Claude Brun, President

Originally from France, I have been living in the US for over 20+ years, including over 15+ in the Seattle Area. I started my career as a Software Engineer in Telecom and transitioned to the Business side after my MBA, with roles in Finance, Business Development and Strategy, always in the Tech sector. I currently lead the Strategy Team for the Wholesale Business at T-Mobile.

My experience in boards and volunteering includes President of the Seattle Chapter for the UCLA Anderson Alumni Group for several years and a Board Member of both the UCLA Alumni and UCLA Anderson Alumni Chapter .

I joined the Board of the Seattle Green Lake Triathlon Group back in January 2023 to lead our partnerships and sponsorships efforts until I started the initiative of creating the Seattle Triathlon Group which I am one of the founding members and the current President.

In terms of triathlon, I started back in 2016 with a miserable Sprint and slowing made my way up to all distances. I have completed 3 IronMans, closing on IronMan 70.3s including one World Championship, and many Sprints, Olympics and Relays, and over 100 in person and virtual triathlons overall.

Nicole Winn, Secretary

I am a relative newcomer to the triathlon scene who fell in love with the sport after a few coworkers roped me into signing up for a triathlon a few years ago saying, “you can swim, you should sign-up for a triathlon”. My first race re-awoke a competitive energy and confidence in myself I hadn’t felt in years. I want to help bring this energy to others who are starting out on their triathlon journey.

As a local to the Pacific Northwest and working mom of two boys, triathlons provide an excellent reason to get outside and enjoy what nature has to offer, whether it is swimming in Lake Sammamish, biking around Lake Washington, or finding a new trail to explore. Being able to feel strong in executing a hard workout, completing a race you never thought was possible, and being able to share in the race joy with my husband, family, and friends has been amazing. I thrive upon the challenge, discipline, and fun of training and competing in triathlons. I am excited to be part of a club that provides a common place for like-minded people to support each other, learn from each other, and share in the camaraderie over a common passion, triathlons.

Paul Paradise, Treasurer

I grew up a swimmer and beach lifeguard, but took a 10-year hiatus from most exercise upon entering college and immediately after. When I returned to swimming, a friend talked me into doing a triathlon and I've been hooked ever since. I started at the Olympic distance, which I consider to be long enough to scare me into training but short enough I can accomplish it while still having a life outside of triathlon. More recently I managed to step up to 70.3's, but then jumped back down to Olympic distance with a new baby at home eating up my free time.

Professionally, I serve as a Production Engineering Manager at Meta, supporting a team focused on infrastructure reliability. I have a background in software development, security, and systems administration.

Mark Ghazai

Mark Ghazai, Managing Director of Cloud at Microsoft Tech for Social Impact and Philanthropies, stands at the intersection of technology leadership and athletic passion. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, I lead the development and delivery of Microsoft cloud solutions for global nonprofits, foundations, and social enterprises.

My journey into the world of running and triathlons began as a personal challenge, intertwining with my commitment to fitness and mental well-being. Embracing the community spirit of the Seattle Green Lake Triathlon Group, I swiftly immersed myself in the sport, culminating in completing my first Ironman 70.3 race. Grateful for the support and camaraderie of the SGLTG, I’ve remained an active participant, driven by my love for both the sport and the community around it. I truly believe that triathlons impart valuable life lessons to those who embrace the challenge. It starts with commitment, dedication, discipline while the need for consistency, teamwork, community, and support groups while practicing adaptability, mental toughness, listening to our bodies while celebrating small wins and continuous improvements for people of all abilities.

Beyond my athletic pursuits, my dedication to social impact is what gives me energy and I stay involved with different nonprofits. Serving on the Board of Momentum Alliance in Portland (OR), I played a pivotal role in its growth, empowering underprivileged youth leaders and fostering social justice initiatives. Additionally, my longstanding commitment to Child Foundation reflects my passion for enriching the lives of gifted children in the Middle East while they don’t have easy access to food, school and proper education that drives then from poverty and extremism.

Marnie Oshan

I have been participating (not exactly what I call “racing”) in triathlon since 2008, having been introduced to the sport through Team in Training. I had previously done a couple of marathons and liked the idea of constantly needing to acquire more gear, so triathlon seemed like a great idea. I fully immersed myself in the sport right away, completing 6 triathlons in my first season. Given that I lived in sunny California at the time, I found myself training almost year-round. Triathlon became the center of my social life, with weekends consisting of some combination of swimming, biking, and running with friends. After a couple of years, I became a USAT certified Triathlon Coach and, as a volunteer, led triathletes of all levels, through every distance, from sprint to IRONMAN. I also personally continued participating, mostly in the longer distance events. A job change brought me to Seattle in 2015 where I was lucky enough to work with a couple of other experienced triathletes and some aspiring IRONMAN competitors. I was able to help along the way, mentoring the novice athletes to their first IRONMAN finish line in Coeur d’Alene. Between 2016-2018 I pursued an MBA at the University of Washington while continuing to work full time. This new endeavor led to a significant time deficit, sadly meaning my participation in tri became almost non-existent. A layoff in 2018 led me to another job change, this time right into the heart of the triathlon industry, as the Global Director of Athlete Development for IRONMAN. This new role required a move to Tampa, Florida, and had me traveling all over the world in a professional capacity for IRONMAN and Rock ‘N Roll Marathon races. A two-year stint in the Florida humidity was enough for me, and in February 2020 I made my way back to Seattle, just in time for a global pandemic. After another professional shuffle, I finally landed where I am supposed to be about 3 ½ years ago, working in real estate, and feel finally settled for the foreseeable future here in Seattle.

Chris Olson

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, I developed a love for outdoor recreation and sports at a young age. Swim team and middle school in high school, cycling with friends and parents. And many hiking and backpacking trips followed by a trail running was how I got my start! I found triathlon after a close friend and mentor of mine told me about his experience competing in Ironman. After that conversation, I signed up for my first sprint distance, and fell in love with the sport immediately.

Professionally, I am a firefighter / paramedic in Snohomish County, and also own and operate a small contracting/construction company. I have a background in construction management, business development, and team management. My wife Kayla and I have 3 younger children, The oldest being 5 and the youngest 4 months.

Santiago Bernal

I have always been active, paying and coaching soccer, martial arts, and riding my bike. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I knew I needed to become more active as well as watch my diet to keep my A1C levels in control. I decided to do a sprint triathlon about 6 years ago and I loved it so much I was hooked. In addition, my doctor recognized a significant improvement on my health, so I just keep going.

I have now completed one full Ironman event, and multiple halves, Olympics and sprint distance triathlons. Love racing and love being a cheerleader to everyone competing in this crazy sport. Look forward to being part of this great community for years to come as I love to help new members become more comfortable with this sport and feel welcome.

I have been very fortunate to find the STG as it has become my second family. Love the members and how we all come together to support each other.

I"m an age grouper triathlete who enjoys triathlon as a sport and the people attracted to it. They are positive and root for everyone to do their best. Racing is fun!

In a race, the swim is the hardest part for me. I"m always happiest on land, with the bike portion being my favorite.

You!

Our next elections should happen near the start of the 2025 training season, but that doesn't mean you can't get involved now!

As an all-volunteer non-profit, we thrive based on the efforts of our volunteers. Please reach out if you'd like to volunteer helping with:

• Hosting events (leading rides, runs, swims, and team social events)
• Graphic design
• Social media and communication
• Community outreach
• IT and web development
• Securing additional sponsors, race and partner discounts, etc.
• Pro-bono professional services such as tax preparation and legal support