Meet the WorldMark Board Candidates

This year, two At-Large board positions are up for re-election. This is your opportunity to learn more about each candidate and their platform.

The opinions and statements of the candidates do not necessarily reflect those of WorldMark, The Club, nor the club management. Statements are included exactly as they were submitted by the candidates. The club does not assume any responsibility or accept any liability for the accuracy of these statements.

Hari Aroon

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

View Statement

As a retired executive from the Food & Beverage industry, I have been responsible for the promotion of household brands like Wonder (Bread), Royale (Paper Products) and Clover Leaf (Seafood). I have been responsible for multimillion dollar budgets and have served/serve on various boards including new Immigrant Board, Police Board, Parks Commission, Police Foundation board and Hospice board. Through my involvement, I have successfully motivated leadership to rethink strategy for community involvement particularly where it involves not for profit organizations.

I have been a WorldMark owner since 1991. WorldMark has always been portrayed as a non-profit organization. However, Wyndham is not a non-profit organization. Well managed, this could be a great long term marriage. In my opinion, we could use Wyndham’s corporate saving philosophy, financial stability, buying power and leadership maturity to ensure WorldMark owners continue to enjoy memorable vacation opportunities. I have the experience to manage this unique relationship.

On the owner Facebook site, I have read comments about new website navigational issues, push to buy more during the check in process, complimentary internet availability, better exercise room equipment, communication improvements etc. Unfortunately everything cannot be addressed in a short span of time. If elected, I would ensure WorldMark management consider an owner survey and from the input solicited from you, outline priorities for our club. This dialogue will express the degree of spending to what is important for us, the owners.
In the last six months I visited ten WorldMark locations. I must admit I am impressed by the friendliness and cleanliness. Some resorts require updating and our management continues to efficiently manage that. In Las Vegas, I was impressed to see life guards on continuous duty. A reassurance for younger owners with smaller children. I have travelled to numerous countries and my professional working experience has got me into a number of hotel rooms. WorldMark provides that unique home away from home experience and I would ensure we continue to further promote that by publicly acknowledging outstanding staff.

I have heard some frustrations from long term owners that growth in ownership has created difficulties in booking vacations. As your board representative, I commit to studying owner/location ratio and then make recommendations to the board, for management’s consideration.

The recent pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, climate changes and rising costs create a need for long term stability. While WorldMark has successfully adapted to the pandemic protocol, we must ensure we have a strategy to similar future world affairs.

Our vision must ensure that we keep our annual maintenance fees in line, build for the future to attract youth, make sure that long standing members are not deprived,

Thank you for your consideration. If elected by you, I will be privileged to serve with passion, vigilance, drive and integrity.

Do you have any past or present affiliation with Wyndham? If yes, please explain affiliation.

I have no past or present affiliation with Wyndham.
Do you or any members of your immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity? If yes, please explain affiliation.

Neither I nor my immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity.
Have you advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income? If yes, please explain.

I/we have not advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income.
Do you have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call? In addition, do you have any regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult for you to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call? If yes, please explain what conflicts you have or that might arise.

Yes, I do have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call. As long as there is sufficient notice, I can and will schedule my calendar to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call.
Why do you want to serve on the Board? What are your top three (3) priorities if elected to the Board?
Top 3 Priorities:

Manage WorldMark/Wyndham alliance by understanding and using Wyndham’s financial stability, leadership maturity and buying power to enhance WorldMark budgets.
Give owners an opportunity into future decision making by encouraging owners to participate and surveys and then communicating results back with the owners.
Create trust and understanding by developing a WorldMark “family atmosphere”. Regular communication, responding to owners on Facebook site, timely follow up with owners will help bring more members to the “family”. Owners could be the best sales tool.
Surveys show that the desires of WorldMark, The Club members change over time. On the one hand, members want new or additional amenities and technology; on the other hand, they want the Board to keep costs to a minimum. How would you balance the desire for enhancements with the need to keep costs under control?

The want/spend ratio is a challenge in any profit or not for profit organization. Conduct an owner survey to see what is important to owners. Use this input for internal dialogue to develop a want/spend ratio. The key is communications. We need to be sensitive to owners needs while ensuring long term stability and sufficient emergency reserves.
WorldMark is a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a $415 million annual operating budget. Members of the Board have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the budget and oversee the management of the Club as established by the Club’s governing documents. What professional qualifications and experience do you have in managing and overseeing large corporations and/or nonprofit organizations and their budgets? Please give specific details, including budget amounts, and your qualifications to manage large budgets.

