2026 GCR Election – Recommended Slate & Candidate Bios

2026 Officer & Director Election

Dear Gold Coast Member,

As Chair of the 2026 Nominating Committee, I am pleased to provide the final information for the election of Gold Coast Region Officers and Directors who will serve during the 2027-2028 term.

Voting will open on October 15, 2026 and will close on November 15, 2026.

Below you will find the slate recommended by the Nominating Committee, followed by the other qualified candidates who will also appear on the ballot. All qualified candidates will appear on the official ballot, and every eligible member is encouraged to participate and vote for the candidates of their choice.

How to Vote

Electronic voting will be conducted using Election Runner.

On October 15, eligible voters will receive an individualized email containing their personal voting link.

Each eligible voter may vote electronically only once. The ballot will also include a write-in option.

If you do not see your Election Runner email on October 15, please check your spam or junk folder.

Important Voting Information

President, Treasurer and Secretary each have one nominee. Under the Gold Coast Region Bylaws, an unopposed nominee is deemed elected. Their names will still appear on the ballot.

There are four Director positions to be filled. Members should vote for no more than four Director candidates.

The four Director candidates receiving the highest vote totals will be elected as Directors.

After the Director positions are filled, the candidate with the next highest vote total will become First Alternate Director, and the following candidate, if applicable, will become Second Alternate Director.

We encourage every eligible Gold Coast Region member to participate. Your vote is an important part of selecting the Officers and Directors who will help guide the Region during the next two years.

Thank you for your participation and continued support of PCA Gold Coast Region.

Regards,

Paul Raben
Chair, 2026 Nominating Committee
PCA Gold Coast Region

2026 Nominating Committee
Paul Raben, Chair  •  Paul Laya  •  Dimitri Philippakis

Ian Gerada

Candidate for President

Porsche has been part of my life for many years, and Gold Coast Region since 2013. Serving as President since January 2025 has reinforced what I have always believed: people may join PCA because of the cars, but they often stay because of the people.

When I ran two years ago, the priorities were simple: increase participation, improve communication and give members more reasons to enjoy their club. Since then, we have turned those goals into action.

During my first term, Gold Coast has delivered one of its most active calendars, with drives, concours, socials, weekend getaways and experiences beyond South Florida. Membership grew by more than 200 net members in 2025 and crossed the 3,600-member mark. Ridge Run 300 sold out in just 60 minutes, while more than 30 members joined our Germany and Danube Porsche experience.

We have also strengthened Gold Coast’s place within PCA. For PCA’s 70th Anniversary celebration at Sebring, I worked alongside Zone 12 leadership and fellow Region presidents across Florida, building relationships that create opportunities beyond our own Region.

None of this happens because of one person. I am grateful to the chairs, hosts, volunteers, directors and members who bring ideas forward and do the work. Our upcoming Holiday Lights Yacht Cruise is a perfect example, beginning with a member’s idea and becoming a Region event through teamwork.

I am running again because there is more to build on. I want Gold Coast to remain a club where a new member can show up knowing no one and leave having made friends, where good member ideas become great events, and where every member has a reason to come out, get involved and enjoy their Porsche with others.

I would appreciate your vote and the opportunity to keep that momentum going.

Bobby Varela

Candidate for Vice President

Porsche has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.

Born in Miami in 1972, I grew up with a father who was a factory-trained master Porsche technician. His passion for Porsche, performance, and the community shaped my life. At 16, I bought my first Porsche, a black 944, beginning a lifelong connection with the marque.

For more than 36 years, I have worked in the European automotive industry, including roles as a Porsche Technician at Eckler’s Industries, Marketing Manager at Renntech, Business Development Coordinator at KW Parts, Service Director at Champion Motorsport, and General Manager at Foreign Affairs Motorsport. These experiences have given me a broad perspective on the technical, business, and customer-service sides of Porsche ownership.

My PCA involvement began in the early 1990s. I was honored as Rookie of the Year in 1993, overall Sonnenfest winner in 1994, and Enthusiast and Family of the Year in 1995.

I have served PCA as Vice President, Chief of Tech, Membership Chairman, Social Chairman, and Club Race Volunteer Chairman. I also led Gold Coast Region’s largest membership drive, helped launch Die Porsche Kassette, and contributed to numerous club events.

