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Aiko Takayama, JAPAN
I hope that baton twirling will be properly promoted as a sport in the future.
At the IBTF, I hope that all baton twirlers around the world will understand how and why baton twirling has developed as a sport.
I am one of the founding members of the WBTF.
In order for the baton to be recognized as a sport by society, I proposed to the world a freestyle baton competition, an event that had not been done anywhere else in the world until then.
I intend to look at baton twirling for the future.
Amelie Nilsson, SWEDEN
Finally we are heading towards one federation to become "One Team" - how do we continue to come together as one? We are two strong federations with lots and lots of knowledge and now it´s time to continue to manage and take care of all this valuable knowledge. I believe strongly in listening to our federations and use the great competence they already have to put all this together. In that way we can create a very successful and strong IBTF that are able to move forward towards new goals within the sport we all love - and in that way become "One Team". Together and strong, as they say, only the sky is the limit!
I started with this sport in 1985 in majorette category as an athlete. From 1997 I worked as a coach and in the beginning of 2000 I started my own association in both majorettes category and Freestyle Twirling category. This association is today one of the strongest within the Swedish Federation. I was chair of Technical commission in Sweden for many years and in 2017 I became president of Swedish Twirling Federation. I have been part of creating European Championship in 2013 - World´s in 2016 and now most recently our successfull World´s 2024 in Helsingborg. Today together with my fantastic board we have also taken our federation one step further in becoming a part och Swedish Gymnastic Federation.
So my strongest skills that I believe in is to organize and move forward :)
Amy Williams, CANADA
Amy Williams brings over a decade of dedicated service to the International Baton Twirling Federation (IBTF), where her leadership, integrity, and no-nonsense approach to governance have been instrumental in shaping the organization. As one of the founding members of IBTF, Amy was pivotal in drafting the 2013 Joint Cooperation Agreement between WBTF and WFNBTA, co-editing the IBTF Constitution, and providing legal expertise to the IBTF and its president, Sandi Wiemers.
In 2024, Amy was honored by Sandi Wiemers and CBTF President Joanne Moser at the Pan Pacific Championships in Calgary, Alberta, for exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and volunteerism in sport. This recognition reflects Amy’s unwavering commitment to fostering unity and progress within the baton twirling community.
Amy is running for Member at Large to lead with integrity, efficiency, and putting the well-being of all athletes at the center of every decision. Her goal is to see the IBTF’s journey reach its destination by building bridges across cultures and fostering international partnerships that will strengthen the global baton twirling community. With a unique combination of legal expertise and entrepreneurial success as the founder and CEO of multiple businesses, two of which she built into multimillion-dollar companies, Amy offers a thoughtful, strategic, and business perspective to IBTF innovation and growth, while maintaining focus on its number one priority: the athletes. Having engaged with the European twirling communities and collaborated on initiatives with European organizations, Amy has an understanding of the unique needs of European members.
“I understand that some may not agree with me or my approach or may question my motives,” Amy says. “But my goal has always been to see that this organization achieve its highest potential. If you want someone who is unafraid to stand for what’s right, who is committed to transparency and ethical governance, and who prioritizes the well-being of all athletes, cast your vote accordingly.”
Amy’s leadership is defined by unwavering integrity, an uncompromising commitment to truth, and a love for the sport that transcends personal gain.
• Founding Member of IBTF: Instrumental in creating the IBTF, drafting its foundational documents, including the 2013 Joint Cooperation Agreement and reviewing the 2018 Partner Organization Agreement, drafted the 2024 IBTF Sexual Misconduct Policy, and co-editing the IBTF Constitution with Sandi Wiemers and Jeff Johnson.
• IBTF Managing Committee Member (2013–Present): Over 11 years of consistent service with only two absences, second only to the president in attendance. Provided legal expertise and guided governance policies that protect athletes and ensure ethical standards.
• Instrumental in Global Alliance and IBTF Formation:
o Attended the 2011 NBTA Europe meeting with David Creeden and Henny Brunnekreeft, and initiated discussions that led to CNBTA's admittance to the Global Alliance (GA) in 2012.
o Authorized by the GA to contact WDSF representatives in Canada, facilitating pivotal discussions with WBTF President Sandi Wiemers and others that led to the eventual creation of the IBTF.
