Board of Directors

Please feel free to reach out to the Board of Directors if you have any questions or concerns.

BOD@dscclub.com

Pine Kopka-Ross
President

Pine Kopka-Ross has been a dedicated Resident member of the Detroit Skating Club (DSC) for the past 20 years. Originally from Traverse City, Pine moved to Ann Arbor in 2005 to study at the University of Michigan and train at DSC. He was an active national-level competitor through 2009, participated in numerous DSC ice shows, and has served as an official of Skate Detroit since retiring from competitive skating in 2010. In 2014, Pine moved to the west coast to pursue graduate school and he now lives in Seattle, WA.

Pine remains deeply involved in the skating community, holding national-level appointments as a Judge and Technical Panel Member. He has served on multiple U.S. Figure Skating committees and is an active official at competitions and U.S. Figure Skating events across the US. Pine also contributed to the Strategic Planning Committee, creating the latest 4-year strategic plan. Additionally, Pine keeps strong ties to the Midwest and serves as the Chief Referee for the annual Ann Arbor Springtime Invitational, Skate Detroit, and other competitions.

Professionally, Pine is a seasoned Management Consulting Executive at Accenture. Pine has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision, driving impactful projects and delivering innovative solutions that enhance organizational performance and efficiency. Pine's expertise spans various industries, allowing for a diverse perspective in each engagement. Known for a collaborative approach, Pine works closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and develop tailored strategies that align with their business goals. Pine holds a BS from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Washington, focused on finance and management.

DSC was Pine’s home away from home, where he discovered his passions and aspirations. Many of his lifelong friendships are from the skating community and he is proud to serve on the DSC Board of Directors, helping to ensure that this will be the case for many others for generations to come.

Maria Pacis-Biederman
Vice-President

Maria has been a member of the DSC board since 2020. Her children began skating in the Learn to Skate program at DSC in 2005 and have participated in Tier 2 and Tier 3 hockey programs, competitive figure skating, synchronized skating and the Detroit Skating Club’s annual ice show.

Maria has served on the Communications committee providing input on the creation of our new website. She has also volunteered on the Fundraising and Facilities committees. As a co-chair of the membership committee, Maria worked with the Figure Skating Director to create a more streamlined membership structure.

She also serves in a volunteer capacity on the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association district 4 council as a director and treasurer, the MAHA girls’ committee and on the Executive Committee for Adat Shalom Synagogue.

Maria looks forward to further implementing our strategic plan with goals of growing our membership and creating a stronger sense of community while abiding by DSC’s Mission: We cultivate programs and provide facilities for the ice sports community that enable participants to achieve their goals in a safe environment.

Melissa Reed
Treasurer

Melissa has been a member of the Detroit Skating Club since 2016 when her now 13-year-old daughter Isabella began skating at the club's Learn to Skate program. Over the years, Melissa has been an active volunteer, contributing her time to various DSC initiatives, including regularly participating in events such as the annual Ice Show and Skate Detroit while showing her commitment to the club environment with such projects as organizing the remodel of the Ice Show office and participating in multiple other club projects. She manages the Detroit Skating Club virtual testing program, working towards an efficient and streamlined process for skaters and coaches.

Professionally, Melissa has worked for CBRE, Inc., a global commercial real estate and investment firm, for over 10 years. She currently works as a Senior Valuation Appraiser with a focus on retail buildings, medical and veterinary offices, daycare facilities, and vacant land development. She is knowledgeable in analyzing contracts, lease agreements and budgets.

Melissa lives in West Bloomfield and values the opportunities DSC provides for its members. She is committed to fostering a supportive environment that helps skaters achieve their goals while contributing to the success and growth of the club.

Kati Becker
Secretary

Kati Becker is a Registered Nurse currently serving as the school nurse at St. Hugo of the Hills Catholic School. With a strong organizational skill set and keen attention to detail, Kati excels in her role, demonstrating a deep commitment to the well-being of the children under her care.

Kati has been married to her husband, Tim, for 22 years, and they reside in West Bloomfield. Their daughter, Claire, now 20, began her skating journey at the age of five in the Learn to Skate program and later discovered her passion for Synchronized Skating. She skated individually before joining synchronized skating teams at the Detroit Skating Club (DSC) and the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club (AAFSC). During Claire's skating career, Kati actively contributed as a team manager for the synchronized skating teams at both DSC and Ann Arbor FSC. The Becker family has been dedicated members of the Detroit Skating Club for over 15 years, becoming resident members in 2017.

Despite her daughter's graduation, Kati remains an active member of DSC. She currently chairs the Ushers/Security committee for the annual ice show and oversees the Runners and Ice Monitors for Skate Detroit. Kati has served on the DSC Board for two terms (six years), holding the position of Secretary during both terms. Additionally, she has been involved in various volunteer roles, including managing the Evolution Synchronized Skating team for six years, assisting with competition forms and dresses, and co-chairing the Monitors/Runners Committee for the 2019 U.S. National Figure Skating Championships.

