Subject: [Tweeters] WOS Board recognition
Date: Oct 1 22:17:41 2012
From: Randy Hill - re_hill at q.com


Just got my newest WOS News today and was reminded that we have new
leadership within the organization. Yes, I do remember voting.
Congratulations to all new board members, and thank you to those of you who
are continuing. I see lots of experience and new ideas coming in. But I'd
like to take this opportunity to thank a few "retirees" who deserve special
recognition (in addition to Adam Sedgley who did slip out before the
election.)



John Tubbs served for two terms (four years) as a Director. I only shared
one year on the Board with John, but realized quickly that he brought a
unique perspective of business management. Whether dealing with personnel,
fiscal issues, products, or Conference planning, John was able to provide a
side that we didn't necessarily consider, and that was tremendously helpful
before a decision or vote. Thank you John for your time and commitment.



Scott Downes also served two terms as a Director. He brought both eastside
and westside experience to the position, plenty of energy and ideas to
current issues and bringing them to the public forum, and jumped into the
planning role that is so important for carrying off WOS Conference success
that so many of us really appreciate during one long weekend every year.
I'm proud to say that I asked Scott if he would consider joining the Board
more than four years ago and look at that as one of the best decisions I
made during that period. Thank you Scott for the hard work that you put
in!



Jack Stephens was on a longer ride. Two years as Director, two as VP, two
as President. He was starting to chase Brian Bell's nine-year run in WOS
leadership. But I think we all know that the Presidency usually ends in
retirement, and Jack totally deserves retirement for all the right reasons.
He worked magic with organization and planning, pulling off a couple of WOS
Conferences almost by himself. Collaboration rather than confrontation, not
needing credit for decisions or actions, but convincing in his opinions.
Signs of a true leader. Over the last three years I've barely seen Jack
other than at WOS Conferences, and he always looked like some combination of
tired and relieved. I know what he went through to bring you the best
"product" that could be organized each year. And he led WOS the other 51
weeks of the last two year as well. Jack, whether tired or tireless, we can
only hope that our new Board can follow your standard of leadership. Thank
you!



Sorry if this got personal, but I needed to say something before our leaders
slipped away without notice. We often enjoy the hard work of others. None
of our leaders were voted out of office. They all retired due to term
limits. Again, thank you all for your time, commitment, and leadership.



Randy Hill

Ridgefield