Leadership

David Williams

Executive Director

David Williams began volunteering at the Hydroplane Museum in 1992 and became full time executive director in 1996. He bought his first race boat, 145 CI hydroplane in 1977 and has been deeply involved in all aspects of the sport ever since, running inboards, outboards and unlimiteds. He has driven 18 different unlimited hydroplanes from seven different decades. He is one of only a handful of drivers that have driven boats powered with Allisons, Merlins, Griffons, and Lycoming Turbines. He has also written and published several books on the subject of unlimited hydroplane racing.

Teri Fornwalt

Assistant to the Director

Teri Fornwalt has been a lifelong hydroplane fan and long before she came to work at the Hydroplane Museum she was known in the H1 pits as the “Cookie Lady” because she would bring homemade cookies to Steve David and the Miss Madison/Oberto crew. Teri came to work for the Museum fulltime as the Assistant to the Director in 2013 and quickly became an important part of the team. Executive Director David Williams often quips, “Teri and I split things 50/50 . . . she does all of the work, and I take all of the credit.”When she is not following the Hydros around the country, she is following Bruce Springsteen as arguably one of his biggest fans.  

Parke Schneider

Facilities/Operations

Parke Schneider went to his first unlimited race with his family in 1973 and has been hooked ever since. Parke has a soft sport spot for the less successful boats and has enjoyed racing Casper models of the Thunderbolt, Miss Rocket and Parco’s O Ring Miss. Parke began volunteering for the Museum in 2006 and came onboard as a full time employee in Spring 2007.

Gary Hansen

President

Gary Hansen has been hooked on hydroplanes since he saw his first race as a child in 1959. He has an impressive background in racing and has participated in all aspects of the sport including as an owner driver and sponsor. The highlight of his career was sponsoring the 2013 Gold Cup winner U-96 Red Dot / Spirit of Qatar with Kip Brown driving. As an owner, Gary has won three National Championships: two with his SE flat bottom Catch 22 and one with his Spot C outboard.  Gary has been on the Museum Board of Directors since 2007 and is a member of Thunder Valley Hydroplanes, that owns the 1962 Notre Dame replica

Don Mock

Vice President

Don Mock, from Seattle, is a well-known jazz guitarist, music educator and video producer, and has been involved with the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum since the mid 1980’s. Don headed up the 2002 restoration of the 1982 Atlas Van Lines and is currently leading the reconstruction of Bill Muncey’s Blue Blaster. Don has been an active board member of the museum for over 14 years and also heads up the museum’s video productions. One of the several videos he produced is the highly acclaimed 6 1/2 hour Bill Muncey Story.

Don was a successful 1/8th scale R/C hydroplane racer winning numerous races and championships. He also produced three popular videos on the sport of 1/8 scale hydro racing which have sold world wide for many years.

Rick Lentz

Secretary, Past President

Rick is the principal at Bellevue-based Merick Lentz Architects, and he has held previous board positions. Rick is also a part-time vintage hydroplane crew member and a long-time hydroplane enthusiast. Rick was elected President in 2013.

Patrick Gleason

As an APBA official, Patrick Gleason has served as Chief Referee at Mahogany & Merlot, HARM's annual exhibition event at Lake Chelan, every year since its inception.  An avid photographer with his wife, Christine, many of their images are part of HARM's collection, and Patrick has assisted in curating the museum's massive photo collection. He also has volunteered with HARM's J Hydro Project, which introduces kids and families to outboard racing. 

Brad Haskin

A dashingly handsome gentleman of leisure, Brad grew up in the Seattle area and spent 10 years as a Naval Aviator. He has crewed on unlimited hydroplanes for 35 years, including 10 years as an H1 Official and built multiple outboard, limited and unlimited hulls. Brad is a former museum employee and friend of founders Bob & Shirley Williams who just couldn't quit us. In his spare time he flies WWII bombers around the country for the Commemorative Air Force every year. 

Ike Kielgass

Ike Kielgass was the driver and crew chief for Barbara Carper's 1959 Miss Thriftway for many years. He owns the 7 litre Mercury which he has participated at Region 10 events.

John McDonald

John MacDonald has been a lifelong Seattleite except for a few years in Oregon for college and an all expenses paid trip to Vietnam with his Uncle Sam in the 1960s. John remembers going to the hydro races on Lake Washington in the early 1950s to cheer for the Slo-mo-shuns, but his love affair with hydros didn't really take off until 1956 when he got to meet Bill Muncey and get his photo taken in the cockpit of the Miss Thriftway.  John spent his career working as an electrical engineer and didn't get involved with the Museum until he retired. John wired the1958 Miss Bardahl restoration and is an active member on the Pay N' Pak crew, He has been on the board of directors since 2018. 

Kathy McLemore

Kathy and her late husband were a part of the group that started the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in 1982 when it was at Bob Williams’ house. She has been a part of the Saefair Volunteer Committee, including Race Chair since 1970. She was the first female Commodore of the Seafair Boat Club and has chaired many events throught her tenure.

Dr. Ken Muscatel

Past President

Dr. Ken Muscatel, "The World’s Fastest Forensic Psychiatrist", has been involved with the Museum since the beginning. In addition to being heavily involved with H1 Unlimited, Dr. Ken owns many vintage limited hydroplanes. Ken lead the Museum through its toughest times when it was on the verge of closing the doors and liquidating all the assets back in the early 90's. Ken, along with Barbara Carper, was responsible for getting our current Executive Director, David Williams, on board.

Ken's guidance and contribution to the Museum is immeasurable.

Bob Senior

Bob Senior has worked for the US Postal Service for 55 years and is currently one of the most senior employees in the system. Bob has spearheaded many hydro fan mailings including the "Hydro News" and is responsible for starting the annual Hydrofest held at the Museum each May. Bob and his wife Karen have been involved with numerous Museum Auction Committees over the years and have been responsible for many auction items you have seen at the annual auctions. Bob takes great pride in the fact he is known as the Museum "Cheerleader".