The Chelsea in America Board of Director's welcomed three new members to an expanded operating group for 2018-19.The new members are Manolo Bustamante, BJ Burruss and Caleb Horner. In expanding the size of the Board, the objective is to bring additional leadership voices from around the country to the group.
These additions accompany a change in Club Secretary for the new season. John Costello, the chapter head for Carefree CA and the OC Blues, has assumed the Club Secretary position for the new season. John served as the CIA national chair last season. A member since 2007, Costello will now guide the day to day business of the club in support of the five regional chapters. The first projects John has completed are the new CIA web site and ticketing portal.
Allison Kasic, of Mid Atlantic Blues and Beltway Blues, is our new National Chair. Allison, having served as Vice Chair last year, has built a juggernaut in making the Beltway Blues our largest CIA local chapter.
Brian Wolff has been named Vice Chair for CIA. He has been instrumental in the rapid growth of the Chelsea Chicago chapter as well as fostering expansion in other American Heartland (previously named Mid West Blues) areas. Brian also built the web registration system and merchandise store.
Chelsea in America is a coalition of five Official Platinum Level Chelsea Supporters Clubs in the USA. Each group voluntary belongs to CIA as we share the costs, resources and work of operating our membership, ticketing, summer tours and other administrative functions. The five regions (American Heartland, Carefree CA, Desert TX, Mid Atlantic and Southeast) represent members from 40 local chapters around the country. Chelsea in America was formed in 2005 and led by founder Beth Wild through the 2017 season.
Chelsea in America 2018-19 Board of Directors:
• Club Secretary: John Costello (Carefree CA*/OC Blues)
• National Chair: Allison Kasic (Mid Atlantic*/Beltway Blues)
• Vice Chair: Brian Wolff (American Heartland/Chelsea Chicago)
• Finance: Jonathan Sharp (American Heartland*/Chelsea Chicago)
• Andy Burbidge (American Heartland/Motor City Blues)
• BJ Burruss (Desert TX/Shed End Dallas)
• Manolo Bustamante (Mid Atlantic/NE Tri State Blues)
• Erik Coulbourne (Desert TX*/Phoenix Blues)
• Caleb Horne (Southeast/Carolina Blues)
• Kat McAdoo (Southeast*/Carolina Blues)
• Tim Whitehorn (Carefree CA/Bay Area Blues)
* - Supporter Group Chapter Head