Meet the WorldMark Board Candidates

This year, three board positions are up for re-election. This is your opportunity to learn more about each candidate and their platform.

The opinions and statements of the candidates do not necessarily reflect those of WorldMark, The Club, nor the club management. Statements are included exactly as they were submitted by the candidates. The club does not assume any responsibility or accept any liability for the accuracy of these statements.

M. Cecilia Cuevas

Location: Filmore, California

View Statement

As I reflect on 12 years of service on your Board of Directors, I am honored and grateful to be part of a Club as unique as ours. With continued focus on our fiduciary responsibility for the Club, and our commitment to maintain quality and value for the investment you and your family have made, your Board puts you, our owners, first. This Club leads the timeshare industry, and given our unique structure, the Club is free of bad debt.

Despite the recent pandemic and the subsequent “great resignation,” we worked in partnership with the management company to adapt and enhance our operations to meet the vacation needs of our owners, while respecting, retaining, and providing for our top talent. We have maintained our focus on delivering on our promise to provide the best vacation experiences available. We continue to expand our efforts to ensure owners have priority in booking their vacations, while also supporting owners in sharing and making memories with family and friends.

I continue to believe we must concentrate on improving resort amenities, as well as responsibly plan and provide for ongoing maintenance and future restorations of our resorts. Over the past few years, we have delivered on this goal by conscientiously contributing to our reserve budget, which is vital and directly responsible for all exterior and interior resort and unit features.

WorldMark owners are passionate about our Club, and the Board has taken your recommendations to heart and incorporated many of them into your everyday vacation experiences. We demand quality, friendly support and service, and above all, value. A strong and collaborative working relationship between the Board and the management company is key to our sustained success.

I ask for your vote so that I may continue to work on your behalf to help ensure WorldMark continues to provide the same unforgettable vacations owners have come to know and enjoy. Thank you for your support!

Do you have any past or present affiliation with Wyndham? If yes, please explain affiliation.

No.
Do you or any members of your immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity? If yes, please explain affiliation.

No.
Have you advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income? If yes, please explain.

No.
Do you have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call? In addition, do you have any regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult for you to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call? If yes, please explain what conflicts you have or that might arise.

I have the flexibility to attend board meetings.
Why do you want to serve on the Board? What are your top three (3) priorities if elected to the Board?

As a Board member for the past twelve years, I have seen many changes in our club, its offerings, and programs. I believe that, for the most part, the changes during this time have been very positive. The Board initiated an aggressive communication campaign to enhance and expand the means and methods to be able to more effectively and regularly communicate in a two-way direction with our owner members. We have added many new resorts to our total inventory, and we have kept our management fee below industry average for management of a club as unique and large as WorldMark. I remain committed to representing the voice and expressed wishes of a very eclectic and diverse membership base. I keep a keen focus on positive and sustainable growth of the club. I believe there is more work to be done and I would like to continue using my experience and knowledge to help our club and its membership. My top three priorities will remain: (1) governing the Club operations such that fiscal strength and stability remain our number one goal; (2) increasing member access to a growing number of vacation destination opportunities; in other words, “more dots” on the map, and (3) ensuring that member communications, both to and from the club, be solicited, heard, respected, addressed, and remain protected.
Surveys show that the desires of WorldMark, The Club members change over time. On the one hand, members want new or additional amenities and technology; on the other hand, they want the Board to keep costs to a minimum. How would you balance the desire for enhancements with the need to keep costs under control?

I believe technology and online services are key ways we can continue to hold increasing costs at a reasonable level. I also believe that maintaining Wyndham as a large management partner provides us the economies of scale that keep our club’s operational costs to a minimum through their very large purchasing power. Finally, continuing to build on our energy saving and greening programs brings additional long-term savings to the club from an operational and sustainable standpoint.
WorldMark is a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a $415 million annual operating budget. Members of the Board have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the budget and oversee the management of the Club as established by the Club’s governing documents. What professional qualifications and experience do you have in managing and overseeing large corporations and/or nonprofit organizations and their budgets? Please give specific details, including budget amounts, and your qualifications to manage large budgets.

