BOARD ELECTIONs!
The election for the 2026 Board positions will be held Sunday, May 18, from 9:00 AM to Sunday, May 25, 11:59 PM. The terms for each position are listed below, and more information about the roles and responsibilities can be found in the Bylaws here.
How Voting Works
• Voting will take place online through a secure ballot system.
• All active members who are in good standing will receive a unique voting link via email and text message.
Candidate Information
• Each nominee has submitted a written statement in response to their nomination to help voters make informed decisions, below.
Why Your Vote Matters
• With the majority of Board positions contested, your vote plays a pivotal role in selecting leaders who will represent your interests and steer our organization forward.
Stay Informed
• Keep an eye out for campaign activities at the fields and on social media platforms. Engage with the nominees, ask questions, and make an informed decision.
Together, let's build a stronger Surf & Sun!
NOMINEES FOR THE 2026 BOARD
Want to help shape the future of Surf & Sun Softball? Nominations for the Board of Directors are officially open! Step up, nominate a leader, or throw your own hat in the ring—this is your chance to make a difference both on and off the field.
- Commissioner (2-year term): Mark Butterfield, Tyler Crouse
- Treasurer (2-year term): Ivan Briseno, Matt Wear
- Women's+ Divsion Director (2-year term): Ginny Doepping, Ashley Rollice
- Women's+ Member-at-Large (2 positions, 1-year terms): Jennifer Johnson, Tiffanie Laird, Kalynn Pham, Jodie Shea
- Open Member-at-Large (2 positions, 1-year terms): Colin Arnold, Zachary Campbell, Ricky Diaz, Jesus "Chuy" Soto
Meet Your Nominees!
Commissioner
Mark Butterfield
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I’ve been playing baseball and softball since I was 12, and I’ve managed teams for 4 years in the Palm Springs league. I’ve also helped run RedRum here in the Surf & Sun league—the same league I’m now nominated to help lead as Commissioner. I care deeply about this community and the game, and I’m excited about the opportunity to give back. I bring over 20 years of leadership experience from places like Target, FedEx, and the HVAC field, and I’ve spent the last few years teaching—so leading meetings, speaking publicly, and keeping things organized come naturally to me. I’m all about fairness and flexibility—what I call the “Gumby method.” Every person and situation is different, so I take time to listen, understand the facts, and guide everyone toward a solution they feel good about. While I’m still getting familiar with the bylaws, I believe in full transparency and working closely with the Board to keep building the league. I also have solid experience managing budgets at FedEx, I helped turn around a struggling branch and won the company’s Most Improved Branch award. I’m committed, approachable, and ready to support the league in every way I can.
About Mark:
I was first introduced to Surf & Sun while playing with the Christ Chapel softball team. I played in a couple of tournaments and immediately felt connected because of how open and welcoming the community was. After that team disbanded, I took a break from the league. A few years later, I was invited to practice with a new team called the Fighting Cox, which brought me back into Surf & Sun. After moving to Palm Desert, I joined the Palm Springs league, where I played and eventually took over managing the Broke Bats. When I had to step away from playing due to foot surgery, I stayed involved by helping manage the Orphans. After moving back to Orange County, I joined Queen Mary—a team that had once been a rival of the Fighting Cox. We later became RedRum and have competed in three World Series tournaments. Surf & Sun has always felt like home, and I’m proud to be part of a league that values both competition and community.
Mark’s Final Thoughts:
I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to be nominated for Commissioner. This league has given me so much over the years, and my goal is to continue supporting its vision while helping it grow and thrive. I care deeply about this community, and whether it’s on the field, at a meeting, or over a casual conversation, I’m always open to listening and working together to make this league the best it can be for everyone.
Tyler Crouse
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I have a passion not only for this game but for our league. I take pride in knowing each member’s face and name. After serving a few terms as Commissioner the focus moves to finding future leaders of our league who can learn from our current Board and guide our league into the future! From experience, temperament, and attitude, I feel I have the needed qualities for this position and to continue to serve as your Commissioner.
About Tyler: I have been involved in baseball/softball my whole life, as has my whole family so you can so it is in our blood. I started playing in NAGAAA/iPride in Chicago and when I moved back found a home in Surf & Sun. My first involvement beyond playing was to join the Liberty Classic committee and the next year I found myself on the Board as Womens+ Division Member at Large and eventually became Commissioner, where I currently serve the league.
Tyler’s Final Thoughts:
This isn't just about me this is OUR league. Please consider volunteering! Give feedback to your Board! We all have opinions but need to work together to make this the best league possible for us all! Love this Surf & Sun fam!
Treasurer
Ivan Briseno
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I have been in this role for several years supporting Surf & Sun as its treasure and will continue to support the league in such capacity.
About Ivan:
I have been a part of Surf & Sun since 2015.
Matt Wear
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I have 20+ years of experience in accounting and auditing and I have always strived for accuracy, accountability, and transparency in financial reporting and decision making. Prioritizing organization and compliance in everyday business helps make a financial review or audit a painless process and eliminates any surprises.
About Matt:
I joined the league about 2 years ago and it is definitely the best league I have played in. We play hard and try to win but we never lose sight of the fact that we are all friends here. It’s great to be in a league where the rival teams are laughing and joking after a close game rather than fighting each other.
Matt’s Final Thoughts:
Thanks for letting me be a part of this family and I want to continue to help making this a great experience for everyone.
Women’s+ Division Director
Ginny Doepping
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I have a great understanding of the rules of the game and know how to communicate them with the players.
