Charting a Course to a Bright Future

With Garry’s recent departure, we had a decision to make. Who should step in during this transition period? Chris DeForest and I talked it over and he is so darn happy as Conservation Director that it would be a shame to ask him to serve as executive director again.

The board agreed and asked me to serve as interim executive director. I’ve been with INLC since 2001 doing development and communications, and I’ve worked closely with Chris on many aspects of INLC’s operations.

INLC is in good shape with a terrific board and staff and many wonderful volunteers. We have lots of great conservation projects in the works, the Grounded in Nature program is launched, and we’re expanding our partnerships with the University District and the Dishman Hills Conservancy.

We did have a few tough decisions to make. We decided to delay applying for land trust accreditation for one year. We also decided to roll the Hooked on Conservation event (scheduled for May 2016) into our September 2016 Appetite for Conservation fundraiser. We’ll celebrate INLC’s 25-year anniversary at our annual meeting in October.

The board and staff are taking this opportunity to assess where we are and where we want to be in the future. I look forward to being the steady hand at the wheel as we chart our course into the future.

Thank you for your continuing support of INLC and our work to protect the rivers, lakes and streams of our region. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns – my direct line is 509-462-1239 or email me at vegesdal@inlandnwland.org.