Election Results are In
The following have been elected to the Mystic Runners board and took office on January 1st, 2025
President: Ken O’Brien (incumbent)
Vice President: Katie Cronin (incumbent)
Secretary: Colette McGonagle
At-Large Board Members: Oscar Dirks, Geeta Jawaharani, and Sean Murphy
These newly elected and re-elected candidates join with Treasurer Dave Parziale and board members John Archibald and Erin Ward-Dirks, who are serving terms they were elected to last year.
Current Board as of January 1, 2025
President: Ken O’Brien (incumbent)
Vice President: Katie Cronin (incumbent)
Treasurer: Dave Parziale
Secretary: Colette McGonagle
At-Large Board Members: John Archibald, Erin Ward-Dirks, Oscar Dirks, Geeta Jawaharani, and Sean Murphy
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Mystic Runners Board of Directors: Are you interested in getting more involved with the administration of the club? Do you want to know more about what happens behind the scenes to make us the best club around 😉? At the end of the year, we will have our Board of Directors elections. Our monthly board meetings are open to all active members and we welcome you to stop in and see what that is all about. We would love to see more participation from our club members in our administration, event planning, volunteerism, etc. Just ask any of the board members for more info.Ken O'Brien
Katie Cronin
Colette McGonagle
Dave Parziale
Treasurer
Oscar Dirks
A member of the Mystics for over seven years —Oscar has been a consistent and enthusiastic volunteer. He has contributed in many ways, including helping with Wednesday night Q runs, sweeping, working the snack table and finish line, and participating in events like marathon bag stuffing, the Run to Remember water stop, Mill Cities Relay, track nights, Grand Prix races, and OYES.
Professionally, Oscar brings over 30 years of experience in the local restaurant industry, where he managed budgets, controlled costs, handled payroll, hired and trained staff, and led teams of 40–60 employees. His background in leadership, operations, and team management positions him well to contribute meaningfully to the club’s continued success.
Geeta Jawaharani
I joined the Mystics in April 2015 and have loved being part of a community that celebrates health, wellness, and connection. Whether volunteering at BAA events, the Santa Dash, Boston R2R, or cheering runners on at the Lake, I believe in showing up and supporting each other—whatever the role. Volunteering has given me the chance to meet people from all walks of life and build meaningful connections.
As a Member-at-Large, I’m excited to give back to the club and help guide our runners across their finish lines. I look forward to working with the planning team on Grand Prix events and pitching in wherever I’m needed behind the scenes.
In three words, I’d describe myself as approachable, trustworthy, and calm. My background in customer success and yoga studio management has helped me build relationships rooted in care, reliability, and a steady presence. I bring positive energy and a genuine desire to listen, connect, and uplift others.
In 2024, Dave Corbett and the Board of Directors entrusted me with representing the Mystics at the Mill Cities Relay event—a role I embraced with dedication. I believe that now is the time to have a seat at the table, bringing my experience, reliability, and heartfelt commitment to serve the club as Member-at-Large.
John Archibald
My objective is to support the club to be the best it can be. To further the joy of running and the camaraderie we feel as Mystic Runners.
In my career in health care, I have held many leadership positions (two of which were director positions) and have been part of leadership groups that work on initiatives, offer opinions and mentor.
Currently, I am a member of the Reading Lions and sit on their Road Race committee. The Journey for Sight is a Mystic favorite. Being in both clubs, I may be able to work out some incentives for the club for that race next year.
I recently made a proposal to the Lions to create a committee on inclusivity and have been asked by their board to chair the committee.
I imagine the Lions committees may run similar to a Mystic Board meeting.
Club Volunteerism: I have volunteered a few times at the lake and attempted to volunteer for Boston Run to Remember (although got COVID)
Erin Ward-Dirks
Erin joined the Mystic runners in 2017 and has become more actively involved the past 2 years.
Since joining the Mystics, she has volunteered at Lake Q on Wednesday evenings, at packet pick up for the Mystic Classic, water stop for the Run to Remember, Banquet committee and the Santa Dash. Erin can be seen most Wednesday nights at the Lake Q races, both as runner and as a volunteer,. She has participated in track, 26X1, Mill Cities and Grand Prix races.
Erin states, "Over the past few years, I have seen all the great things the club does for the running community through volunteerism, the local community with the high school scholarships but most importantly the support and encouragement for club members of all abilities. I joined the club hoping it would push me to run more never expecting to make so many memories and great friends". Her goal is to help the club continue to move forward welcoming new members to join and get involved. She says "The club has had such a positive impact on my life, and I want to give back with the goal of helping the club grow."
Sean Murphy
