Paul Anderson

In ‘74 while a student at the University of Wisconsin I learned to sail an MIT Tech dinghy, a lively 12-foot racing boat. There followed more than four decades of practically no sailing as I entered the workforce, living and working

in Northern Virginia as a hands-on software
engineer. The opportunity to sail again as an
SOS member presented itself in 2022. I
renewed my interest and expanded my skills by
obtaining ASA 101, 103, and 104 certifications
at a course in the US Virgin Islands.

Despite the four decades between my on-the-
water experiences, I maintained a strong
interest in small sailing craft, reading and re-
reading Howard Chapelle’s book American
Small Sailing Craft, and many other books
including those of Philip Bolger, the
unconventional and iconoclastic Massachusetts
boat designer whose creations I greatly
admired for their simplicity and boldness
implementing novel solutions to requirements.

My work experience was as a senior
developer/engineer and software designer,
often in a technical leadership position. I
designed software to be practical, reliable,
simple, and flexible and I helped those I worked
with improve their software skills. I served on a
George Mason University Alumni Board for a
number of years focused on finding ways to
help graduating students prepare to enter the
workforce by understanding the career paths
ahead of them.

When I was asked if I would like to run for the
board, I felt that the timing was right. I recently
completed a big relocation, and this will mean
more time being available for new
commitments. I believe my skills and
experience will be useful to the SOS board. I
am most interested in ensuring safe and
enjoyable sailing experiences. I believe SOS
does try to ensure safe sailing experiences by
encouraging skippers to guide crewmates in
improving their skills and through Spring
Training and basic skills certification. But I think safety is not so much an attainable goal but a process and mindset.

While safety is a component in enjoyable
sailing, the interpersonal dynamics of a crew is
another significant factor in an enjoyable sail,
whether for a day, a weekend, or the duration of
a bareboat cruise. I will try to find ideas that
promote good skipper and crewmate
interactions and offer them to the board for
consideration.

Finally, as a person living more than two hours
driving time to Annapolis, I will be another voice
for those SOS members who may live far from
the Annapolis area.

My name is Richard Cordaro, and I’m honored to be considered for a position on the board of our sailing club. Sailing has been a part of my life since I was a teenager. The time I’ve spent on the water—whether trimming sails, navigating with friends, or simply soaking in the beauty of the bay—continues to bring me a deep sense of peace, joy, and connection. What makes it even more meaningful is sharing those experiences with others who love the water as much as I do.

Professionally, I teach business,
entrepreneurship, and real estate at Harrisburg
Area Community College, and I’m also a
licensed real estate agent. My work is rooted in
helping others succeed—whether it’s students
launching their first ventures or clients making
important life decisions. I’ve always believed in
giving back and being of service to the
communities I’m part of. This sailing club has been a place where I’ve met wonderful people from all walks of life—seasoned sailors and newcomers alike. That welcoming spirit is something I truly value. I’d like to serve on the board to help strengthen that community, attract new members, and support the continued success and vibrancy of the club. Whether it's  helping plan events, encouraging mentorship, or simply pitching in where needed, I’m eager to contribute both on land and on the water.

If we have mission and vision statements, I
think it would be something like this: 

Mission Statement
Our mission is to make the joy of sailing
accessible to everyone—especially those
who might not otherwise have the
opportunity. We are dedicated to fostering a
welcoming environment where individuals
can learn to sail, build confidence, and
develop essential safety skills and lasting
friendships. Through hands-on instruction,
mentorship, and a spirit of camaraderie, we
strive to create lasting memories both on the
water and off.
Vision Statement
We envision a vibrant sailing community
where everyone feels at home—where new
sailors are empowered, friendships are
formed, and the shared love of the wind and
water brings people together. Our club will
continue to grow as a place of learning,
laughter, and lifelong connection, inspiring a
new generation of sailors through education,
outreach, and joyful gatherings.

Outside of work and sailing, I’m a proud
father of two grown children and a
grandfather to a spirited two-year-old
granddaughter. Life has taught me the
importance of meaningful connections and
lifelong learning—both of which I find in this
club.