As a former Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Fillmore, I shared governance responsibility for a $38 million municipal budget. As financial advisor of Merrill Lynch, I am personally responsible for the management of over $100 million of private and business investor assets. Currently, as a Director member of the 31st Agricultural District, collectively we govern over $8+ million of capital and land assets.
What is the one thing you would like to share with all WorldMark, The Club members that would help them better understand who you are as a person and as a Board candidate? What personal characteristics, strengths or experiences would set you apart from all other candidates?

I remain committed to being an independent thinker and member representative before the Board. As a fiduciary, my responsibility is to the overall successful governance of the club. As an ardent user of our membership, I enjoy and want continued expansion of services, amenities, and vacation resort options, and I want to receive these benefits at a fair and reasonable price. I make a concerted effort to listen to all relevant stakeholders in order to use my best judgment and financial experience in making the best decisions possible. I will apply all relevant data at the time a decision is rendered with a keen focus on financial stability of the club, owner expectations and trust, and of course, future sustainable growth of the club. With your continued support, I remain committed and accountable to these goals.
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Club, the Management Company and the Developer.

The club represents first and foremost our owners and the assets within the club (i.e., the resorts, provided free and clear by the Developer). Management represents our hired manager charged with the responsibility of the day-to-day operations, staffing of all vacation planning, resort operations and customer relation functions, maintaining costs and expenses within budget and, of course, responding to any and all operational emergencies, while also assisting the Board to anticipate and budget for operating expenses and long-term planning needs. The Developer has the right to add inventory to the club and has the exclusive rights to market and sell vacation credits. All are interdependent and related to one another’s success or failure. Without honest, open and transparent dialogue between all three entities, the challenges of operational management and long range future planning is difficult, if not impossible.

Martin Hernandez

Location: Tehachapi, California

View Statement

I appreciate this opportunity to share more with you about my professional experience and the expertise I bring to the WorldMark Board of Directors.

Public service has been a core passion and focus of mine for the better part of my professional career. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, I spent many years in the non-profit arena working for organizations that provided much-needed services to at-risk youth. In the latter 20 years of my career, I worked in both city and county government, and I currently serve as a Board Director for my local Community Services District in my hometown of Bear Valley Springs, California.

In addition, I served as Chief of Staff to an elected official at the county level. I was responsible for building interpersonal relationships in both the public and private sector, and with the public at large. I conducted and oversaw complex, multi-billion-dollar budget analysis and analytical policy reviews, land use issues, and strategic planning, as well as built collaborative relationships with federal, state, and local agencies.

At the city government level, I represented our residents as city councilmember for six years, one of which was as Mayor. My duties there also included budget review and approval, as well as negotiations of legal contracts with unions and municipal projects, passing ordinances and resolutions, and regulating business activity through licensing and regulations — always prioritizing the needs of the communities I served.

Much of my time in both governmental levels was spent learning critical lessons about how communities best work to be sustainable over the long term. Many of these skills work hand in glove with the duties of the WorldMark Directors.

For the past year and a half, I have been honored to serve on the WorldMark Board of Directors, helping to uphold your ownership and vacation experiences to the best possible standard. I have enjoyed my appointment to the finance committee, which has given me an intimate insight into how your money is spent. I know what it takes to invest in ownership, as I have been an owner since 2002.

I would be honored to receive your vote for re-election. With my extensive professional experience and enthusiasm for public service, I am committed to continuing my work as an advocate for my fellow WorldMark owners.

Do you have any past or present affiliation with Wyndham? If yes, please explain affiliation.

No.
Do you or any members of your immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity? If yes, please explain affiliation.

No.
Have you advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income? If yes, please explain.

No.
Do you have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call? In addition, do you have any regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult for you to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call? If yes, please explain what conflicts you have or that might arise.

Yes, I can attend quarterly meetings and do not have conflicts prohibiting me from attending emergency meetings.
Why do you want to serve on the Board? What are your top three (3) priorities if elected to the Board?
I appreciate the opportunity to make a difference for WorldMark owners and their families as they enjoy their timeshare vacation experiences. My top priorities are:

To ensure the Club continues to remain solvent with maximum benefit to owners
To maintain and improve upon the WorldMark facilities
To utilize my experience to enhance relationships for the betterment of WorldMark owners.
Surveys show that the desires of WorldMark, The Club members change over time. On the one hand, members want new or additional amenities and technology; on the other hand, they want the Board to keep costs to a minimum. How would you balance the desire for enhancements with the need to keep costs under control?

