Lyonel Doherty, Times Chronicle
Not many people would turn down the GM position at one of the hottest motorsports clubs in North America, but Karla Kozakevich did. Then she realized how fun it would be and said, hell, ya!
International Women’s Day celebrates women with drive, and Kozakevich has plenty of that to go around at Area 27.
After 13 years of helping people with physical and mental disabilities, she spent the next 11 heavily involved as a regional director for Naramata.
One day her brother Bill asked her if she would like to manage the track as general manager. She declined, saying she was too busy as chair of the regional district. After asking a few more times, Bill convinced his sister to take the job after she enjoyed an assistant role there.
“Over the past 10-plus years I watched as my brother worked to make his dream of Area 27 a reality.”
Kozakevich likes the fact that every day is different at the track, with different cars and faces. And she loves race weekends.
Senior management roles have traditionally been filled by men, but Kozakevich pointed out the previous GM was a woman, and many key positions are currently held by women, such as the events manager, member liaison, program assistant, receptionist, and head grid marshal. There are also women working in the track flagging towers.
Area 27 features a 4.83km world-class car racing circuit located just five minutes east of Oliver. Don Urquhart photo.
When asked what women bring to these roles compared to what men bring, Kozakevich said more planning, record-keeping, and ensuring that all requirements are in place before action is taken.
One would think that the GM would have the run of the track with the hottest car. But Kozakevich can only dream. However, she does have a V8 SS 1LE Camaro to satiate her need for speed at 187 km/h. But work comes first, she admitted.
“Currently my focus is more on proper braking techniques and corner setup. Realistically I should be over 200 km/h.”
When asked what motto she lives by, she said doing the best you can at whatever job you tackle.
Kozakevich is truly inspired by her sister-in-law who successfully beat cancer.
“While battling cancer, she maintained such a positive outlook on life and continued to be involved with her staff and students as a high school principal. Her focus was always on others, and she is now back at work full time.”
Kozakevich has a soft spot for animals in need, so her wish is to own a piece of land where she can provide homes for them, particularly horses, cats and dogs.