• Judging Credentials:
o Judged at all three IBTF Grand Prix Championships and the inaugural IBTF World Baton Twirling Championships, where her family generously donated the Country Award.
o Judged at the 2024 IBTF Freestyle and Rhythmic Twirl Championships and was the only NBTA judge selected for the Freestyle Team Championships.
o Judged six WFNBTA World Championships.
• Honors: Recognized by Sandi Wiemers and CBTF President Joanne Moser at the 2024 Pan Pacific Championships in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, for exemplifying the coming together in sport and Volunteerism.
• Athletic Achievements: Former State, Regional, and National Champion, UCLA Golden Girl Baton Twirler, and a champion in multiple organizations, including WFNBTA, USTA, and DMA.
• Promoter of Collaboration: Facilitated discussions to unify Canada’s baton twirling federations and worked tirelessly to bridge divides within the sport’s global community.
• Professional Expertise: Licensed attorney specializing in contract law and CEO of a successful marketing agency, with 4 subsidiaries. Recognized for strategic leadership, mentoring, and fostering collaboration across diverse organizations.
Amy Williams' experience and skills demonstrate her lifelong dedication to excellence, governance, and the advancement of baton twirling as a global sport. She is committed to leading with integrity and ensuring that all athletes, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive.
Denise Pearse, ENGLAND
The current committee has years of experience between its members. If elected, I would endeavour to help organise & run first-class international competitions for all IBTF members, whilst keeping alive the traditions of both NBTA and WBTF.
Although never having been a twirling athlete, I have been heavily involved in the sport for many years, initially as a parent, then as a corps director, my team being one of the original members of NBTA England. I was the first female member to sit on England's executive committee and then in 2000, I took on the role of NBTA England Secretary, and more recently, also dealt with finance. Over the years I've prepared domestic competitions, tabulated results and worked alongside the technical board to deliver training programmes for our athletes. I also organised the England team trips to international competitions.
As NBTA England and BBTSA have merged to form United, I'm now a member of the executive board of United Twirl England and was heavily involved in the organisation of the 2023 IBTF WC in Liverpool.
Over the years, I've attended many NBTA European meetings and competitions, as a representative of England. In the past, I've often worked as a clerk or tabulated at European & World competitions.
In 2014, I was elected on to the WFNBTA Executive Committee, which led to being one of the IBTF steering committee. Having dealt with the competition entries & preparing the schedules for all the WFNBTA World Championships, I have a broad understanding of competition organisation, which will hopefully be put to good use if elected.
Fabio Ardizio, ITALY
As a board member of the Italian Twirling Federation, my goal is to promote the growth and development of twirling in Italy and at an international level, fostering collaboration among federations and supporting the talent and dedication of athletes. I bring to the International Twirling Federation my managerial experience, passion for this sport, and commitment to creating opportunities that enhance excellence and the sharing of sporting values.
42 years old, married, electrical engineer with a strong passion for sports and technology. I currently hold the position of Electrical Business Team Leader at one of the most important Italian refineries, where I am responsible for managing strategic projects and coordinating my team’s activities, contributing to innovation and operational efficiency.
Experience in Twirling:
Since 2014, I have been the president of the Twirling club I founded together with my wife, a project born out of our dedication to twirling, which has also led me to become actively involved at the federal level in Italy.
Since 2021, I have been a member of the Federal Council, with responsibilities that include organizing national competitions and managing relations with the International Federation.
Among my most significant achievements is my collaboration in organizing the 2022 Twirling World Championship in Turin and my ongoing work on the preparation of the 2024 edition, also in Turin.
Additionally, I am an integral part of the working group dedicated to the development of twirling in Italy and the growth of our federation, with the aim of promoting this discipline and supporting its evolution at both national and international levels.
Frano Herendija, CROATIA
As a person who comes primarily from the world of majorettes with almost 30 years of work on promoting and popularizing majorettes both nationally and internationally, I want to work and promote majorettes within the IBTF as an equally valuable discipline as twirling.
