It was with deepest regret that I had to accept Bill Halainen's resignation from ANPR's Board of Directors on June 20. Bill has a long and fruitful history of service to this board and ANPR in general. As he made clear in his letter, "I have been active in this organization for over 20 years now, and remain fully committed to the advancement of the profession, the agency and the system." He will continue to support ANPR in other ways.

My personal regret and sympathy for Bill's decision probably mirrors many others. Bill and I were working together (he in WASO; me in the old SWRO) when I first started attending Ranger Rendezvous in 1986. He introduced me around, I caught the spirit and I started volunteering for the organization. I can't remember a time that he hasn't been active with the Board and the organization. His work background and natural talents have been invaluable to ANPR.

Again, quoting from his resignation letter, "I believe that anyone serving as a board member for the Association should be prepared to commit at least four hours per week (200 hours per year) to the organization. Anything short of that is a prescription for failure." With that strongly held belief, the Association cannot help but succeed.

Consulting with other board members, we came up with three members as replacement candidates for the position of Special Concerns. We are mentoring a new face on the Board of Directors beginning Aug. 1. We welcome Kendell Thompson (Arlington House, Va.) to serve out Bill's term that will end January 2004. Kendell has been active in other ways; most recently he was one of three ANPR members to participate in the "Serious Games" development exercise. See his summary posted on this website.

Kendell has the benefit of a strong Special Concerns committee, most of which are locate in the D.C. area or within an easy drive. And of course, Bill Halainen is available as a consultant.