As a PCA national instructor and autocross competitor, I have spent years sharing my passion for driving at Sebring, Homestead-Miami, Road Atlanta, Roebling Road, and other tracks.

PCA is more than a car club. It is a community built on friendship, family, shared experiences, and a passion for Porsche. I want to use my experience and commitment to help strengthen PCA, grow membership, and keep the club welcoming and relevant for the next generation.

Christy Spangler

Candidate for Vice President

Christy Spangler is a highly motivated and conscientious member of PCA Gold Coast Region (GCR). She joined the PCA in 2001 and has become an exceptionally active participant in club events. Within GCR, she was elected to serve on the Board of Directors (2020-2022) and was appointed to social chair (2022-2024) and enthusiastically organized, scheduled and created many events earning the 2022 Enthusiast of the Year. She currently serves on the Kassette committee and is a regular contributor to our monthly newsletter.

Throughout the years, Christy has volunteered at national events such as WERKS Reunion and the Porsche Parade. In 2024, she was appointed to the PCA National Position as the Advocate of the 944 Registry. Beyond her efforts on behalf of GCR and PCA, she participates in club activities such as Autocross, HPDE and socials while enjoying her 1985 944 and her 2000 Carrera 996. She travels throughout our region enjoying the camaraderie among our vast membership.

Christy earned her Bachelor’s from Jacksonville University and Master’s from East Tennessee State University. She is a visual communicator specializing in technical and engineering subject matter for 20+ years. Art, science, engineering and technology inspires her creativity, curiosity and desire to both continue learning and help others. It’s her education and work experience that has given her the skill set necessary to be a strong, active and heavily involved leader for GCR.

As Vice President of GCR, Christy Spangler will go the extra miles for you. She will participate in club activities and strongly believes in transparency to keep the membership informed. She is committed to supporting the team of directors, committee chairs and membership and continued working relationships with sponsors to make Gold Coast Region a success. If you want an enthusiastic leader for GCR, Christy Spangler would appreciate your support.

Vanessa Varela

Candidate for Treasurer

I have been a member of the Porsche Club of America since 2018, and being part of this club has become a very special part of my life. I have had the opportunity to serve as both a Director and Social Chair, and I am proud of the experiences, friendships, and memories that have come from being involved with our region.

As Social Chair, I have had the privilege of helping create and organize many events for our members, including Turbo Chronicles, Comedy Chronicles, 911 Chronicles, Escape to the Cape, and many of our other social gatherings. I am proud of every event we put together, but even more proud of the participation and camaraderie they create among our members. My goal has always been to provide events where everyone feels welcome, has a great time, and enjoys the opportunity to connect with fellow Porsche enthusiasts.

My passion for cars started at a young age. I grew up around cars & the track, and I eventually married into a Porsche family—so you could say that Porsches have become a big part of my life!

I would love the opportunity to continue serving our region on the Board as Treasurer. I truly enjoy working with the team I am currently a part of, and I look forward to continuing to build on what we have accomplished together. I believe a great club is built by its members, volunteers, and the people who are willing to step up and make things happen.

I would be honored to continue serving the Porsche Club of America and helping make our region an even more active, welcoming, and enjoyable club for everyone.

Carolynn Ditrichs

Candidate for Secretary

Current PCA Gold Coast Region Secretary Carolynn Ditrichs is seeking re-election after proudly serving in the role for the past two years. Carolynn has served on the Board for seven years, including five years as Treasurer before being elected Secretary.

Throughout her board service, Carolynn has been dedicated to supporting the club and its members. As Treasurer, she managed the club’s finances, including billing Kassette advertisers and event sponsors, paying club expenses, and overseeing the club’s financial assets and obligations. As Secretary, she’s been focused on maintaining accurate records and supporting effective communication within the Board and membership. She also volunteers at the 48 Hours Club Race, social events, and other club functions, always ready to lend a helping hand.