Kati is passionate about the positive changes the board has implemented in recent years. She seeks to continue her service on the board for an additional term to further contribute to the growth and improvement of the Detroit Skating Club, ensuring continuity in leadership while welcoming new members. Her extensive volunteer experience across different aspects of the club has provided her with unique insights and perspectives that she believes will be valuable in her role as a board member. Kati is deeply appreciative of the opportunities that DSC has provided to her daughter and family, and she is committed to maintaining a positive and productive atmosphere for all athletes, parents, and coaches.

Holly Cook
Director

DSC has been a part of Holly's life since she and her two sisters were enrolled in its LTS program in the late 1980s. From Basic 1 through to her Senior Freeskate, DSC served as her “home away from home.” As a youth, the club provided a safe and inclusive community within which she was able to participate in a sport she loves. Likewise, Holly is fortunate to have had the opportunity to train with many of the world’s best over her long career on the ice. Through this opportunity, she was able to elevate many aspects of her experience, sharpening both physical skill and mindset.

Holly has four decades of experience in skating—as an athlete (including as a five-year member of Team USA in synchronized skating), trial judge, USFS committee member (Collegiate Program Committee, Athletes Advisory Committee, and Synchronized Skating Competitions Subcommittee), volunteer, and most importantly, a parent to two with diverse pursuits on the ice. Additionally, she previously served on the board of the Miami University Skating Club as secretary while studying Business Administration and Spanish. She was also selected as one of the Miami University’s two delegate representatives at USFS’ annual Governing Council meeting. While at Miami, Holly was a four-year member and two-year captain of the University’s Senior Varsity Synchronized Skating Team and helped the school to earn its first national title in the senior division and multiple international medals. In her final year at Miami University, she received the Thomas J. Fischer Outstanding Skating Award. While figure skating serves as Holly’s primary passion, she recognizes that there are many opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities to participate in ice sports.

As an adult, DSC has continued to be a major fixture in Holly's life through both sport and volunteerism. Both of her children participate in ice sports at DSC (figure skating and hockey), and more recently she's re-laced up her own skates in pursuit of completing as many ice dance tests as she is able on the standard test track. Holly currently serves as the Chair of the Backstage Committee for DSC’s annual ice show and regularly volunteers at Skate Detroit, helping to support officials’ hospitality. She was also recently designated as a Co-Chair of the club’s Competitions Committee, a team that helped Skate Detroit to be designated an NQS series event for singles, pairs, and dance in Summer 2025.

Professionally, Holly has worked in the legal industry for more than two decades in business development and project management. She currently manages a team consisting of diverse professionals by way of background and experience, which has contributed to the development of both the hard and soft skills necessary to ensure sound leadership. These include, but are not limited to, strategic planning, writing and communication, and budget management. Given her professional role sits within the legal industry, Holly has a deep appreciation for governance and compliance.

Holly’s collaborative spirit enables her to engage in productive teamwork, open communication, and strong relationships. She recognizes that every participant in ice sports has goals that are deeply personal and meaningful, and she is hopeful to help influence a positive experience for all who participate and support DSC athletes, coaches, staff, and other stakeholders—all the while in the pursuit of excellence in a respectful and nurturing environment. Holly brings deep experience in leadership and business that will help DSC pursue its mission and vision, grounded in resilience, shared greatness, and undeniable growth.

Holly lives in Birmingham with her husband, two children, and goldendoodle, Hermione (the smartest witch in her class). In addition to her degree from Miami University, Holly holds a certificate in Sports Management from Loyola University Chicago.

Kathy Cook
Director

Kathy has been a devoted and active member of the Detroit Skating Club (DSC or the Club)—and U.S. Figure Skating (USFS)—for multiple decades. Each of Kathy’s three daughters were enrolled in DSC’s LTS program in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Her daughters pursued different aspects of the sport, including her oldest in freestyle, collegiate skating, and a member of Team USA in synchronized skating; her second as a competitive ice dancer; and her third as a recreational skater. Kathy also pursued skating as an adult skater while her girls trained at DSC. Kathy’s involvement in skating has extended to other generations—her granddaughter is currently a young DSC skater; and her daughter has served as a Chair of the Backstage Committee for the ice show, as a volunteer at Skate Detroit, and on multiple USFS committees.

Kathy has been heavily involved in volunteerism at the Club. She is a former Board Member and Secretary—serving from1991 to 2001, during which time the Club sent multiple athletes to national, world, and Olympic championships. Kathy represented DSC at Detroit Metro Council and served as Marketing and Publicity Chair of the LOC for the 1994 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. She has also held key LOC positions at such events as Skate America, a Junior Grand Prix, and two U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. Additionally, Kathy has volunteered for Skate Detroit in registration and judges’ hospitality. Notably, Kathy and her husband, Roger (who works as an attorney), worked closely with the club to secure its 501(c)(3) designation prompting other clubs to do the same. The 1994 USFS Championships LOC was also designated a 501(c)(3), which gave the club funds for the lobby, offices, and C rink. As a result of their service and continued dedication to DSC, Kathy and Roger were designated Life Members in 2022.

