milton Greenstreet, has been working to identify and nurture future leaders for the Board of Directors.
Next Steps: Continue identifying and mentoring potential future Board members to ensure strong leadership for SRRFC in the years to come.
Reflection & Next Steps:
The Severn River Rugby Board of Directors has made significant progress in each of these areas, with each charter demonstrating leadership and commitment to the club’s success. As we move forward, it's essential to maintain coordination between the charters, ensuring that infrastructure development, fundraising, and recruitment strategies align to foster the club's continued growth.
If you’d like to discuss further ideas or refine any of these strategies, feel free to reach out! bodsrrfc@gmail.com