Carolynn has been a member of the Gold Coast Region since 2012, when she purchased her 2006 BoxsterS. What began as the excitement of owning a Porsche soon grew into a passion for PCA and the friendships, camaraderie, and experiences that come with membership. Over the years, she has participated in dine-and-drives, autocrosses, car collection tours, monthly breakfasts, and Driver Education events. More recently she has participated in PC National events representing GCR at Porsche Parades and Treffens at Sea.

Carolynn earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Florida and has been a licensed CPA in Florida since 1986. She spent more than 35 years at NCCI Holdings in accounting and auditing leadership roles.

In her spare time, Carolynn enjoys traveling, swimming, and participating in club events. She is committed to supporting the club’s mission, fostering member engagement, and helping provide the experiences that make our region a vibrant and welcoming community. She respectfully asks for your vote and the opportunity to continue giving back to the club that has given her so much.

Dan Doyle

Candidate for Director

My name is Dan Doyle and I am running for Board Member/Director. I joined Porsche Club of America in 2007 and have been a member of the Gold Coast Region ever since. Shortly after joining GCR, I became involved in the Driver Education Program. After much work and study, I became a PCA Instructor in 2012. I enjoy giving back to the Porsche community as an instructor to this day. I began my public service with GCR as a 2nd Alternate Board Member in 2011. In 2012 I became a regular Board Member. Being a Board Member gave me an opportunity to interact in a different way with all of the people I’ve met in GCR. In 2014, in addition to being a Board Member, I became the Driver Education Chairman, a job I performed through 2015. Also in 2015, I continued my service with GCR as Vice President, a position that continued through 2016. For 2017 and 2018 I was honored to serve as GCR’s President. Thereafter, I served as Past President on the Board of Directors and was Chairman of the Nominating Committee. After some much needed time off, I continued my service with GCR as a Director and have been serving as such for the last two years (2025-2026). It has been my honor to serve Gold Coast Region, I look forward to doing so again as a Board Member/Director and I also look forward seeing everyone at upcoming GCR events!

Cynthia Fluhart Klein

Candidate for Director

Cynthia Fluhart Klein has been an active PCA member for over 20 years. She was awarded 2007 Rookie of the Year and 2008 Family of the Year. Club Secretary for over 10 years, Miami Social Chair for over eleven years and Director for two. Created & planned many social events: Islamorada Drive & Dine (seven years), Annual Mandarin Oriental Lunch & Concours, which she named, Porsches by The Bay (four years), Hollywood Moonlite Diner breakfast, Schnelby Winery Events, Spring Flings, holiday parties at Margaritaville & Rusty Pelican Brunch. It is all about bring members together to enjoy new & old friends, having a passion for Porsches, while having a lot of fun along the way!

As a professional photographer & event planner, since 1999, has captured many social events and Porsches screaming down various racetracks, such as: Homestead, Sebring, PBIR, VIR and Daytona during the DE events. She believes every Porsche should have a name—it is part of your family! Traded in 2007 Boxster S for 2014 911, which is a grown up “Porschetta”. Cynthia is avid motorsport fan & Porsche Nut. She wants to see the club continue to grow and offer members quality events that are rivaled by none! Remember, Porsche, there is no substitute!

Over 32 years, she has held dual positions as secretary & treasurer on her HOA and Architectural chairperson, representing 548 homes with over $1.5 million annual budget. Attended MDCC, UM & FIU, receiving: AA Business, AS in Accounting, BA in Business, BS in Psychology with a minor in Marketing, Interior Design & dabbles in real estate—too many interests. Currently Cynthia is an interior designer, but with special focus on Bathrooms. Still loves to do floral design at special events too.

Virginia Holden

Candidate for Director

I have been a member of PCA since 1998, when I married my wonderful husband Ed, a Porsche enthusiast who joined PCA in the 1970’s, We became involved with the Gold Coast Region gradually. At first we attended social events end enjoyed meeting the members. Later, we offered assistance when needed.

The past two years I have held the position of Alternate Director and Charity Chair. As an Alternate Director, I attend the monthly meetings and vote on the many items that come before the board. The meetings include presentations, discussions of logistics and budgets. Working with this group of Officers and Directors has been a pleasure. They are enthusiastic, professional and have welcomed and supported my ideas.