My personal and professional motto is: I can collaborate with anyone and Morning is smarter than evening, which means that only an analytical approach to every problem and as much conversation as necessary can solve any problem.
I am a member of several working groups at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports related to my professional expertise in tourism.
For my professional work I have received numerous national awards.
Non-professional career: since 1995. President of the majorette team in my hometown
City of Cavtat
1996. One of the founders of the Croatian Majorette Association
1998. Initiator of the Croatian Majorette Association joining
NBTA Europe
Since 2004. President of the Croatian Majorette Association
2005. One of the founders of the Croatian Twirling Association
2023. – President of NBTA Europe
Joanne Moser, CANADA
I have been involved in the administration of the sport of baton twirling for over 20 years. I have approached the sport from a variety of perspectives and can bring a multidisciplinary background to the Board. In my professional life, I am a lawyer, having 30 years’ experience, dealing with all ranges of cases and varying areas of the law. I am a confident public speaker. I am also a trained mediator.
What makes my background unique to the sport of baton twirling is my knowledge base in corporate and not-for-profit governance and administration, coupled with my knowledge of coaching, judging, baton twirling education, and competition. I can contribute to the ongoing development of this new federation, knowing the basics of not-for-profit corporate governance and good procedures in sport. My goals for IBTF are to enhance corporate structure and organization and make IBTF’s corporate processes work more efficiently. I believe it is important for the IBTF Board members to take a “world view” when they are elected to their positions and focus on the best interests of the sport for everyone and every country. I would like to see IBTF continue to prosper and be creative in seeking out new ways of generating revenue. As with all of us who are passionate about the sport, I share the goal of cheering for our athletes at the Olympics someday, and I hope to be able to make someday come sooner rather than later.
My career in baton twirling began when my children started training in the sport. I am most proud of their accomplishments as athletes. I became interested in the operations side of the sport as a result of this.
I have been the Canadian Baton Twirling Federation (CBTF) President since 2013, and prior to that I was the CBTF 1st Vice President from 2007 to 2013. I served on local and provincial baton boards of directors/technical committees prior to 2007 (beginning in 2004) in the positions of publicity, fundraising, club president and past president, club representative, and judges’ representative. I am a CBTF trained coach, a level 3 CBTF judge, a WBTF master judge, and I held the following international positions with WBTF: Secretary of the Pan Pacific Commission, Secretary of the Audit Committee, and Chair of the Ethics Committee.
In my role as CBTF President, I am a member of all CBTF committees. As a result of this, I have a full range of knowledge in all aspects of our sport operations and governance. I was a member of the host committee for the inaugural IBTF Grand Prix in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and have been involved in the organization and hosting of two very successful Pan Pacific Cups in 2020 and 2024.
As well, as CBTF President, I have attended the meetings of the WBTF Board of Directors since 2013, gaining insight and experience in the operations of international sport governance, along with the importance of working together in a productive way with my international colleagues.
In my professional career, I hold an undergraduate degree in sociology and languages (English, French, and Spanish) and a law degree. I have argued cases before every level of court in my province, and before the Supreme Court of Canada. Besides court appearances, I also have been the chair of municipal, provincial, and national tribunals. I have been an instructor to new law students, plus I provide ongoing legal education for existing lawyers. I am regularly consulted by our law society for advice on topics such as competencies and education, and recently for developing equity, diversity, and inclusion policy.
In 2017, I was honoured with the designation of Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) which is granted to lawyers who demonstrate superior legal ability, good character, integrity, and contribute to the profession and the community.
Karen Cammer, USA
I am currently the president of a nonprofit sport federation. As such, I am knowledgeable of, focused on and dedicated to ongoing and improvement of the health, growth and need for constant positive changes in the culture of a sports federation. I also am remarkably familiar with acceptable behaviors, practices, and protocols of nonprofits.
I am the Chief Financial Officer for three companies in the extremely competitive Youth Sports industry.
Youth sports is a 17 billion dollar, annually, industry where physical and mental, as well as character building and development are important focuses. I believe, as AAU national directors, we owe our members: ethical and transparent governance, operational efficiency of the highest standards and secure/protective financial behaviors.
