For the past two years, it has been my honor to serve as president of the Friends of Malheur, a volunteer post that has given me a way to continue my lifelong involvement in the protection of our nation’s outstanding natural places. Now, however, it’s time to stand aside and pass the baton to a successor.
This transition is, I believe, a healthy thing for our organization. Rotating leadership responsibilities within the board of directors brings periodic renewal. Put simply, it’s good now and then to inject some fresh blood into the leadership role.
Two years ago, I was that fresh blood, and I have done my best to energize and gently guide FOMR’s direction. I emphasize the word “gently” here because FOMR is a healthy organization with a fine mission, good instincts, and a very strong, if small, paid staff.
Throughout my term as president, I relied at every turn on Janelle Wicks, our talented Executive Director. Together, and usually with Janelle in the lead, we tackled the challenges that came before us and pursued the many opportunities that were delivered to us by our many friends and partners.
Perhaps our greatest single success was finding, after a long process, the perfect person to oversee our Crane’s Nest Nature Store. If you ‘ve visited the store this season, you’ve likely met Jill Bachman and marveled at her enthusiasm for our work. We’re very fortunate to have her as a part of our team.
Stepping into the president’s slot now is board member Dr. Jennifer Haynes. She comes with simply wonderful credentials, which include not only a doctorate from UCLA in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, but also a subsequent master’s degree in non-profit management from the University of Oregon. It’s hard to imagine a better background for the work she will contribute to FOMR.
As for me, I’m staying on the board, of course, and will now serve as FOMR’s vice-president, a largely advisory role that keeps me involved in FOMR’s good works.
So, with these thanks offered, I can now step aside and say welcome to Dr. Haynes. Thanks for reading these past two years.
– Wm. Tweed