Most of my working career has been with George Weston Limited. Until recently Weston was one of Canada’s top manufacturers and retailers. I have enjoyed senior management positions with the company and significantly contributed to divisional growth. My personal responsibility has been in excess of $50MM. With revenues in excess of 4.5 billion dollars Weston is among the top employers. I was appointed by the Lt. Governor of British Columbia to serve on the Delta Police Board. As such, I am well aware of my fiduciary responsibilities. I have also completed a Boards Program through the institute of corporate directors and the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
What is the one thing you would like to share with all WorldMark, The Club members that would help them better understand who you are as a person and as a Board candidate? What personal characteristics, strengths or experiences would set you apart from all other candidates?

My leadership and experience in making people understand through participation – bringing people together.
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Club, the Management Company and the Developer.

I have found this to be complex. Further attending owner presentations has not helped as, in my opinion, the marketing company that attempts to see credits further complicates matters. To me the Developer, develops and sells properties, for profit, to WorldMark the club. The Management Company reports to the board. The Board is responsible for providing direction and annual budget to the Management Company who is responsible for day-to-day operations and recommendations to the Board for future considerations.

Bob Hartsock

Location: Naples, Florida

View Statement

I am honored and grateful to serve on your WorldMark Board of Directors and want to extend my service for another term. While the past few years have brought unexpected challenges, the board remained focused on enhancing the owner experience and supporting efforts to help you enjoy incredible vacations. Alongside my fellow board members, I am more committed than ever to ensuring WorldMark continues to lead the industry as the valued vacation ownership offering that it is today.

As we emerge from the pandemic, we continue to work in close partnership with Wyndham to improve and grow the club ownership and value. This partnership enables us to identify exciting vacation opportunities, explore new products and locations, implement innovative programs and benefits, and respond to the needs and perspectives of WorldMark owners. Ultimately, our goal is to help you make the most of your ownership as you explore all of WorldMark’s wonderful destinations. Aligned with this effort, among my main priorities as a board member is to improve owner credit usage and find opportunities to help even more WorldMark owners create memories with their family and friends.

WorldMark has been an important part of my life for many years. As an owner for more than 17 years and a board member since 2018, I have seen the club weather storms and adapt to the evolving travel preferences of consumers. We will continue to take new best practices with us as we look into the future.

As we all rediscover our love of travel, we are fortunate to have a club like WorldMark to help us realize our vacation dreams. If reelected to the Board of Directors, I will continue to advocate on your behalf to create a bright and promising future for our club.

Do you have any past or present affiliation with Wyndham? If yes, please explain affiliation.

I have no past or present affiliation with Wyndham past being a WorldMark member.
Do you or any members of your immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity? If yes, please explain affiliation.

I have no business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham.
Have you advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income? If yes, please explain.

I have not advertised any type of timeshare credits for any purpose.
Do you have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call? In addition, do you have any regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult for you to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call? If yes, please explain what conflicts you have or that might arise.

I have the flexibility to attend all Board meetings. I have no meeting conflicts.
Why do you want to serve on the Board? What are your top three (3) priorities if elected to the Board?

I wish to continue serving on the Board to ensure that WorldMark remains the valued vacation ownership offering that it is today. My first priority is to support Board initiatives to improve owner credit usage. My second priority is to support Board policy for bringing stability to the resale market for owner credit values. My third priority is to eliminate the use of credits for commercial usage
Surveys show that the desires of WorldMark, The Club members change over time. On the one hand, members want new or additional amenities and technology; on the other hand, they want the Board to keep costs to a minimum. How would you balance the desire for enhancements with the need to keep costs under control?

In balancing improved amenities with stable to lower operating costs, I will use the knowledge of the developer, manager, and Club together to approve only those enhancements that meet both criteria.
WorldMark is a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a $415 million annual operating budget. Members of the Board have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the budget and oversee the management of the Club as established by the Club’s governing documents. What professional qualifications and experience do you have in managing and overseeing large corporations and/or nonprofit organizations and their budgets? Please give specific details, including budget amounts, and your qualifications to manage large budgets.