I believe the IBTF Board of Directors must work tirelessly to improve the culture and operations of the Federation. As a member of this organization, it is an honor, and presently a challenge, to work on the governance level. In my baton life and my personal full-time job I am very familiar with the governance of a nonprofit and I will bring all those life experiences to the IBTF Board, if elected.
GOVERNANCE & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPERIENCE-Present and Past
• 2016 - Present PRESIDENT of U.S. Twirling Association & USA Rep to the World Baton Twirling Federation for the Sport in the United States.
• 2000 - August 2008, Executive Director for the U.S. Twirling Association
• Former National Board of Director AAU, Chair of Legislation, Chair of Judicial National Board of Appeals & Member of Insurance Committee all for the AAU
• Currently CFO, Monroe Basketball, Lightning Basketball, JMF Sports Management Consultants
• Long-time secretary for the NY Metropolitan District of the AAU.
• Former member of the Metropolitan-NY District Board of Review
• NGB Representative for the Sport of Baton, National Congress of State Games
• Advisory Chair of the USTA Public Relations Commission
• Former member of the USTA National Board 6 years as Secretary/Treasurer (left to become Executive Director)
• Former President of the Northeast Regional Council (13 North Eastern States), 42 years
• Former Secretary of the Northeast Region of USTA
• Former NY State Council President
• Former NJ State Council President
• Former member of national commissions: Presidents, Councils & Contests, Dance Twirl, Events
• Honorary Lifetime Board Member of the New York Baton Council
• Certified Professional Coach and Judge of the U.S. Twirling Association
• Former World Championships’ Director for the World Baton Twirling Federation
• Former Director U.S. National Baton Twirling Championships-Approx. 10 years
• Former Director U.S. Team Trials for World Cup Team, U.S. Pre-Trials, and International Cup Qualifiers
• Former Director International Open Contest hosting twenty countries in Hawaii
• Former USA Tour Assistant Director to the World Cup and International Cup Championships
• 2008 - Present AAU Metropolitan-NY District Sport Director for Baton Twirling
• Director USA Baton Twirling All Stars. (2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; 150 members & 330 additional)
• Past National Coaches Chair for USTA Education Department
Moto Tsuchiya, JAPAN
I am an ex-World Championship athlete represented for Japan from the 1st to 5th WBTF World Championships. After my competitive career, I decided to serve for the sport of baton twirling, so I became an official interpreter for BTAJ (former Japan Sport Baton Association) since 1988 attending WBTF Technical Committee meetings and the Board meetings for more than 30 years. Since 2010, I have been acting as the Sport Administrator for both WBTF and IBTF. I wish to contribute my service to IBTF as a member from Asian Continent.
1976 Started baton twirling
1979 at the age of 16, I moved to Portland, Oregon to study baton twirling under Mr. Chet Jones.
1980 1st WBTF World Championship in Seattle, Washington. 4th place in Men's division.
1981 2nd WBTF World Championships in Nice, France. 4th place in Men's division.
1982 3rd WBTF World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. Silver medalist in Men's division.
1983 4th WBTF World Championships in Milano, Italy. Silver medalist in Men's division.
1984 5th WBTF World Championships in Calgary, Canada. 6th place in Men's division.
1987 Bachelor of Science, PE: Exercise Science, Portland State University, Oregon.
1988 Official interpreter for Japan Sport Baton Association (until 2020)
1993 Master of Science, Recreation (Sports) Management, Loughborough University of Technology, UK
2010 WBTF Sport Administrator (until present)
2013 IBTF Sport Administrator (until present)
2019 - 2020 Board representative for BTAJ
Have have taught baton twirling in Japan, USA, Canada, England, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, and South Korea.
Nicky O'neill, ENGLAND
Throughout my time within the sport of baton twirling I have developed a reputation for being a problem solver and effective communicator. I have an keen eye to detail and I have experience leading teams and coordinating tasks to ensure a successful outcome. My focus will be to assist the president and all the officials of the IBTF executive and technical commissions on developing strategies to achieve the aims and long-term goals to improve and develop our sport. Working to make our sport accessible to all. As we.begin the new exciting future of the sport of baton twirling I would like to help develop greater international participation, focusing on helping new member countries begin their journey into our sport. Growth is key to our sport gaining more recognition worldwide and I would like to be a part of a team to help make this a reality. Setting out goals and priorities and determining the actions needed to achieve these goals. As part of the executive I would work on any area that was determined by the president or the departments with the sport. Collaboration will be key to our continued development and I pride myself on making this a focus and reality.
