Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Current Board Members:
2026 Mystic Runners Board of Directors
President: Alice Beltran
Vice President: Shaun Hannafin
Secretary: Colette McGonagle
Treasurer: Oscar Dirks
At-Large Board Members: Geeta Jawaharani, Erin Ward-Dirks, Michelle Mancinelli, Christine Derse, Sean Murphy and Erin Hunt
Interested in serving on the board? Visit our Annual Election Page to learn more.
Board Member Bios:
Alice Beltran
Member in good standing since October of 2013 who has been an active participant and volunteer in the majority of Mystic hosted events during that time.
Past Contributions
Former Vice President of the Board for 5 years from 2015-2019.
Coordinator of the Mystic Runners Banquet for many years.
Coordinator of volunteers for BAA events such as packet stuffing and water stops
Participant and/or volunteer coordinator for relay events such as Lynn Woods Relay, Mill Cities, Reach the Beach, 26 x1 relay, and 24-Hour Relay Around the Lake
In the five years I served on the Board, I helped grow the Mystic Runners membership by approximately 200 members and created relationships with area clubs by hosting them at our weekly 5K’s and attending their sponsored events.
Objective: To return to the Mystic Runners Board of Directors with the goal of strengthening our club’s culture, transparency, and member and community engagement. I aim to support fair and consistent processes, expand opportunities for all runners, and foster a positive, inclusive environment where every member feels heard, valued, and motivated to reach their goals.
Above all, my personal goal is to help the Mystic Runners be recognized as a truly welcoming community club for people of all abilities—and to work toward growing our membership back to 300+ members, as it proudly was five years ago.
Erin Ward-Dirks
Since joining the Mystic Running Club in 2017, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer in many different capacities at Lake Q on Wednesday evenings, at packet pick-up for the Mystic Classic and Santa Dash, at the Run to Remember water stop, BAA packet stuffing and as part of the Banquet and Scholarship Committees..I have also served on the Board since 2023. Over the years, I’ve participated in weekly Lake Q races, track workouts, 26×1, Mill Cities, Lynn Woods and Grand Prix events.
Through these experiences, I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact our club has not only on the running community through volunteerism, but also on the local community through our high school scholarships. Most importantly, I’ve witnessed the constant support and encouragement we extend to runners of all abilities. When I joined, I hoped the club would motivate me to run more; I never expected to gain so many lasting friendships and meaningful memories.
I am running for re-election to the Board because I want to continue giving back to the club that has given so much to me. My goal is to help the Mystics keep growing, welcoming new members, and encouraging more people to get involved. This club has had a such positive impact on my life, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue serving.
Shaun Hannafin
My name is Shaun Hannafin, and I’m excited to run for Vice President of the Mystic Runners. I live in Reading with my wife and our 5-year-old daughter.
I joined the club at the end of 2023 and, like many of you, quickly fell in love with the energy and joy of running around Lake Quannapowitt every Wednesday night. That weekly 5K has become one of the highlights of my week—not just for the workout, but for the people who make this club feel like home.
In 2024, I had the privilege of serving as the Sponsorship Coordinator for the Mystic Runners Santa Dash Classic 5K and spearheaded the fundraiser at Main St. Grill and Taphouse. This year, I stepped up to volunteer as the Race Director.
As Vice President, my focus would be on growing and strengthening the club: attracting new members, engaging current members, and ensuring that the Mystic Runners continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place for runners of all levels. Whether someone is chasing a PR or simply looking for a supportive running community, I want every person who shows up to feel valued and encouraged.
It would be an honor to serve the Mystic Runners in a greater capacity. Thank you for your consideration and I’ll see you around the lake or at the track!