About Ginny:
I have played softball since I was 4 and learned early in life the importance of supporting your teammates and league. I have been in the Surf & Sun league for more than 10 years and play in both the Women's+ and the Open Division. I have been on the Surf & Sun board for 3 years as a Women's+ Division Member at Large and took over temporarily as the Director for a short time.
Ashley Rollice
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I feel like my knowledge about softball is a plus, I am a manager of another women’s team and enjoy doing that. I have taken different roles in life that makes me feel like I can be the perfect person for this position. I’ve been playing this sport for 33+ years and can make a difference with the league.
About Ashley:
I’ve been playing with Surf & Sun for the past 5 years. I did play men’s in LA back in 2015 which I enjoyed so much. But Women’s was calling my name and being able to play in Surf & Sun has been an honor. I am on the Ratings Committee and I’ve felt like I did make a mark in the league and was able to speak on how to improve players’ ratings.
Women’s+ Member at Large
Jennifer Johnson
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
Prior to playing with Surf & Sun, I have managed my own travel ball Fastpitch team for 10 years. I understand the elements of running a team, keeping players on your roster along with making the parents happy.
About Jennifer:
I have played in the Surf & Sun league for the past 5 years. I have played with GoFETCH for 4 years. Then I started my own team in hopes of keeping the Women’s+ D division going.
Jennifer’s Final Thoughts:
We need to get more women playing and I think we can do that by social media and other platforms that will promote our league.
Tiffanie Laird
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I have been around the league for a long time. I always play with good sportsmanship and want everyone to have fun.
About Tiffanie:
I have been in the league for about 10 years. I have played for Fusion, Girl Crush. And now Baby Crush. I have an unmatched respect for players in the league and want to make this an enjoyable environment for everyone.
Tiffanie’s Final Thoughts:
You probably know me as Crispy.
Kalynn Pham
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I would be a good candidate for the Women's+ Division Member at Large position for a couple of reasons. I have been a consistent player in the league for several years and have been an active participant in its events. During this time, I've been able to develop relationships not only with those in our Long Beach ASANA league but also with those participating around the country. I am motivated and eager to learn about how to support and better develop this league.
About Kalynn:
I played growing up, and I have coached my high school team. I have been a part of the league for 3 years, playing in the regular spring and fall seasons, and have also gotten to play in tournaments such as the World Series in San Diego, the World Series in Memphis, the Liberty Classic, and Natsu Nami.
Jodie Shea
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I have been in the league for a few years, currently in role of Open Division Member at Large, and serve on other boards in multiple roles
About Jodie:
I have played in the league for a few years and have served on both the Board and Women’s+ Ratings Committee. I have played in both the Women’s+ (Shenanigans) and Open (Wildcats) Divisions.
Open Division Member at Large
Colin Arnold
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I have previously served on various at-large committees in two other iPride leagues—Chesapeake & Potomac Softball League (CAPS) and Softball Austin—and aided tournament directors and fellow committee members, both in Austin and in Washington, DC.
About Colin:
This has been a fantastic first year with Surf & Sun Softball! I may be new to the league, but I'm by no means new to iPride. I have extensive experience playing and coaching baseball/softball across the country and would love nothing more than to give back to one of the many leagues that has given me so much. I've been heavily involved in multiple leagues and truly believe this has been the most open and welcoming I've experienced to date.
Colin’s Final Thoughts:
Joining the league and getting to know everyone has been one of the best parts of returning home to California. That said, I also believe the board could be doing more to improve the quality of our collective experience on and off the field. I believe we should prioritize recruiting in order to build out our C and D divisions and, ultimately, consider launching a new E division, ensuring newer players have a place to learn and grow together. Our league is great as it is, but there is always room for inclusive growth.
Zachary Campbell
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I am passionate about not only softball, but the LGBTQIA2+ community at large. I will work hard for the league to make sure it flourishes. I am also going to graduate this semester with a B.A. in English literature.
About Zachary:
I am fairly new to the league, but I have felt nothing but love and community so far!
Zachary’s Final Thoughts:
Thank you so much for considering me! I have wanted to support the community more for a long time, but it has been hard to find that outlet. I am so glad that I have been given this opportunity to directly give back!
Ricky Diaz
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
I am new to the league but I’m committed to learning , helping and being a part of the league. I’m reliable and willing to help when needed.
About Ricky:
I started with the league I believe in 2019-ish and have been with you guys since. It’s always been a fun and welcoming space, I’ve had nothing but good times and look forward to making more memories with the league.
Jesus “Chuy” Soto
What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?
As a long standing member of Surf & Sun Softball, I have an investment in the success and longevity of the league. I am a qualified candidate because I can collaborate, communicate and I’m competent.
About Jesus:
My name is Jesus Soto. My softball family knows me as Chuy. It's a diminutive-short name used by friends and family. It’s like Bob from Robert. I currently play with the old men of Havoc and am serving in my second year of the Ratings Committee and First year as Chair of the Ratings Committee. I have been a long-standing Surf & Sun Softball member since the early 2000’s. I have been around since we played at Mile Square Park (before the Field Renovations). I am running for Open Member at large to give back and support the league that has given me great pleasure. There have been lasting friendships that have come from my involvement with the league along with great experience. I applaud the work, time, and effort that the Board of Directors and members commit on a regular basis and would like to offer my hand in that. Aside from softball I have a teenage daughter, two adult girls and work in education as an Elementary School Teacher. Both parenting and my profession keep me busy. In parting I offer this. “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” -Elizabeth Andrew.
Please consider me for Open Division Member at Large
-Jesus Soto aka Chuy Havoc Softball
Jesus’s Final Thoughts:
Lastly, if you take any joy in Sunday softball, support your league.