Candidate Name: Ted Pratt Section Number: 10

Introduction/Family: My wife, Elena, and I chose Lake of the Woods as our forever home in 2017. We enjoy bringing joy to the community, sometimes walking the neighborhood as our playful alter egos, the "Elenacorn" and the "Tedisaurus Rex."

Relevant Experience: I am a 21-year veteran of the Army National Guard, where I managed millions of dollars in equipment and led soldiers on combat and humanitarian missions. For the past 22 years, I have held diverse roles with my current employer, from technician and site supervisor to project coordinator and systems administrator. I am now transitioning into a systems design engineer role. These experiences have honed my leadership, financial oversight, and problem-solving skills.

Community Service: My approach to service is proactive; when I see a need, I step up to fill it. For instance, while assisting with the shutdown of several buildings recently, I identified usable equipment and supplies. I then coordinated with agency directors and local non-profits to ensure these resources were donated to area schools, turning a logistical challenge into a community benefit.

Why do you want to serve on the Board? I am eager to challenge myself and gain a deeper understanding of our community's governance. It would be an honor to serve on the Board, applying my experience to help guide the Association toward a more fiscally sound and responsible budget. I am committed to ensuring our resources are managed effectively for the benefit of all residents.

What do you think is the most pressing issue facing LOWA? The most pressing issue is strengthening our sense of community, which is intrinsically linked to our financial health. While many of us share strong neighborhood bonds, online discourse sometimes reveals a sense of disenfranchisement. We must foster a more inclusive and unified community. Financially, we need to critically evaluate the profitability of our amenities to determine their long-term viability and ensure all expenditures are fiscally responsible, maximizing value for every resident.

What do you see as the most important long-term goal for the LOWA Community? Our most important long-term goal is to ensure Lake of the Woods remains relevant, modern, and financially stable for future generations. This requires continuous improvement and strategic planning. By adopting the Army motto, "always continue to fortify your positions," we can commit to making our community stronger and more appealing every single day, securing its legacy as a desirable place to live.