Completing a full cost benefit analysis has always best served me in making decisions.
WorldMark is a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a $415 million annual operating budget. Members of the Board have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the budget and oversee the management of the Club as established by the Club’s governing documents. What professional qualifications and experience do you have in managing and overseeing large corporations and/or nonprofit organizations and their budgets? Please give specific details, including budget amounts, and your qualifications to manage large budgets.

I served for over 18 years as Staff member and Chief of Staff to the Third District Supervisor for the County of Ventura. With an annual budget of $2.5 billion, it was my responsibility to review, research, and understand all line-item details to support the ultimate approval of the county’s annual budget.

While working at the County of Ventura, I also served as city councilmember and as Mayor for the city of Santa Paula, where I was responsible for overseeing the city’s annual budget of $50 million.

As city councilmember and Mayor, I also represented the city on the board of the Ventura Regional Sanitation District. This board had an annual budget of $25 million for the management of the countywide landfill and water sanitation services for various cities within Ventura County.

I served as board member for the Interface Children Family Services board, a nonprofit organization in Ventura County with an average annual budget of $20 million. This organization provided family and child services to runaway youth and domestic violence shelters free of charge.
What is the one thing you would like to share with all WorldMark, The Club members that would help them better understand who you are as a person and as a Board candidate? What personal characteristics, strengths or experiences would set you apart from all other candidates?

My mother and father instilled virtues in me that guide both my personal and professional life: respect, responsibility, integrity, compassion, kindness, and treating others as I would like to be treated.

As a board member, I bring these characteristics with years and knowledge of budgets; experience with public, nonprofit, and special district boards; and experience creating public and private partnerships. I am always open to hearing from the public; in this case, WorldMark owners. I will sit with you, not across from you, to discuss issues or interest or concern.
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Club, the Management Company and the Developer.

The Club is comprised of owners who — through ownership of vacation credits — maintain ownership of the properties. The Board of Directors, elected by the owners, is responsible for oversight of the budget and oversight of the manager of the Club. The board is guided by the Club’s Governing Documents.

The management company handles the upkeep of the physical property, the booking and reservation system, and financial records of the Club.

The developer identifies, acquires, or builds new properties and turns these properties over to the club unincumbered by loans for exclusive rights to market and sell vacation credits.

Kevin Maciulewicz

Location: Orlando, Florida

View Statement

Since 2019, I have had the honor of serving on the WorldMark Board of Directors. It has been a rewarding and insightful journey, and I deeply value the opportunity to work on your behalf to ensure your vacations exceed your expectations.

In addition to my position on the Board, I currently serve as Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for Wyndham Destinations, the vacation ownership business line of Travel + Leisure Co. In this role, I oversee the day-to-day operations of WorldMark resorts. Alongside my exceptional team, we strive to provide consistent and memorable vacations and premier service to owners. My expertise in operating resorts efficiently while prioritizing the needs and desires of owners is a strength I bring to the table as a Board member. Furthermore, my role enables me to ensure the continued alignment and collaboration between the management company and the Board.

After more than 25 years working in the hospitality industry, I have seen firsthand the power of vacations. Ultimately, life is about experiences — and WorldMark vacations bring us unmatched opportunities to enjoy the best experiences life has to offer. My family and I have created some of our best memories at WorldMark resorts — most recently in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Austin, Texas — and I hear from countless owners about how WorldMark has done the same for them. Helping loved ones connect and share those moments together is why I am so passionate about my Board service. I couldn’t imagine a more important responsibility than bringing families together.

As a member of your Board of Directors, I pledge to continue working in your best interest so you can explore, travel boldly, and own the moment. Thank you for your support and your enthusiasm for our club — here’s to many more years of unforgettable WorldMark vacations.

Do you have any past or present affiliation with Wyndham? If yes, please explain affiliation.

Yes, I am currently the Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for Wyndham Destinations, which is the vacation ownership business of Travel + Leisure Co., the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company.
Do you or any members of your immediate family have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity? If yes, please explain affiliation.

No, I do not have a business affiliation with a competitor of Wyndham or any related entity.
Have you advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income? If yes, please explain.

No, I have not advertised to trade, rent or sell or have traded, rented or sold a Wyndham timeshare product or WorldMark credits, vacations or housekeeping tokens for profit or to generate income.
Do you have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the October annual meeting in person or by conference call? In addition, do you have any regular scheduling conflicts that would make it difficult for you to attend emergency or special meetings of the Board in person or by conference call? If yes, please explain what conflicts you have or that might arise.

