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SECOND LADY:
KATHY PHILLIPS PASSES THE TORCH TO NEW ESA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEBBIE HODGES
By
Mike Cianciulli
Whether you're a grommet or a grandpa (or a magazine like this one), 15 years is still a long time. That's how long Kathy Phillips has played the leading role of Executive Director of the Eastern Surfing Association, the largest amateur surfing organization in the country. Meaning she's spent a lot of time in the sun, not to mention surviving the political heat waves that competitive surfing sometimes stokes up. January 2006 officially marked Phillips' long-deserved retirement. Now, after an in-depth and lengthy interview process, the ESA Board of Directors has found a sprightly new character from Virginia Beach, VA, to carry the torch. ESA Competition Director and Allstar Team Coach Brian Broom confidently remarked, "At Surf Expo I said, 'No one will ever replace Kathy.' And that's very true. However, I am just as confident that in years to come, we will all say, 'No one will ever replace Debbie Hodges.'" Ready and willing to slide into the big shoes that were left for her to fill, Hodges brings energy, creativity and 16 years of ESA experience to the table. So naturally, ESM was there to welcome her to the forefront.
ESM: Ms. Hodges, some people might not know who you are. Can you give us a little background on your experience?
DH: I've been in retail management for 20 some odd years. My former job had me traveling for 40 to 50 weeks a year, a lot of it on the East Coast and some in the Midwest. I needed a break and wanted to do something that I was passionate about, that being surfing. I'm truly blessed to be in my new position. Now I'm doing something I truly love.
ESM: You've been a dedicated contest mom for quite awhile. Where do your ESA roots trace back to?
DH: I started out in the ESA-Virginia District as a volunteer in 1989. I saw so much awesome action over the years and I've just been hooked on being involved ever since (For the last decade, Debbie has also been assisting Harry Purkey in the administration and management of the ESA Mid-Atlantic Regional Championships). My daughter is also a competitive surfer who's very active in the ESA and all the wahine contests. She's like a role model to the up-and-coming girls in her area, so I'm always following her progress.
ESM: Considering Kathy's longevity at the helm--as well as her existing relationships with sponsors, the ESA Allstar Team and Surfing America--was yours a smooth transition?
DH: When Kathy announced she was stepping down, I immediately applied. It was a very tedious process--three months worth of interviews, written and oral questions. It was pretty intense. But yes, we are making it a smooth transition. Kathy and I have known each other for a long time and we share the same wavelength. It's really easy for us to communicate with each other. Right now, we're about 70% there.
ESM: What is it about the ESA that makes this position so meaningful?
DH: The members. And the Board of Directors, I already know most of them and they're a terrific group of people. It's a job but it's also like family. The founders, Cecil Lear and David Reese, are just wonderful. I hold them in such high respect. I really hope that my legacy can last 15 years because I'd like to take the ESA to great levels.
ESM: Today's young surfers seem to be getting paid before they even attempt their first WQS effort. And recently, the International Surfing Association, Surfing America and many other NGB's (non-governing bodies) around the world have discontinued the use of the word "amateur." What are your thoughts on this current trend?
DH: An amateur is an amateur, meaning not a professional. I have mixed feelings, to be honest with you. We're (ESA) in the process of going through our own changes with the word so I'd rather not expound on it just yet.
ESM: What would you tell a beginner who wants to surf his first surf contest about the ESA?
DH: First off, be cool. It's a great group of kids you're going to be surfing with. Just do your best and have fun. Don't worry about everyone else; just focus on yourself. And remember, don't catch more than the wave limit!
ESM: Being the first surfing organization on the East Coast, do you feel the ESA can peacefully coexist with the NSSA?
DH: Oh, yes! Absolutely. I think that the more chances you get to surf against different people, the better you get. If you have the opportunity to be surfing outside your ESA district and at other spots, take advantage of it. With all the options out there, it's easier now than ever for younger surfers to fulfill their dreams.
ESM: Are there any specific goals or changes you'd like to see implemented in the immediate future?
DH: Coming aboard as the new director, I believe in continuity. If you barge right in and want to change too much, it confuses people. That's just not my style. I want to get to know people's strengths and weaknesses and bring every aspect of the organization up. One thing I'm working towards is doing something really cool for our 40th anniversary, which is in 2007. I'm relying on all the district directors for help; we have some who go back to the ESA's beginnings. I'm looking to them for wisdom in hopes to really do something special.
ESM: Where do you see the ESA in 10 years?
DH: Hopefully at 10,000 members [laughs]. I'm really big into the membership. We're currently just shy of 7000 and being that we're so member-supported by lots of great people, I see this as a stepping stone to bring that number up significantly.
ESM: Is there anything else you'd like people to know about you?
DH: That I'm fair. And I don't believe in drama. I always try and stay positive. I'm also very easy to work with. I just like things to run smoothly. It really shouldn't have to be any other way.
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Interview
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