Last year I organized the River Ranch Rodeo Roundup Weekend. We had approximately 70 members join us for an exciting weekend, which included a drive to Bok Tower in Lake Wales and a Saturday night rodeo. As Charity chair, our committee organized several fundraising and personal hygiene collections for the Seafarers’ House. This past May we hosted the “Cruise In For A Cause” event at the Mai Kai, where members enthusiastically enjoyed the Mai Kai’s offerings, purchased raffle tickets and supported our 50/50 raffle. The upcoming Oktoberfest at the Biergarten, will give us the opportunity to help the Seafarers House with a collection of much needed supplies. Our charity is guided by our saying: “Driven to Make a Difference.”

I am looking forward to volunteering again with this dynamic group and expanding our fundraising focus. The Officers and Board members welcome your input and assistance with the events our club offers. Please reach out to us if you’d like to get involved. We also invite you to join us on our monthly Zoom meetings. Remember, It’s the members that make the difference!

Dottie Kidd

Candidate for Director

Most of you know Dottie Kidd from her involvement with the GCR Autocross program and volunteering at many Gold Coast events, however here are other highlights of Dotties PCA resume:

• PCA Member since 1997
• Current GCR Director and Safety Chair
• GCR Autocross Registrar for 21 years
• Past GCR Director, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary
• GCR Juniors Co-ordinator (GCR now has over 300 juniors)
• Co-chair for Zonefest 2013 (GCR’s 50th Anniversary)
• Chair for Zonefest 2016 in Sebring
• Gold Coast Region Family of the year with my husband Steve… Seven times
• Gold Coast Region Enthusiast of the year in 2006
• PCA National Family of The Year (with husband Steve) during the 2015 Porsche Parade
• Amelia Island Werks Reunion concours judge and staff 2017 & 2018
• Attended 15 Porsche Parades. Always volunteering where needed. Won National overall women’s tech quiz award at 2018 PCA Parade
• DE registrar 2023-2024

Dottie has a reputation for being highly organized, detail oriented and always willing to help wherever needed. She retired from the US Postal Service, and also has professional & business experience in bookkeeping, office management and project administration. After the death of her son Timmy, she took on several volunteer positions with The Compassionate Friends, a grief support group for parents whose children have passed, You can find Dottie at most events driving a blue 944S2, white GT3, Gray Cayman S, or white Cayman GTS 4.0. She looks forward to continuing to serve Gold Coast Region for many more years and making GCR a region to be proud of. Goals include, but are not limited to, increasing PCA junior and family membership, enthusiastically welcoming new members and introducing them to GCR activities and leading by example.

Steve Kidd

Candidate for Director

Steve Kidd has been a member of PCA since 1972, and has served in PCA Regional, Zone and National positions for the last 25+ years. Some of the highlights of Steve’s PCA service include, but are not limited to:

• GCR President 2019-1920
• Zone 12 Representative for 10 PCA regions (2016-2017)
• GCR President 2009-2011
• GCR Vice President 2007-2008
• GCR Board of Directors many years
• Autocross Chair and instructor 21 + years.
• PCA National DE instructor since 1986 and keeps skills current instructing for multiple clubs and organizations
• PCA Concours Judge at National and Regional events, including Porsche Parade and Werks Reunion.
• Served on the Club Race Committee for both the 48 hours of Sebring and Oktoberfast (Daytona) Club Races
• Multi-region event co-chair (Zonefest) and assistance with Rennfest and Spring Thing (Zone 3)
• Chair or assist in just about every type of activity/event including charity, rally, social, tech, tours and club administration.
• Steve’s service has been recognized with numerous awards including GCR enthusiast of the year, seven times GCR Family of the Year (with wife Dottie), and recognition by PCA National as PCA Family of the Year in 2015.

Steve has attended 15 PCA parades, countless Zonefests and Multi-regional activities and events …. alway volunteering, assisting and garnering new ideas to incorporate into future GCR events. Served on Parade Protest & Autocross committee. Steve’s experience, leadership, innovation and vision for a great GCR make him the best Director candidate for the coming two years. Some of Steve’s ideas are to see that the entire region is served with events, make sure new and current members feel welcome, and improve/restructure popular activities. Steve and wife Dottie love everything Porsche, and own front, mid and rear engine models.