National Judging Chairman

[Michael I.]

NCRS Members,
The thread by this name that members have been contributing to disappeared today for reasons we don't yet understand. I am reposting the note I posted that started the thread when Dave Brigham first announced he would be stepping down as NJC. Moderator Don Hooper will add the post made by Joe Scafidi shortly after he was unanimously approved as the new NJC.

Dear NCRS Members (originally posted 3/12/25).

Earlier today I was copied on an email sent out by Dave Brigham letting us know he would be stepping down as NCRS's National Judging Chairman due to a serious medical event involving a family member.

He has recommmended to me that I appoint Joe Scafidi as the new National Judging Chairman. I will propose that appointment at the previously announced annual NCRS Board meeting scheduled for March 20th, and the Board will vote on it at that time.

Prior to Dave's announcement today, it was my plan to reappoint Dave as our NJC at the March 20th meeting. I have worked closely with Dave since he was first appointed as NJC in 2013, the year after I joined the Board. I have tremendous respect for the way in which Dave has conducted himself as NJC and protected NCRS's judging standard. I, for one, will miss Dave very much, but he has put his family first and I completely support that. I would expect nothing less of any of the members who dedicate so much effort to this great organization.

Dave needs our support during this difficult time. Send him a card letting him know he and his family are in your thoughts and prayers.
Mike

[Joseph S.]

I want to sincerely thank the NCRS Board of Directors and the membership for their trust in me as I step into the role of National Judging Chairman, following in the footsteps of Dave Brigham. It is an incredible honor to be chosen for this position, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with it. I also want to express my deep appreciation to Dave—not only for his confidence in me and his recommendation to the Board but for his unwavering mentorship. Over the past few years, he has generously shared his knowledge, insights, and experiences to ensure I was well-prepared for this role. His dedication to NCRS and the Judging Program has set a high bar, and I am committed to carrying that legacy forward.

Many may not know this, but over 40 years ago, on the same day, from two different post offices in Massachusetts, Dave and I both joined NCRS. We wouldn’t actually meet for another 12 to 15 years, but when we did, we quickly became great friends. Our shared passion for NCRS, ‘53 Corvettes, and the Red Sox sparked countless conversations, and we even had a long-running joke of addressing each other by our NCRS numbers. I’d see him and say, “Hello, 8319,” and he’d reply, “Hello, 8321.” We never did figure out who 8320 was.

I am truly honored by the support I’ve received, and I take this new responsibility seriously. The role of National Judging Chairman is not just about leadership—it’s about preserving the integrity and standards of a program that has been shaped by those before me. The individuals who have held this position set a precedent of excellence, and I am committed to honoring that tradition while looking for ways to further strengthen and refine the program. I will approach this role with dedication, fairness, and a constant drive for improvement, ensuring that NCRS Judging continues to be the gold standard in the hobby.

As my first official action in this role, I am pleased to welcome Andy Cabral as my successor in the 1963-64 Team Leader position. Andy is highly knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and dedicated to NCRS, and I have full confidence in his ability to lead this team.

I also want to take a moment to personally thank the entire 63-64 team for their hard work, dedication, and teamwork during my time as Team Leader. It has been a privilege to work alongside such passionate and skilled individuals, and I know that under Andy’s leadership, the team will continue to provide their expertise and uphold the high standards that make NCRS Judging what it is today.

Thank you,

Joe Scafidi
National Judging Chairman