My tenure with large corporations ─ including Caterpillar, Boeing, and Tenneco ─ has provided me with experience managing budgets and staffing for organizations with over a billion dollars in sales and more than 6,000 personnel. My experience as president and owner of a hotel management company provides me with the expertise necessary to analyze issues from the management perspective, while my time working with a timeshare developer allows me to appreciate the developer’s perspective. This experience, combined with my knowledge as an owner, enables me to provide viable recommendations to solve challenges and identify opportunities for WorldMark.
What is the one thing you would like to share with all WorldMark, The Club members that would help them better understand who you are as a person and as a Board candidate? What personal characteristics, strengths or experiences would set you apart from all other candidates?

Having 40 years of experience operating in various companies with different cultures and diverse interests teaches you to listen closely to your employees, your customers, and owners. It also teaches you to respect their point of view and, more importantly, their personal stake in the results of your decisions. Having served as president of five companies, using this listening and respect process has enabled me to bring about unique, high-value results.
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Club, the Management Company and the Developer.

The Developer seeks new destinations where plans and business analysis indicate opportunities for ownership growth and satisfaction. The Manager delivers the services required to operate the Club for the benefit of all owners. The Board provides oversight to ensure that the governing documents are upheld, while working with the Developer and Manager to ensure WorldMark owners are provided with and enjoy expansive vacation opportunities. In short, the Club, Management Company, and Developer bring their abilities and experience together to work as a cohesive team to improve and grow the Club ownership and value.

Mark Payette

Location: Bakersfield, California

View Statement

It has been an honor serving on the WorldMark Board of Directors for the past two years. I have enjoyed my time working on your behalf, and I thank you for the trust you have placed in me.

My family and I live for vacations, and we try to travel three or four times per year to WorldMark resorts. I am deeply invested in WorldMark — I want to see it continue to flourish, and I strive to do my part to retain and maximize the value of the investments that we have all made in the club so we can enjoy the facilities for decades to come.

I obtained a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Southern California and I have worked in the finance and accounting world for 24 years. While I am a CPA, I have also been a farmer, a Los Angeles Police officer, as well as a Chief Financial Officer. Currently, I am overseeing the construction of a $450 million Renewable Diesel refinery in Bakersfield, California. My prior two jobs have been operating businesses with from $100-150 million in revenues.

Over the past two years two main focuses for me have been serving on the board’s finance committee as well as working through the COVID-19 crisis. Let me take this knowledge I’ve worked so hard to obtain over the past two years and continue to make it work for you.

I’ve built an excellent relationship with the management team while we worked through the crisis together. If re-elected, I will carry forward these relationships and the sense of teamwork we have developed as we look ahead to the future.

My main goals will be to mitigate and control costs, especially maintenance dues, and listen to the membership in order to make improvements and bring new services that best serve the club and owners.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve on your WorldMark Board of Directors. I believe WorldMark’s best days are ahead of us, and I look forward to building upon our strong foundation.

Do you have any past or present affiliation with Wyndham? If yes, please explain affiliation.

I currently serve on the WorldMark Board of Directors.
Do you or any members of your immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity? If yes, please explain affiliation.

No.
Have you advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income? If yes, please explain.

No.
Do you have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call? In addition, do you have any regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult for you to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call? If yes, please explain what conflicts you have or that might arise.

Yes.
No.
Why do you want to serve on the Board? What are your top three (3) priorities if elected to the Board?
I want to protect and increase the value of the investment that my fellow members and I have made in the Club. I will continue to encourage and improve existing best practices within the operations of the Club and identify ways to show new and existing owners the excellent value of WorldMark. I want to illustrate everything that makes WorldMark so special beyond other vacation options such as hotels or home rentals.

My top three priorities are:

Manage factors that drive costs in maintenance dues with a goal of minimizing the annual increase to members.
Educate new, existing, and potential owners about the value of WorldMark.
The Club is run very well and it is important to make sure management continues doing the day-to-day tasks that make WorldMark great. The Board should ensure that any new projects or programs are well developed and executed.
Surveys show that the desires of WorldMark, The Club members change over time. On the one hand, members want new or additional amenities and technology; on the other hand, they want the Board to keep costs to a minimum. How would you balance the desire for enhancements with the need to keep costs under control?

I rely on my experience as a CPA and a Chief Financial Officer running businesses with over $150 million in revenues annually to guide my decisions. I understand the operations of the business and continue to make educated decisions. I will understand and explore what our competitors provide to make sure WorldMark is providing competitive amenities. Maintenance of the excellent asset we now have should come first and enhancements should be continually reviewed and carefully considered.

