President Speech

If my speech were limited to one word, that word would be “others”. However, I know how disappointed you would be if I sat down after one word… so, I will provide an explanation of “others”.

We come to these conventions because we represent others; we stay in our positions because of the support of others. I have been a member of IAABO for thirty-five years. My administrative skills were honed under the tutelage of Board #33 Secretary and IAABO Past President, Dominic Cuccinello. I learned that election to office was not about power, but rather responsibility. Members count on your representation and trust your judgment.

I attended my first IAABO convention in 1985 when it was necessary to attend all meetings. The one meeting I remember was the Board Relations and Policy Committee. The chairman handled the meeting with such skill that I thought to myself if ever I became a chairperson, I would run my meetings just like that one. The chairman of that committee was Bill Loftus from Massachusetts. I introduced myself to Bill and that started our twenty-three year friendship.

Dominic Cuccinello introduced me to Past President Don Lomme from Connecticut. He was a fine gentleman and a respected leader. Little did I know that twenty-three years later, I would be working closely with another effective leader from Connecticut named Peter Carroll, our outgoing President. This has been a challenging year for IAABO over which I solidified a friendship with Peter Carroll and I recognize him for his accomplishments throughout his term. What else should I have expected from a Don Lomme protégé?

I have served with two Executive Directors. Frosty Francis and I worked closely on audit and budget matters and Jacky Loube afforded me the opportunity to make presentations at the fall conventions. I am grateful to these men for those opportunities.

Closer to home, I have had tremendous support from the State Basketball Officials of NJ. This board is made up of six IAABO Boards and is well represented by Fred Dumont, Tom Cinnella, Art Harmon, Tom Lopes, Vince Iandoli, Barry Schultz, John Pierantozzi and Paul Spinelli.

I would also like to highlight one other individual from the State of NJ and that is Lou DeGeorge. Lou was the last IAABO President from NJ and he provides me with a necessary dimension and that is laughter. I’ve often said that even on my worst day, Lou is one of three individuals in my life who can make me laugh. Thank you for your friendship, Lou.

My home board, North Jersey #33, is the largest single board in all of IAABO with over 800 members. Our Secretary, Leo Spirito, is a fifty-two year member, a fine gentleman and now a Life Member of IAABO. I’ve had the privilege of working with Alan Goldberger for more than thirty-one years and have learned about integrity, due process and working for the rights of the member. Our Interpreter is the inimitable, Edgar Cartotto. I would like to thank Edgar for instilling in me a passion for the rules. After fifty-five years in IAABO, he continues to be a fine instructor and a knowledgeable rules person.

Now, onto my real home. I would like to introduce my wife of thirty-one years, Caroline. She has put up with my tax seasons and basketball seasons. She is the mother of our three sons, all whom have attended Georgetown University - Craig 2003, Michael 2007 and Dale 2009. Caroline is a school psychologist and works tirelessly for her students by preparing programs for their special needs. Her dedication amazes me. The only thing I remember about psychology is the Gestalt theory which states that the whole is the sum of its parts.

This psychological theory applies to IAABO. IAABO is made up of 15,000 members all of whom contribute to its greatness. Without 15,000 “others” this great organization would not hold the respect it does in the sports arena. We are the sum of the parts. IAABO will continue without Felix Addeo. But without its members, there is no IAABO.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your 70th President and look forward to continued service to our members as IAABO begins this new chapter of growth and its relationships with “others”. Thank you.