The US Aerial Federation Board
President Tanya Christopher
Tanya Christopher discovered Pole and Aerial at the age of 23 years old in the year 2007. Tanya was a competitive dancer and tumbler since the age of 4. She taught children dance and tumbling in over 20 schools and was also a contracted professional choreographer for over 10 years.
Tanya went to school for Business and Accounting and opened her studio, “Amorous Dance Pole and Fitness” on September 26th, 2011. Tanya is now going on over 12 years of strong, successful business and over 17 years of experience with teaching Pole and Aerial.
Tanya is the President of the US Aerial Federation. She focuses on the core functions of the organization to enable it to achieve its long-term vision. Areas of focus include strategy, finance, board management, fundraising, and program delivery.
Athletes Chair De Anne Williams
De Anne Williams discovered pole fitness over 14 years ago and has been passionate about it ever since. As a successful pole instructor, De Anne co-owns a thriving pole fitness studio and has competed in over 25 competitions locally, nationally, and internationally, earning 1st through 3rd place medals. Recently, De Anne started training in flying pole just a little over a year ago and achieved a significant milestone by taking third place in flying pole at WPAC with IPSF in Sweden this past year. De Anne is passionate about IPSF competitions, embracing the challenges they bring and the opportunity for individual growth. She believes that pole is for everyone and everybody, celebrating it as a beautiful expression of both art and strength.
On a professional side, De Anne has been a nurse for over 20 years and currently practices as a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner. She lives in California with her husband and three grown children
Treasurer Thomas J Emig
Thomas is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has over 40 years of experience in the field of accounting and finance. He has extensive experience working as an auditor, controller, and chief financial officer.
Working in both the private sector as well as with non-profits, Thomas has expertise in developing and managing successful Finance, Human Resources, IT, and Operational Departments such as payroll and management reporting.
Thomas will oversee the organization’s financial administration. This includes managing cash flow, paying and recording bills, maintaining a record of debt, selecting a bank, and reconciling statements.
Secretary Shannon Zeilinger
Shannon is a native Charlestonian and began her pole journey in 2013. She fell in love with pole sports as a fitness routine and loves the athletic aspect of the sport. She is passionate about promoting the sport to a wide audience. Shannon worked in various healthcare roles, including pharmacy technician and registered nurse, for more than 20 years and is now enjoying her role as a stay-at-home mom to an adorable boy. Shannon brings her time management, organizational, and great interpersonal communication skills to
this board.
The board secretary ensures that all critical documents are organized, safely stored, and readily accessible to other board members and staff leadership.
Governance & Ethics Committee Chair JoAnn Galliano
JoAnn has had experience working with the pole association as an assistant to the judges. In this position, she was responsible for assisting the judges and ensuring the judges had the tools needed to fairly judge the completion. JoAnn had previous experience as president of a nonprofit in California and currently serves as an educational consultant to a California state board.
JoAnn will utilize her knowledge to oversee Board compliance with USAF Bylaws and Policies.
Media & Marketing Committee Chair
Lexi Muller
Lexi Mueller started pole in September of 2022 and found a new obsession. Currently residing in Charleston after graduating with two bachelors degrees in May of 2022.
Outside of Pole and Aerial Lexi is an elementary school teacher.
As Media Chair, Lexi over sees social media and promotional content. She leads her committee in creating engaging and informational content.
Additional Committee Members
| First & Last Name | Position | Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Katherine B. | Sponsorship & Fundraising Chair | Sponsorship@USAerialFederation.org |
| Virgina Marshall | Finance Committee | Treasurer@USAerialFederation.org |
| Katie Beavers | Finance Committee | Treasurer@USAerialFederation.org |
| Kira Bucca | Media & Marketing Committee | Media@usaerialfederation.org |
| Rebecca Drew | Media & Marketing Committee | Media@usaerialfederation.org |
| Cara Smy | Media & Marketing Committee | Media@usaerialfederation.org |