Our Board

  • President Tiffany Mickolio

    [Term Expires 2025]

    I am honored to hold the position of President at the Copper State Skating Club, where my journey has been marked by incredible experiences. Previously, I had the privilege of serving as Vice President and Fundraising Chair until 2021, contributing to the club's growth and success.

    As a devoted skate mom, my heart swells with pride for my two talented skaters, who achieved the remarkable milestone of becoming members of the US National Figure Skating in 2018. Their dedication and passion continue to inspire me every day.

    Beyond the joy of the skating community, I also find fulfillment as a real estate agent, leading a dedicated team of agents. Simultaneously, I am pursuing my bachelor's degree in psychology, an endeavor that deepens my understanding of human behavior and enhances my ability to connect with clients.

    Since 2021, I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve on the CSSC board, a role that allows me to combine my love for skating, my professional acumen, and my unwavering commitment to the club's mission. Stepping into the role of President, I have embraced the responsibilities with enthusiasm, leading the board with a vision of fostering a supportive and inspiring environment.

    Additionally, I have been fortunate to contribute my time and energy to two competition seasons, witnessing the joy and determination that radiates from every participant. It is a privilege to be part of their journey, creating cherished memories and empowering them to reach their full potential.

    Overall, my involvement in the Copper State Skating Club and my multifaceted pursuits have enriched my life beyond measure. I am grateful for the opportunities to make a positive impact and to be part of a community that embodies the spirit of passion, dedication, and joy.

  • Vice President Natalie Brunk

    [Term Expires 2024]

    My name is Natalie Brunk and my daughter, Maelie, has been skating for 8 years. We have been members of the Copper State Skating Club since 2019. I helped organize the registration desk at this year's Copper State Classic, and look forward to continuing to volunteer with the club.

    I am an administrative assistant at a local charter school, working in enrollment, compliance, and student data management. My previous volunteer experience includes 13 years serving as leader of my daughters' Girl Scout troops and as a member of the local Girl Scout service team. I have three girls who keep me busy with sports and school activities. I am eager to serve the Copper State Skating Club and support its members in the upcoming membership year.

  • Secretary Gordon Zaft

    [Term Expires 2025]

    Hi, I’m Gordon Zaft. I have the honor of serving as CSSC’s Secretary. I am an adult skater; I started skating in 2003. I've been skating in Phoenix since October 2009. Besides skating, I hold US Figure Skating appointments as an announcer (regional) and music coordinator(sectional).

    I am a software automation engineer at Cirrus Logic in Mesa. I hold bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering, and an associate’s degree in music (2023). I've served on the CSSC board as Secretary since 2019, and previously on the boards of the Tucson Figure Skating Club and the Oregon Chorale. I also serve as a province governor for my music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, from 2014 to 2019 and now since 2022.

  • Treasurer Becky Essary

    [Term Expires 2024]

    I'm Becky Essary and thrilled to be the new Treasurer at the Copper State Skating Club. As a proud Arizona native, my journey has been defined by passion, dedication, and achievement. Now, I am eager to give back and contribute to the club's success. With seven years of experience in business management through my remodeling business, I bring invaluable skills in financial management, budgeting, and organization to the table. Additionally, my dedication to education as a homeschooling mom has honed my multitasking and detail-oriented abilities. My five-year tenure as a real estate agent has enhanced my interpersonal skills, enabling effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds. I will utilize these skills to foster open communication and transparent financial management. Beyond my qualifications, I am known for my dedication, integrity, and passion for the club. I believe a successful treasurer cares about the club's well-being. I promise to be a diligent steward of its financial resources, ensuring efficient and responsible allocation of funds. I will maintain transparent financial records, provide accurate reports, and collaborate with the board and members to support the club's growth. Grateful for the opportunity, I embrace the club's mission and values, excited to contribute my skills and dedication. Looking forward to being a part of the Copper State Skating Club.

  • Membership Chair Heather Ludwig

    [Term Expires 2024]

    I am proudly one of Copper State Skating Club's Coaches and have been a member for more than 8 years. I am from Minnesota, where I naturally fell in love with the ice and a mother of one. I have been coaching since 1998 and it is my true passion.

    Serving for over a year as membership chair has brought immense joy to my heart. I look forward to watching friendships develop and grow stronger, and the skaterhood continue to evolve as new members join. I am also the CSSC Junior Board Liaison. Leadership and the ability to have a voice has started off the Jr. Board with a bang and I'm excited to see what they accomplish in the upcoming year.

  • Test Chair Nicole Polk

    [Term Expires 2025]

    My name is Nicole Polk and I am very excited to start my first year in the Test Chair position. I am originally from Seattle and I moved to Arizona in 2005. I have one daughter and she has been skating since 2017 and has been part of the CSSC for 2 years. In addition to my daughter, we host an exchange student every school year, currently waiting on our 5th student to arrive, and we are also foster parents. I have been an Coordinator for the Aspect exchange program for 2 years, placing students with their host families, and overseeing their stay while they are here for the school year. As test chair, I look forward to using this time to coordinate and maintain a regular test schedule, work with the various coaches and skaters to make sure needs are met in that specific area and as a bonus, get additional quality time with the club members and their families.

    From a business perspective, I have been a Realtor in Arizona for 7 years, starting in Paradise Valley and switching focus to my home town of Maricopa, in 2020. I excel at multitasking, as well as seeing the big picture in situations and figuring out the best way to have the best possible outcome. I love to stay busy and to be involved and was recently named one of My Home Groups Elite Top Producers in 2022.

  • Fundraising Chair Katy Loungarikis

    [Appointed; term expires 2024]

    My name is Katy Loungarikis. I am thrilled to join Copper State Skating Club as Fundraising Chair. I received my bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a minor in Political Science while studying at St. Mary’s College in Moraga California. Most of my career life was spent in Education while peripherally keeping commercial Real Estate alongside of it. I have many career hobbies such as being a licensed Massage Therapist, a Scuba Diving Instructor, and a Tupperware Consultant. My true love is in being a mom to our three girls.

    I am new to Arizona and have been living most of my life in California. Myself, my husband, and our three daughters moved to Gilbert two years ago. While surfing was a preferred hobby for one of my children in California, there was not much of it available in Arizona. This is where Ice Skating entered our lives.

    Being on the HSA board at my daughter’s school, continuously taking on the role of room parent and being proficient at multi-tasking, I feel I have the organizational skills, the desire and energy to be an effective fundraiser for Copper State Skating Club. I believe in the mission of Copper State Skating Club and am optimistic about its future. I see the club as an asset to any future skater’s career and am looking forward to watching it grow.

  • Social/Events Chair Alisha Boothroyd

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