Carey Snider	Kathy Whidden

Carey Snider (Woodstock GA) and Kathy Whidden (Winder GA), both from the MABC and Georgia Unit 114, were honored by their fellow tournament directors at the 2002 Washington NABC. Snider was presented the Tom Weeks Award, given annually to the tournament director who makes a professional appearance and shows the most improvement. The Fred Friendly Award, given annually to the TD who offers the best customer service with a smile, went to Whidden.

Snider got into the directing game back in 1974 when Betty Perkins asked her if she wanted to help. Snider said "no" but later changed her mind. She started working tournaments in the late Eighties and became a full time member of the ACBL staff in 1994.

Her husband Bill was very surprised that she has stayed with bridge so long. He asked her why, and she told him it's because of the unique folks she meets in the bridge world – the players and her fellow TDs. She credits National Tournament Director Millard Nachtwey with her improvement. "He helps us learn difficult new skills and he lets us try different jobs. He makes us do crossovers and he puts us to work in tough knockout team events. Millard wants everyone to know at least a little about everything. You learn fast that way." She also credits Olin Hubert as her mentor.

This is the second major award for Snider – she was presented the Fred Friendly Award a few years ago.

This is the second award for Kathy as well – she won the first Jane Johnson Employee Recognition Award last year.

She's a most logical choice for the Fred Friendly – she has a wonderful smile that instantly raises the spirits of those around her. The Friendly award is a remembrance of the late Paul Stehly who earned the name Fred Friendly with his great disposition.

Kathy started playing and directing at the same time back in 1971. She loved both from the beginning. She had to be satisfied with part time tournament directing starting in 1986, but she was finally able to accept a full time post two years ago.

"It's great to be recognized by your peers," she said. "It's a phenomenal feeling. What a wonderful group the directors are – there's such a bond among us – wonderful camaraderie – never any fighting or backstabbing."

Edith McMullin got her started in bridge, and her major helpers along the way have been Olin Hubert, Pat Jackson, Millard Nachtwey and Doug Grove.

She remembers well a tournament she worked in Berlin, Germany, where her husband was stationed. "There were Frenchmen, Germans, Britons and Americans. I got so mixed up – I was giving change in shillings when handed francs – you know. And I was greeting people in the wrong language. But it was fun. It's always fun being around bridge players."