Big Canoe & Me

Kimberly and I found something truly special in Big Canoe. The natural beauty, the sense of privacy, and most of all, the people—this community quickly became our home. We’ve both become actively involved, and the relationships we’ve built here are some of the most meaningful of our lives. That sense of belonging is what motivates me to give back.

My Military Experience

I served 10 years as a U.S. Army officer and helicopter pilot, flying CH-47D Chinooks in combat and command environments. As a company commander in Korea, I led soldiers in complex aviation operations, navigated high-pressure decisions, and learned the value of respectful disagreement and unified execution. During Desert Storm, I flew combat missions in dangerous conditions. Those experiences shaped my sense of discipline, planning, and service.

Lessons from Siemens

After the military, I spent 26.5 years at Siemens working in the process industries. My focus was always on solving problems, building trust with clients, and delivering results. I led multimillion-dollar portfolios and mentored teams across industries like food & beverage and chemicals. I was proud to be recognized as a top performer—but even more proud of the people I led and the long-term relationships I built.

Non-Profit Experience

In addition to my corporate and military leadership, I also served for three years on the Board of Directors of the Soaring Club of Houston—one of the largest glider clubs in the United States and a 501(c) nonprofit organization. Managing operations, safety, membership, and long-term planning in a member-driven environment gave me a deep respect for the balance between governance, volunteerism, and community expectations—something that translates directly to POA service.

Leadership Big Canoe (LBC)

I also had the opportunity to participate in the Leadership Big Canoe (LBC) program as part of the 2022-2023 class. If you’ve ever wondered how decisions get made, who does what, or what it actually takes to keep this place running, LBC offers a front-row seat. It’s an eye-opening experience that gives you access to the inner workings of our community and introduces you to people—both volunteers and staff—who work hard behind the scenes.

LBC isn’t just about learning—it’s also about engaging. The program gives you the opportunity to collaborate with neighbors who care deeply about Big Canoe and want to make a positive impact. I walked away from it with a greater appreciation for the complexity of our community and a renewed commitment to being part of the solution.

What I’ve Learned from Serving Big Canoe

Since retiring, I’ve continued to serve—this time, right here at home. I have been a member of the POA Finance and Audit Committee for 3 years and currently serve as Vice-Chair, where I’ve worked to improve budgeting transparency and support long-term capital planning. I partnered with Public Safety to improve radio communications across Big Canoe, ensuring better coverage in remote areas. I’ve also work as a Vista Pruning Supervisor, helping maintain the natural views that make this place so special.

Why I’m Running

I believe in thoughtful, fact-based leadership. I listen, I ask tough questions, and I don’t shy away from hard decisions. We are a mountain residential community—not a resort—and we should govern with that identity in mind.

I want to keep Big Canoe on solid operational footing, protect what makes it special, and help ensure we are planning smartly—not just for next year, but for the next decade.

What Good Governance Looks Like

I’ve led in the military, in the private sector, and in community service. Across all of those, I’ve learned that good governance requires clarity, accountability, and humility. It’s not about getting your way—it’s about showing up prepared, building consensus, and supporting the final decision once it’s made. That’s what I’ll bring to the POA Board.

Official Candidate Profile – Format is from the Election Committee for 2025

1. Please explain what motivates you to want to serve on the Big Canoe Board of Directors.
I care deeply about this community and believe my experience can make a meaningful difference. Big Canoe is a residential mountain community—not a resort—and I’m committed to protecting that identity. My motivation comes from a lifetime of service—flying CH-47D helicopters in combat, managing multimillion-dollar portfolios at Siemens, and serving as Vice-Chair of the POA Finance and Audit Committee. I hold a BBA in Management and a Master of Science in Information Systems, which inform my fact-based, analytical approach. I want to ensure balanced, transparent governance that reflects our shared values.

2. What is important to remember when you try to convince others of your point of view when it differs from the larger group? Give an example of when you experienced this and the result.
You must listen with respect, ground your position in facts, and work toward the best decision—not the easiest one. As a company commander in Korea, I once challenged a battalion-level plan that risked overextending our helicopter crews. I proposed a safer, more effective alternative. While my input wasn’t initially welcomed, my logic prevailed and the plan was revised. That experience shaped my leadership philosophy: speak clearly, support the final decision, and always focus on mission success.

3. What are your top two strengths and/or values you bring to the Board?
I bring integrity and decisiveness. I’ve built a career on making timely, informed decisions, not avoiding difficult choices. I also believe in transparency. My wife, Kimberly, is a local realtor. To avoid any appearance of conflict, I will recuse myself from any Board decisions involving the sale of POA-owned residential real estate.

4. When considering your personal attributes, how would you prioritize these areas in terms of your strengths, first to last: strategic thinker, relationship builder, executor, influencer? Provide examples.
I am first a strategic thinker. I focus on long-term impact, not just short-term fixes—whether it’s capital planning or preserving our mountain character. Second, I’m an executor. At Siemens, I consistently led projects to completion on time and on budget. Third, I’m a relationship builder. I’ve built trust with POA staff, neighbors, and local leaders by listening and showing up. Last is influencer—not because I can’t persuade, but because I prefer collaboration over coercion. That said, when a decision is made, I believe in standing behind it and moving forward with unity.

5. Where do you see yourself making greatest contribution(s) towards our Big Canoe strategic objectives?
My greatest contributions will come through operational leadership, planning, and execution. I’ve spent my career leading teams, delivering results, and solving complex problems. I believe the Board’s role is to set strategic direction while enabling staff to carry it out effectively. That requires clarity, alignment, and trust. I support conducting a new Property Owner survey in early 2026 to help the Board refocus on what matters most to today’s residents. While operations are my core strength, I’ve also developed a solid understanding of POA finances through three years on the Finance and Audit Committee.

Let’s Connect

If you have questions, concerns, or simply want to introduce yourself, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at roger@rogerhackler.com or call/text (404) 680-4682 or use the button below. And if you see me around Big Canoe—at a trailhead, in the clubhouse, or pruning vistas—please stop and say hello.