Local Presidents Share Leadership Traits

Today is Presidents' Day, once called Washington’s Birthday in honor of the man many regard as one the greatest leaders this nation has ever known.

Communities and nations need strong leaders.

In honor of the holiday, Patch.com touched base with presidents of several local organizations: Paul Doppke, president of the St. Clair Shores Hockey Association; Dave Martin, president of the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores and Bryan Mazey, president of the Lac St. Clair Kiwanis Club all shared their insights on what it takes to be a leader.

Paul Doppke

The St. Clair Shores Hockey Association, currently in its 56th year, is the third-oldest hockey association in the state of Michigan. The association has more than 500 members ranging in age from 4 to 18.

“We are the original Hockey Town,” Doppke said. “Long before the Red Wings adopted that tag line, we have long been called the Hockey County. Several of the players over the past 56 years have gone on to play college, the NHL and even as Olympic athletes.”

The association president had some clear ideas on being a leader.

“In any organization, especially when you’re dealing with children, it’s extra important to be a good listener and an excellent communicator, and be open to suggestions, ideas and change, whether you’re leading the country or whether you’re leading a hockey association,” Doppke said.

Bryan Mazey

The Lac St. Clair Kiwanis Club was established in 1979 and has 38 members. The club’s many charitable events include the recent “Dinner With Santa” at Rose’s Family Dining. That event attracted more than 80 children and family members who received a free meal and beverage. All the youngsters got a visit with Santa and were given toys and gifts at no charge. The local Kiwanis Club has many other annual events reaching out to children, families of service men and women and aging adults.

“You have to have a desire to make a difference,” Mazey said. “We like to say our goal is to change the world one child, one community at a time, so you have to have that commitment, really, to want to do all these things … You have to have a giving heart, and be interested in other people, and concerned about other people.”

Dave Martin

The Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores was established in 1972 and has 38 members. Like the two previously mentioned organizations, the club has a strong commitment to helping youth. The group’s signature event is the annual Champion’s Banquet held in May. During the banquet, the club awards four $1,000 scholarships “to students who’ve turned their lives around and made themselves better able to go on,” Martin explained.

The club holds many other events including the Barbara Kaiser Best Sportsmanship Award and the Jerry Geromette “Only the Best” Award.

On leadership, Martin remarked, “It takes time and commitment. It takes someone who can get along with everybody. It takes someone who’s a listener and who can follow through on a project once it’s started.

“I’ve been president for two years, and I’ve found it’s easier to start a conversation and do a lot of listening to other people, and sometimes it’s easier to get things done that way.”