(Columbus - November 19, 2009) Longtime President Jim Chakeris will serve another term as the head-honcho of the Columbus Stompers. Chakeris was re-elected at this evening's General Membership Meeting.

The returning president says he wants to move the Stompers back into the community and reestablish the organization as a prominent, charitable group, raising money to support worthy causes in Central Ohio's LGBT community.

Chakeris was first elected president in 2001, stepped away from the position for several terms and then returned to the highest office a couple of years ago. He has been a Dance Committee Chair and has been the Convention Director for the International Association of Gay and Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs (IAGLCWDC) since 1997.

Three new officers were also installed by voting members. Sara Ernest will serve her first term as Stompers Vice-President. Geri Rousculp was elected to her first term as Secretary. And Shaun Whybark will now watch the group's funds as the new Treasurer.

In addition to their officers' duties, Chakeris and Ernest will return to the Stompers' Open-Division Dance Team. Both have been on the team for several years. Rousculp and Whybark are members of the Stompers' Line Dancing Team. Both teams will compete Memorial Day Weekend at the IAGLCWDC hoedown in Austin, Texas.

Congratulations to the newly-elected officers!