Board & Leadership
The Wahoos are managed by a Volunteer Board of Directors:
Ryan Van Houton, President & GCSL Council
Ryan Van Houten’s involvement in swimming began almost 40 years ago with the Gwinnett County summer league. He was a member of the Snellville Supersonics and then swam competitively at Brookwood High School. Ryan has served in numerous volunteer roles through his son’s (Owen) involvement in sports, as well as the Boy Scouts of America. Following in his father’s footsteps, Owen realized his athletic passion was also competitive swimming. For the past six years, Ryan has been a part of the Chateau Elan swim family where he has enjoyed watching his son compete. Ryan is a Regional Manager for The Sherwin Williams Company where he manages a team of sales reps and store employees across the Southeastern US. Ryan is delighted to have the opportunity to serve as President and will utilize his personal and professional experiences to support the swimmers, coaches, volunteers, and fellow board members. Let’s Go Wahoos!
Jordan Eck has been involved with sports, both team and adventure, since childhood. However, his first involvement with swimming began with his oldest daughter Madison. Her passion for all things aquatic began the first day she was placed in a pool. Madison began competing at 9 years old and joined the Wahoo’s in 2018. The team provided a wonderful sense of community, fun, and a great foundation for developing her swimming technique. After a brief move back to their home state of California, the Eck’s are back and looking forward to supporting the club once again. Jordan leads a team of project managers and systems integrators supporting enterprise technology projects throughout the US and abroad. With a background in Corporate Finance and Project Management, he looks forward to using that experience to support the team and its volunteers.
Heather Ross, Secretary and GCSL Co-Council
Heather Ross is a lifelong athlete with a great appreciation for sport. She has been a parent with the Wahoos for six years. She has volunteered as meet manager and in other roles each of those years. Heather is the Assistant Dean of the Ivester College of Health Sciences and the Chair of the Physical Therapy Program at Brenau University, and is excited to use her experience to support the infrastructure of our team.
Karen and her daughters have been with Chateau Elan Swim for 15 years. You have probably seen her officiating or working as a starter at the meets. After a brief break, thanks to Covid, Karen and Abbey are thrilled to be back! Karen has been a HS/MS math and science teacher for over 20 years. Currently in Hall County, she has also served in Gwinnett County, Marist School, and other private schools over that time. Bookkeeping has been her hobby and side gig for approximately 10 years, working for various real estate investors. She is looking forward to combining all of those skills and experiences to serve the team.
Coach Creed held his high school record in the 100 breaststroke, as well as the college record in the 200 breaststroke at Georgie State University. He has a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education and a Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education. Coach Creed was also named the 2002 National High School Boys Swimming Coach of the Year.
Coach Creed is currently having great success as Head Swimming Coach at Mill Creek High School, where he is coaching alongside his equally talented wife, Coach Heidi Creed. Rick and Heidi previously lived in Chateau Élan for many years.