A business has to stay focused on providing the best possible product and delivering on its promises. For WorldMark, owners want the Board to remain committed to ensuring the properties are well-maintained, that the staff is motivated and friendly, and that the Board communicates frequently and well with all of the membership about what it takes to deliver great vacations. Open and frequent communication means spending a lot of time listening to the concerns and needs of our membership and providing feedback to them. I think when speaking with the membership at large, being open, transparent, timely, and direct makes for the best communication.
WorldMark is a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a $415 million annual operating budget. Members of the Board have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the budget and oversee the management of the Club as established by the Club’s governing documents. What professional qualifications and experience do you have in managing and overseeing large corporations and/or nonprofit organizations and their budgets? Please give specific details, including budget amounts, and your qualifications to manage large budgets.

My main career focus is finance and accounting. I was educated at the University of Southern California obtaining a B.S. in Accounting in 1996, and I am a CPA (California CPA #78045 inactive). My past two jobs have been the Chief Financial Officer of multi-national businesses (Grapeman Farms and Pacific World Corporation). These businesses had over $100-150 million in revenues selling to customers like Walmart, Target, Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreen, Carrefour, Costco, Kroger, and a long list of other food and drug mass merchandisers globally with operating budgets of $125 million and $140 million, respectively.

In all my work, I am ultimately responsible for the entire budget of the business, the full accounting operation, and all of the forecasting activities, as well as ensuring company audits are completed. I am responsible for 13-week cash flow reporting, annual cash flow, annual actual financial results, as well as variance analysis of Forecast and Budget versus Actual results. I organize and prepare quarterly results and presentations for our Board of Directors.

I have extensive Information Technology experience, developing and implementing enterprise resource planning systems at each and every company I have worked for.

My jobs have required significant travel to China, Europe, and North America so that I can be engaged and involved in the day-to-day operations of manufacturing and farming facilities. Translating business activities into financial figures required significant operational experience.

I have extensive experience dealing with various legal issues from farming regulations, to real-estate laws, to trademark and patent laws. As a Police officer, I also am well versed in criminal as well as tort law.

Typically, the Human Resources organization reports to me so I have a deep understanding of employment rules and laws across the U.S. and globally.
What is the one thing you would like to share with all WorldMark, The Club members that would help them better understand who you are as a person and as a Board candidate? What personal characteristics, strengths or experiences would set you apart from all other candidates?

My family and I are avid users of the Club. We live for vacations and utilize WorldMark almost exclusively for our vacation adventures; we try to take three or four trips to a resort each year. I know and love the facilities and the people we share the properties with.

In addition to working as a CPA, I have been a farmer, a Los Angeles Police officer, as well as a Chief Financial Officer of businesses with over $150 million in revenues. I have spent a significant amount of my career working for Boards of Directors, so I know very well how the relationship between Management and the Board works. I have also spent a considerable amount of time operating businesses.

In my seventeen years of police work, I learned how to listen and communicate with people from all walks of life. I think that people who meet me would describe me as open and honest, with a very common-sense approach to solving problems.

I am a very active person — I enjoy playing a number of different sports, such as hiking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, skiing, and running. I spend a great deal of time doing volunteer work in my community.
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Club, the Management Company and the Developer.

The Developer researches new locations and constructs new resorts, which are deeded debt-free to the Club. The Management Company is the entity that operates the resorts, maintains the facilities, and administers the membership and reservations. The management company operates using the maintenance dues paid by the members of the Club.

Henry Vanderveen

Location: Langley, British Columbia, Canada

View Statement
I would like to be considered as a nominee for one of the at-large positions on the WorldMark Board of Directors for the 2022 election. My skills, experience, education, insights and personality would contribute to the Board and I have the time to devote to the tasks involved.

For the last 20 years WorldMark has played a significant role in providing our family’s most treasured shared memories. Many times over those years we have traveled to at least 25 WorldMark resorts near and far, explored many new landscapes and experienced many new adventures together. The memories we have collected are absolutely priceless.

Having retired recently from my career as a Superintendent of Schools, I have been reflecting on how I can use my life-long experience and education to remain productive and purposeful with my new-found time and enduring enthusiasm for adventure.

Of all the opportunities to volunteer my time in retirement, being able to “give back” to WorldMark has the most appeal. I believe I could contribute as an at-large member on the WorldMark Board of Directors.