I have been involved in our sport since 1974. I was recently asked if I continued out of honour to my mum who began my club for me or was I driven by passion for this amazing sport. I can confirm that it is with equal measures. I continue my mums legacy but do so with passion and drive that runs through my veins. I was elected Chair of the BBTSA in 2009 and have worked for the development, growth and inclusion of our sport since that day. I am the current chair of the WBTF European Commission and have an excellent track record of working hard on behalf of all the member counties. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who does not mislead other people and I continue to be fair in everything I do. I have key skills in communication, teamwork, leadership and I can adapt my time and energies to focus on any project that is necessary. I was elected onto the WBTF executive in January 2020 as the vice president. In some ways many aspects of our working ways had to change due to covid but I pride myself on being adaptable to suit all situations and found other ways to work on behalf of our sport. I believe in delegation and collaboration equally, developing and working alongside those who have the same vision of fairness and equality that I seek in others. I have experience in all aspects of our sport from coaching, judging and official duties both domestically and internationally. I have been instrumental in hosting a variety of international events, from European competitions and clinics to the WBTF World Championships in 2014. I was key to England hosting the 2023 IBTF Nations Cup and World Championships and key to the unity of England and the forming of United Twirl England. It's been a privilege working alongside the most amazing teams of people and I hope to count of the support of the IBTF member countries to continue in the international arena.
Tina Eines, NORWAY
I believe the way forward for Baton Twirling as an accepted sport, is to unify and develop existing competencies, professionalize the sport at all levels and enable the countries to develop the sport accordingly at national levels. We need to unite in a mutual goal, a mutual strategy and a mutual understanding of the way forward. The overall focus in the development must be the development of the athletes and the quality of the sport by educating judges and coaches.
Twirling Experience:
Athlete - part of Norwegian National team for WBTF WC in 1992 and 1993 (Team and Pair)
Coach - Coach and choregraph since 1988. Presently coach in Oslo Twirling Club and Arctic Baton Company. National Coach in Liverpool 2023 and EC 2024
Judge - National Judge Norway WBTF, Judge in Nations Cup Liverpool 2023
Board Positions: Member of committee of Baton Twirling in Norwegian DanceSport Federation. Member of board in Oslo Twirling club. Member of board in Arctic Baton Company.
Professional Experience/Skills:
Education: Mechanical Civil Engineer and Master of Management and Strategy
Profession: CEO and Managing Director of Haakon Ellingsen AS (Supplier within Energy, Oil and Gas in Norway). Several board positions within same industry.
Véronique Tassy, FRANCE
I am 59 years old,
My profession is accountancy, and I am the mother of a 29-year-old daughter.
I am a :
- A former twirling athlete
I discovered the world of twirling at the age of 7 and have never left! I practised my
sport in both the WBTF and the NBTA. I had the honour of being European team
champion in both disciplines.
- Former judge in France and internationally
My experience as a judge enabled me to train NBTA judges in France. Over the
years I've seen twirling evolve into this wonderful sport.
- President of NBTA France
For 14 years I've been at the head of NBTA France, and my knowledge of the field
has made my job easier. I know how difficult it is to satisfy everyone and to unite
different people around the same project.
- Treasurer of NBTA Europe
My accounting skills made it easy for me to take on this job.
- 1st Vice-President of FFSTB until December 2024
For 8 years as 1st vice-president, I played an active role in finalising the gathering.
Very involved in the world of twirling, I was at the origin of the gathering in
France of the two practices.
I'm therefore someone who knows both federations and the problems we can
encounter in bringing them together.
What's more, my seniority in the international arena is a strong point when it comes
to being a member of the IBTF board.
I've tried to keep my presentation short and to the point, because in my experience
documents that are too long are not fully read.