(Todd Allen roasting Ned and Bob; also in photo are Ned's wife Kathin and Board member Sharon Anderson: photo by Karla Dutton)This week the ASLC Board commemorated and celebrated the contributions of two remarkable men. Dr Robert Spies and Dr Ned Smith. Both have worked with the SeaLife Center for more than 20 years combined in various roles. Both have served as Board chairs. Both were recruited to the Board by Willard Dunham.
Most recently Ned served as interim President and CEO (9 months) and Bob as Interim Director of Science (18 months) - they came to work in the organization during a period of great change and played key roles in strengthening our programs - roles that I have a unique appreciation for having now seen the positive impacts of the processes they set in motion.
Having served on Boards and worked with many different Boards in profit and non-profit organizations, I have the utmost respect for anyone who voluntarily contributes so much of their time and expertise - there are so many things to do in this world and so little time that giving us such a significant quantum of their professional lives is truly a generous gift.
The value of their service was summed up well by our current Board Chair, Todd Allen, when he noted that they have helped the SeaLife Center work through some of the most difficult issues in our existence... with great effect, with grace and with style. As the photo indicates, while their disengagement from the Board is, in many respects, a sad occasion, we did manage to share a few laughs - with these guys, humor is an essential ingredient for coping with the stress of executive life - a lesson we might all take to heart as we face the difficult economy ahead.
I am privileged to have worked with Bob and Ned over these past few months and look forward to keeping in touch as they move to new roles and careers. Please join me in thanking them again for their extraordinary contribution to Alaska's marine ecosystems and the Alaska SeaLife Center!
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