Kathy is also active in USFS. As a DSC Board Member, she has represented the Club at Governing Council on numerous occasions. She has served on the Collegiate Programs Committee, Sanctions and Eligibility Committee, and Competitions Committee. Kathy is currently a USFS national accountant and serves as Midwest Sectional Vice Chair for Accountants (Event Management Officials Sub-Committee) and as a member of Domestic Officials Recruitment and Management Committee. As a USFS accountant, Kathy has been assigned to numerous non-qualifying and qualifying events, including as chief accountant at Skate Detroit, assistant accountant at the 2019 USFS Championships (held in Detroit), as chief accountant for the 2020 USFS Championships, and as chief accountant for USFS Synchronized Skating Championships.

Kathy is thrilled to have this opportunity to continue to serve, give back to the Club, and help it pursue its mission and vision—both as a business and as a safe and inclusive space that enables all ice sport participants to achieve their goals. Her experience and leadership will bring added depth and perspective if elected to serve on the DSC Board of Directors.

Kathy holds a BS from Wayne State University and a MA from Oakland University. She lives with her husband (and dog Lulu) in West Bloomfield and Naples, Florida.

Cathy Kosin
Director

Cathy is an Executive Vice President and Michigan Market Leader at Oswald, where she specializes in lare line Risk Management and Middle Market Brokerage segments, with a primary focus on casualty and international risks. Cathy is a senior advisor to the Oswald International Practice and our firm’s Assurex Global partnership. In addition, Cathy is a former Co-Chair and active members of the Women’s Leadership Council at Oswald. The Council was created to inspire, engage, and advocate for Oswald Employee-Owners, in support of professional and personal development, and an inclusive environment that advances the success of women and the organization.

Cathy is an active Director with the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber and on the Executive Director committee as well as Director of Oswald’s two captive insurance companies: OswaldRe and Oswald Affinity. In addition to Board work, Cathy regularly volunteers in the community through various non-profits.

Cathy has been married to her husband Jon for 15 years and is the proud mother to Adrianne (14), Jessica (10) and Finn (8), all who learned to skate at DSC. Both girls are active with private lessons and Detroit Theatre on Ice as well as numerous Ice Shows. Cathy and Jon have worked various committees, most recently the last few years on Charity Tables.

Matthew Mason
Director

Matthew Mason, now retired, was an Assistant Director of a large prepaid legal services plan for over thirty years. Matt is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and remains a member of the Michigan Bar having specialized in bankruptcy and consumer law. Matt has served on the boards of nonprofit organizations over the years and is currently an officer and director of the National Consumer Bankruptcy Rights Center which specializes in appellate advocacy on behalf of consumer debtors. Matt has been a member of the DSC family for over 30 years as an adult skater, primarily as an ice dancer. He believes that he has taken ice dance lessons from every DSC coach who was willing to take him on as a project. Matt has volunteered for Skate Detroit for many years as well as at both National championships held in Detroit. Matt is currently working with DSC staff to raise funds through grant applications and private donations. Matt supports DSC’s mission to foster a fun and inclusive community of skaters and to instill a commitment to excellence on and off the ice. As a board member Matt would look forward to the opportunity to use his experience in nonprofit governance to support the club and help it continue to grow and thrive.

Aya Takai
Director
Since joining the Detroit Skating Club in 2012, Aya Takai has had the honor of representing DSC on the international level as a Team USA pair skater and most recently, on the national level as an Ice Dance Judge at the 2025 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. As a skater from Missouri, the opportunity to move to Michigan and train at DSC changed the trajectory of her skating career. As a member of the Board, Aya is committed to ensuring the next generation of DSC athletes have the same support and opportunities to strive for excellence.

Off the ice, Aya has held senior leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. She currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner, the state regulatory authority which monitors the financial solvency of insurers and safeguards consumer protections. Previously, she served as Policy Advisor to the Governor of Michigan and Director of State Policy and Advocacy at Commonwealth Care Alliance, a nonprofit mission-driven health services organization, now part of CareSource. She is experienced in advising public leaders, nonprofits, and VC-backed startups around leveraging smart policy and responsible government funding to expand business and economic opportunities.

Since retiring from competition, Aya has served on various U.S. Figure Skating Committees and is active as a National Ice Dance Judge, Sectional Singles and Pairs Judge, and Sectional Referee. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and lives in Royal Oak and Boston.

Tina Maxbauer
Ex-Officio

Tina Maxbauer is currently a Senior Manager in information technology. She works for Trinity Health, the second largest Non-Profit Catholic Health Organization in the country. She has been with the Trinity Organization for the past 30 years holding a variety of positions, including but not limited to, Project Manager, Business/Data Analyst, and Resource Manager. She is organized, efficient, and well versed in budgets, public speaking, and managing people and situations.

Tina has been married to her husband, Paul for 23 years. They now enjoy their own activities after raising their blended family of 6 children, Tina and Paul have 9 grandchildren whom they love to spend time with and spoil!

Tina is a very active member at DSC. She has served on the DSC Board for 6 years, the past five as Board President. She is an adult skater who has competed in both singles and synchronized skating. She practices, on multiple sessions, 5 days a week in the early morning hours before work. She has acted as the chairperson for the coach hospitality for Skate Detroit as well as the backstage manager for the DSC Annual Ice Show.