Michelle Mancinelli
From the moment I joined the club in Spring 2025, I felt welcomed right away and was immediately hooked on coming back each week. From members cheering each other on at every level, to runners training for their first 5k, to those completing multiple marathons a year, there is truly something for everyone. Running has been a passion of mine since I was young, and I competed in cross country and track through college. These days, I enjoy distances from the mile up to the half marathon. Now, as a mom of two little girls, running is also a meaningful way for me to continue pursuing something I love while setting an example for my kids about the importance of staying active and passionate. I was so glad to find this local running club that immediately made me feel a sense of belonging and reignited my lifelong love of the sport.
Since joining, I’ve enjoyed racing with the team in the 26x1 Relay, Mill Cities Relay, and Grand Prix races. I regularly run the weekly Lake Q 5k or Thursday track night. In Fall 2025, I joined the Membership Committee and am also serving on the Banquet Committee for our annual celebration. I also volunteered at the club’s annual Santa Dash race, a fun way to support the broader running community.
I joined the Board of Directors with the hope of giving back some of the encouragement and connection I’ve received, while bringing fresh perspective and enthusiasm to help shape the club into an even more supportive and engaging community. I’d love to hear about others’ experiences and help the club continue to grow.
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.
Christine Derse
I joined the Mystics in 2016 but I started running in 1975 after reading, “Running for Health and Beauty” by Kathryn Lance. I’ve had ups and downs since, but always got back to running. I never thought of joining a club until my youngest daughter was going off to college. I found the camaraderie and motivation of the Mystics to be pivotal in staying active. I especially loved completing monthly grand Prix races to keep me “getting off the couch” as I turned 60. I’m no longer a fast, or even a medium paced runner, but it has always been my “go back to”, supporting me in activities such hiking, biking, and kayaking, and I can still get a “runner’s high”.
While I’ve always volunteered, I increased my volunteering three years ago after retirement. In 2023 I ran over 100 race miles and volunteered so much that I was surprised and honored to receive the “Runner of the Year” award! Over the years I’ve helped with race registrations and bib pick ups, water stops, BAA packet stuffing, finish line volunteering, runner exchange points at Mill Cities, the hotel room at the Boston Marathon, banquet planning, and sweeping or other volunteering at the weekly Mystics 5ks. Volunteering has been a great way to stay active and motivated and to stay connected with other members. Mystic Runners is an awesome and inspiring group!
My hope when I joined the Mystics was to get back to a 10 minute per mile pace- but I haven’t been able to accomplish that (yet?) given knee issues and other limitations. I’m interested in helping out on the Board of Directors as a Member at Large to represent runners who are slower paced, but moving forward regardless, and to help increase membership. The Mystics have been a welcoming community and I look forward to continuing to be a member and a volunteer with them into the future.
Colette McGonagle
I began running in 2009 and joined the Mystics that year. In the past, I supported family members at many road races and thought, “Why not give it a try!?” Through the encouragement and friendship of many Mystics, here I am! I enjoy meeting up with Mystics nearly every Wednesday, always hoping to meet and welcome first time Wednesday night runners and new members. There is something for everyone in the club, whether it’s a weekly 5K run (or walk), weekly track, a Grand Prix race, team relay event, or our signature club race, the Santa Dash. I am mostly a 5K or 5-mile runner and occasionally run a 10K. I have previously served on the board and volunteered for many club events and community outreach activities. It is an honor to be the club’s secretary. Please feel free to reach out to me with any ideas or questions.
Sean Murphy
I joined the Mystics in 2021, Since becoming a member I have consistently been impressed with the spirit and camaraderie which is at the core of our club. I am committed to supporting our club’s mission, which is to support our running community through our weekly 5k, track workouts and Grand Prix series. Everyone will find a home here.
I competed for the club in the 26*1 relay, Mill Cities relay, Grand prix and various other races. I have volunteered at the lake at our weekly 5K for the BAA and at Eastern states. I have served on our scholarship committee which continues to thrive thanks to what has become our signature race “the Santa dash”. I have always been a voice of encouragement for any runner regardless of ability.
I wanted to serve on the board to further these ideals, engage with our community and grow our club.
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.