Thank you for your consideration. I look
forward to the opportunity to give back to a
community that has given me so much.

Sincerely,
Richard Cordaro

 Ray Harris

An old proverb states that if you give a man a fish, you feed him once, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. Years ago, SOS member Spud Flowers taught me how to sail at the Washington Sailing Marina and introduced me to SOS. These combined to give me a lifetime of sailing pleasure that hasbeen of unmeasurable value to me.

I regard this as an obligation to help others to
learn and practice the art of sailing.
Accordingly, I have sailed with more SOS
members in the past three years than any
other skipper and I look forward to continuing
to introduce SOS members to the joys of
sailing.

New members are the lifeblood of SOS and
no one should ever be left ashore. I would
like to encourage more skippers to participate
in cruises so that no member is ever left
ashore. We need an innovative approach to
building membership so that we can regularly
build circle rafts again.

Other than serving as Cruise Chair years
ago, I have not actively served as an SOS
contributor. My 20 years’ experience as CEO
of a successful high-tech company have
provided me with management, financial, and
technical skills needed to be a successful
board member and to help pay back the
obligation I have to this wonderful sailing
organization.

I would greatly appreciate your vote in the
upcoming board election.

Dana Tulis

Hi! I am Dana Tulis, SOS member for 2 years, I have been sailing for 5 years, I am certified in ASA 101, 103, 104 and 105. I have crewed on
day sails with friends and with SOS. I have
been racing at the Annapolis Sailing School for
5 years on Sunday and/or Monday nights. I am
currently learning to sail on a Sabre 34, with a
goal to be able to be a “Captain”. I really
enjoyed the cruise to Mallorca last year, with
Captain Dana S., that was certainly a highlight
event!

On the professional side, although I will be
retiring soon, I am the Director, of Emergency
Management for the USCG, for the last decade,
that includes overseeing Search and Rescue,
Disaster Response and Marine Environmental
Response, cleaning up oil and hazardous spills.
That is a Senior Executive Service (SES)
position, the top of the GS scale, and I have
been in the SES and leadership roles for 21
years. I oversee 160 staff, and have been in
management positions for 33 years. I am
known for strategic vision, getting things done
creatively in the face of bureaucracy or other
challenges, and achieving goals through
collaboration. Prior to the USCG, I worked for
EPA for 28 years and have played a major role
in every response since 9/11. I provide
organizational advice to responses, such as the
Bridge collapse. I oversee training for 3,000
people per year.

I believe these skills are transferable. I
developed the Emergency Management minor
for the USCG Academy, and can use those
skills to look at our Spring training and other
training events. I really enjoy planning trips and
would suggest new destinations, finding
environmental wonders, great restaurants, and
culture (perhaps Thailand, Fiji). It’s a great
organization and I am happy to be part of it, but
I believe I and our BOD team can help make it
even better. I also ran a consulting firm, on
Total Quality Management, as well as
establishing 2 Subchapter S companies, for
recording and producing

And most importantly, I am close friends with
Janet Pennewell and Carrie Will, great role
models.

Dana Tulis
Joined SOS 2023

In 1979 I moved to the DC area. Upon meeting several SOS members at a holiday gathering, I was taken by their enthusiasm for sailing and for the SOS sailing club. I joined SOS in 2009 and sailed most every weekend for my first few years as a member. Between local bay sailing, parties, educational events, the wide array of travel opportunities, and wonderful friendships, SOS has become an important and treasured part of my life.

My participation included helping to create the
theme and decorations for the club’s award-
winning Parade of Lights boat and sailing on it
during the parade. I’ve been an active part of the
Social Committee and have volunteered at many
parties, events and brunches. In the 2025 Spring
Training I was one of the four members heading
up the entire daylong event. I’ve been a cruising
coordinator for many years. Did you say Bareboat Cruises? I’ve been on at least five in the last eight years.

After retiring from a long sales career and
stepping down from being president of my
homeowner’s association for 17 years, I now
have the time and energy to become a valuable
member of SOS by serving on the Board.