What I would bring to the table:

a deep commitment to the WorldMark brand
the experience of working on non-profit boards for most of my career
many years of being responsible for multi-million-dollar annual budgets
12 years of experience on the Board of a national teacher’s pension fund
expertise with Strategic Planning and Board Governance best practice
a Canadian presence, adding an international perspective
I am very organized, personable, friendly and empathetic
time for regular and special meetings, research and any projects

In seeking a nomination to the WorldMark Board of Directors, I have no desire to make significant changes to the organization or its policies. I simply wish to use my skills and my best thinking to ensure that WorldMark the Club continues to offer couples and families opportunities to create priceless vacation memories similar to the ones I have enjoyed.

Do you have any past or present affiliation with Wyndham? If yes, please explain affiliation.

I have no past or present affiliation with Wyndham.
Do you or any members of your immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity? If yes, please explain affiliation.

Neither I nor any of my immediate family members have any business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity.
Have you advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income? If yes, please explain.

I have never traded, rented or sold any timeshare product, WorldMark Credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income; nor have I ever advertised to do so.
Do you have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call? In addition, do you have any regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult for you to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call? If yes, please explain what conflicts you have or that might arise.

I am retired, so I have the flexibility to attend any and all meetings, either in person or by conference call. I would have no regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call.
Why do you want to serve on the Board? What are your top three (3) priorities if elected to the Board?

To help preserve the values and principles upon which WorldMark the Club was founded.

To explore ways to expand opportunities for WorldMark owners to use their credits for even more vacation possibilities without necessarily acquiring or building more WorldMark resorts.

To explore ways to minimize the rental of WorldMark units at the expense of owners wishing to use those units.
Surveys show that the desires of WorldMark, The Club members change over time. On the one hand, members want new or additional amenities and technology; on the other hand, they want the Board to keep costs to a minimum. How would you balance the desire for enhancements with the need to keep costs under control?

Periodic reviews of all of the amenities offered by WorldMark are an important component of the Club’s strategic plan. Amenities that have become undervalued by members over time could be replaced or modified to allow for more popular ones. It is a given, however, that new technologies should be explored regularly and implemented if they enhance the brand and increase value for owners.
WorldMark is a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a $415 million annual operating budget. Members of the Board have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the budget and oversee the management of the Club as established by the Club’s governing documents. What professional qualifications and experience do you have in managing and overseeing large corporations and/or nonprofit organizations and their budgets? Please give specific details, including budget amounts, and your qualifications to manage large budgets.

I am currently retired, but I work part-time as an educational consultant, helping independent school systems with creating sustainable, healthy organizations. A component of that is developing multi-year budgeting and strategic planning.

While I was employed, I was a Superintendent of a large independent school system personally responsible for annual budgets of over $20 million. I worked as a working member and the only employee of several non-profit school boards during that time.

For 12 years I served on the Board of Directors of a national teacher’s pension and health program. We met quarterly and managed a fund of 400 million dollars. That experience most closely relates to what I understand the WorldMark Board of Directors to be like.
What is the one thing you would like to share with all WorldMark, The Club members that would help them better understand who you are as a person and as a Board candidate? What personal characteristics, strengths or experiences would set you apart from all other candidates?

I love WorldMark! My wife and I first became owners 20 years ago (when it was still Trendwest) and worked hard to build up our ownership until we became Platinum Elite owners. We have had the privilege of visiting over 25 WorldMark properties and we love them all. We’ve been able to take our kids, grandkids and other family members to Orlando, Seaside, Kehei, Indio, Birch Bay, Victoria and Whistler on numerous occasions. I am deeply committed to WorldMark and would work hard to ensure that many more couples and families can continue to enjoy the same kind of vacation experiences and create the same kind of memories that we have had.

I am a dedicated family man, a perpetual adventurer, a strategic thinker, and a persistent planner. I believe these are characteristics that could serve WorldMark owners well.

I am Canadian, fully eligible to serve on the Board of Directors. To my knowledge there is no one on the WorldMark Board of Directors to advise the Board about the impact Board decisions or decisions of Wyndham may have on non-US owners, whose rights and privileges in the Club are no different from US members.
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Club, the Management Company and the Developer.

WorldMark by Wyndham does not own WorldMark the Club, but is the developer and marketer of WorldMark the Club. WorldMark by Wyndham develops new properties for the club and sells vacation credits for WorldMark properties. WorldMark by Wyndham also manages WorldMark properties for WorldMark the Club.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the 2022 board candidates.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the 2022 board candidates.