I have the flexibility to attend quarterly meetings and the annual meeting in October. I do not have regular scheduling conflicts.
Why do you want to serve on the Board? What are your top three (3) priorities if elected to the Board?

I truly value my WorldMark ownership and am grateful for the meaningful family memories we have made while vacationing at WorldMark resorts.

I want to continue serving on the WorldMark Board of Directors because I can make a difference. I have more than 25 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry and currently serve as the Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for Wyndham Destinations, which is the vacation ownership business of Travel + Leisure Co., the world’s leading membership and leisure travel company. I understand the intricacies of the timeshare industry and how Wyndham (the Developer and Management Company) works, which is a great asset to the club.

My top priority is to deliver incredible vacation experiences. The resort operations team remains committed to helping owners create timeless memories while on vacation and leave you looking forward to your next adventure. Hearing about weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, celebration trips, and even the quick Bonus Time night away enjoyed at WorldMark resorts solidifies for me the integral role WorldMark plays in owners’ lives.

My second priority is to make sure WorldMark owners receive value for their money. While we will always try to keep costs under control, we cannot lose sight of the fact that what makes WorldMark “the envy of the timeshare industry” is the incredible value presented through our top-notch services and amenities, not to mention the fabulous and diverse vacation options that are available.

My third priority is to help expand and diversify our vacation options — options that our owners do not currently have today. This will enable WorldMark owners to explore new places.
Surveys show that the desires of WorldMark, The Club members change over time. On the one hand, members want new or additional amenities and technology; on the other hand, they want the Board to keep costs to a minimum. How would you balance the desire for enhancements with the need to keep costs under control?

It’s important that the club remains vibrant and innovative. Yet, at the same time, the Board is very cost-conscious and must treat member dues and fees as if it were their own. We are continually looking for ways to cut costs, while maintaining the services and amenities owners enjoy. But it is a balancing act. If you raise dues and fees too high, or if you decrease the quality of amenities and services too much, new owners won’t join the club. That’s why the Board is committed to conducting cost-benefit analysis when making decisions.
WorldMark is a California nonprofit mutual benefit corporation with a $415 million annual operating budget. Members of the Board have a fiduciary responsibility to manage the budget and oversee the management of the Club as established by the Club’s governing documents. What professional qualifications and experience do you have in managing and overseeing large corporations and/or nonprofit organizations and their budgets? Please give specific details, including budget amounts, and your qualifications to manage large budgets.

Currently, I am the Senior Vice President of Resort Operations for Wyndham Destinations and oversee a budget of a minimum of $1.5 billion per annum. I have more than 25 years of leadership experience in the hospitality industry and have hands-on knowledge and experience in the day-to-day operations of Wyndham and its vacation club brands.
What is the one thing you would like to share with all WorldMark, The Club members that would help them better understand who you are as a person and as a Board candidate? What personal characteristics, strengths or experiences would set you apart from all other candidates?

I enjoy meeting with WorldMark owners, listening to their ideas about improving the club, and reviewing the surveys following owners’ stays. Not only do I have the experience to lead our resort operations team, but I have the passion to ensure that our team realizes the impact they have on your treasured vacations. Vacations with my family have provided me with some of my most cherished memories, and it’s important to me that we consistently deliver on our promise to you.
Please describe your understanding of the relationship between the Club, the Management Company and the Developer.

The relationship between WorldMark and Wyndham is highly complex. The best way to describe this relationship is to think of it as a three-legged stool. There is WorldMark, The Club, Wyndham the Developer, and Wyndham the Property Manager. All parties are interdependent and need each other to be successful. For example, without Wyndham’s development of new resorts, and its yearly multi-million dollar investments in the club, owners would have to make up the difference through annual assessments and increased fees. Without WorldMark, The Club, Wyndham would not be able to sell credits, which is how Wyndham makes money and pays for club investments. And Wyndham the Property Manager handles the management of the club and makes sure that the services and amenities are first-rate. This interdependent relationship is a win-win for all parties and is what has made WorldMark the envy of the timeshare industry.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the 2023 board candidates.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meet the 2023 board candidates.

M. Cecilia Cuevas

Martin Hernandez

Kevin Maciulewicz