Posted February 27, 2014
“When you think you can’t keep going, you can”: Board Member Spotlight on Josh Slocum
For many years, Joshua Slocum has been a dedicated member of the Row New York community. His love of rowing and passion for education have led him to our board of directors, and we are happy to have his insight and energy at Row New York!
Josh grew up in a NYC suburb and attended the Green Mountain Valley School, with an interest in ski racing. He started bike racing to train for skiing and believed bike racing would be his sport of choice in college. “I never expected to row,” Josh says. But during his first week at Princeton University enough people suggested he try rowing that he reluctantly went to the “walk-on” event at the boathouse.
“After a session rowing in the tanks and a 10-K erg test, I loved it,” and Josh’s enthusiasm for the physically and mentally demanding sport only grew. Rowing combined the best aspects of his prior two sports: the physical intensity and endurance of bike racing, and the technique-oriented aspects of ski racing.
After Princeton, Josh worked in investment banking and attended Harvard Business School. He is the Managing Director at Chieftain Capital Management, analyzing and investing in public companies. In his work, Josh finds parallels to the sport he loves: “At our investment firm, we are very research-intensive and patient, and approach investments with a long-term perspective. It’s reminiscent of rowing, where you train hard all summer and fall, to prepare for races that might be 7-9 months away.”
Other than commitments to family, work, and athletics, Josh focuses on non-profit work specifically related to education. Through these passions, it seemed almost inevitable that he would make his way to Row New York. Another board member first introduced Josh to Row New York and he has been an avid supporter ever since. “Knowing the positive impact rowing had on my own life, I loved the idea of helping to enable more kids to experience it. Moreover, education and New York related causes were always very important to my wife and me”
Josh’s finance and accounting expertise are important assets to our board, but he hopes to make a difference in other ways too, and says, “I’m honored to be a part of such a great team, and to be able to help in any way that I can.” He is especially proud of our student-athletes and feels inspired by their paths to Row New York and the wonderful sport of rowing. Josh urges Row New Yorkers to enjoy training, the competition, and the the life-long friendships they will make.
One rowing lesson (of many!) to pass on to Row New Yorkers? “When you think you can’t keep going, you can.” This inspirational message is apt for the grueling sport of rowing: push past what you believe is possible. We hope this lesson serves our student-athletes as a lesson not just for rowing, but for life.
Welcome to Row New York and thank you Josh!
