In 2002 ANPR made a commitment to enhance the ability of the association to fulfill its mission and better serve the membership through the creation of an executive director position. It was hoped that the executive director would provide our association with a more effective voice to advocate for parks and all park employees.

This was a grand experiment with great potential for the future. The ultimate success of this endeavor hinged on one very important aspect — fundraising. ANPR had the resources to sustain the position for only a few years. Continuation of the executive director required a fundraising effort that would bring in enough revenue to sustain the position. While we may have succeeded in our advocacy, we did not succeed in raising enough funds to maintain the executive director beyond an initial three-year contract. As a result, the contract for the executive director was not renewed when it ran out this spring.

Maintaining the executive director during the past three years has placed a great strain on the financial resources of the association. I assure the membership that our financial situation is stabilized and I anticipate improvement over time. I would also like to thank Jeff McFarland for his dedication and hard work on behalf of ANPR. He has demonstrated his commitment to the principles of the Service, the association and all park employees on more than one occasion. Thank you, Jeff.

Now we need to look ahead. The board member for fund raising activities, Sean McGuinness, is working on programs to increase revenue. Kirsten Talken-Spaul-ding, board member for membership services, is working to bring new members to ANPR. Tom Bowling-Schaff, board member for special concerns, is monitoring opportunities for ANPR to continue its advocacy. Erin Broadbent is preparing an insightful and pertinent agenda for the Ranger Rendezvous in Charleston. Rather than looking back at an unsuccessful endeavor, we should give our attention to these important projects.

I urge the membership to support the work of ANPR by volunteering to assist with these and other endeavors. I also urge everyone to come to Charleston this December. Let us come together to build a strong and vibrant future for parks, visitors and each other.