Your Dark Clouds Board nominees for 2020 are:
Andy Wattenhoffer
Christian Fitchett
Nick Rodriguez
Their nomination statements are listed below in the same order you see above. Election ballots will be emailed to members on March 6th. Ballots will ask you to rank all three candidates in your order of preference. You have until midnight on March 12th to vote. If you don’t receive your ballot, please email info@dark-clouds.com. More detailed information about our board and the election can be found by clicking here.
Andy Wattenhofer
How long have you been a Dark Cloud? Please describe your involvement with the supporters group.
Founding Member (2004)
In 50 words or less, tell us why you should be elected to the Dark Clouds Board.
With my past involvement on the business side of Wonderwall, and my unique and deep understanding of the finances, I can nicely fit into a role of Dark Clouds treasurer. I will bring clarity and insight to the board in this capacity. It is my intention to pass my knowledge and experience on to the next generation of DC members and leadership.
Where do you see the Dark Clouds going in the next few years and what are 2-3 strategic things you want to see the Supporters Group address?
“To me it seems that things have stagnated in the last 1-2 years. I put much of the blame on the way that the Wonderwall/DC split was facilitated and how it hindered DC operations. We need to take back control of our destiny.
To do this, we need to review our relationship with Wonderwall and identify where it is productive and where it may be hindering us. We need to push Wonderwall for a full and clear accounting of our financial relationship.
I would also like to see us grow membership both with those outside of the supporters section and with recruitment of more people into the section. I think that we tend to see recruitment of new season ticket holders as the team’s job, but the SGs are the reason the section is so fun and we will all benefit if it is full of supporters. I would like the DCs to take the lead on making the Wonderwall full of committed supporters for every match.
The additional outreach in growing membership will in turn increase engagement among the membership. We need to do better at connecting with people and involving them. We need to bring up more people to share their time and take on leadership roles. This should be a constant process.”
What experiences from your professional life can you apply to your service on the Dark Clouds Board?
I have a business degree and lots of experience with integrating technology and business operations.
Christian Fitchett
How long have you been a Dark Cloud? Please describe your involvement with the supporters group.
5 years
In 50 words or less, tell us why you should be elected to the Dark Clouds Board.
I care deeply about this supporter community and want to see our passion used to strengthen both our MNUFC community but also the broader soccer community to become more inclusive and welcoming.
Where do you see the Dark Clouds going in the next few years and what are 2-3 strategic things you want to see the Supporters Group address?
Dark Clouds can become the driving force of our soccer community not only in the stadium but throughout our community. I’d like to see the Dark Clouds on a few strategic areas:
1) financial stability and partnerships – whether we like it or not funding is like water and fertilizer – look for avenues of growth to continue to strengthen
2) look for ways to continue to strengthen the game day experience – this draws in more casual fans and members
3) broaden our membership base and proactively reach out to community of color and differences – The twin cities community is one of the most segregated communities in the country – and we are all part of one of the most universal sports in the world. Let’s use that to reach across and involve others across our community. Let’s look for partners to help us do that as well.
What experiences from your professional life can you apply to your service on the Dark Clouds Board?
I’ve been in the corporate world for almost 20 years now – primarily in marketing and general management, but I’ve also volunteered on not for profit boards, helped get start ups off the ground and assisted with not for profit board member searches. I’d love to help bring that skill set to the dark clouds.
Nick Rodriguez
How long have you been a Dark Cloud? Please describe your involvement with the supporters group.
I have been an official paid member for the past three years, and involved in MNUFC generally for three years prior to that. The merch committee is my main area of involvement, and starting last season, I assisted with DCCCC as that transition of ownership took place. I also participate in a handful of away trips every year.
In 50 words or less, tell us why you should be elected to the Dark Clouds Board.
From We Call it Soccer to the Dark Clouds’ Merch Committee and Charity Card Clubs, I have been immersed in the Dark Clouds and MN soccer culture for the past 6 years. This year, I feel a drive to support the Dark Clouds in a more substantial way.
Where do you see the Dark Clouds going in the next few years and what are 2-3 strategic things you want to see the Supporters Group address?
I see the Dark Clouds continuing to act as an ambassador to soccer and the sport in MN. I would like to see the Dark Clouds address additional sources of income through a more robust merch program, a larger presence in youth community soccer programs, and greater transparency in Wonderwall and Dark Clouds operations.
What experiences from your professional life can you apply to your service on the Dark Clouds Board?
In my work as a Mobile Device Solutions Engineer and IT professional for the past decade, I can quickly troubleshoot any technology needs of the organization and have great problem solving skills.