By Carolyn Benthien, outgoing board chair
I’d like to make a few comments before we officially begin the annual meeting portion of this evening.
First, I want to wish my husband Happy Birthday! Today is THE day and I’m happy, in ever so many ways, that he is here with me and all of us tonight.
Three years ago I was elected board chair of this incredible organization. In a discussion with my predecessor, Don Wharton, before I accepted the position, he was encouraging and if I recall correctly, he told me this responsibility would be a “piece of cake” or something like that.
Two months later, just before my second board meeting, Jane called me and told me we had a new issue arising -- one that we needed to devote some attention to because of a rapidly approaching deadline for filing as an intervener -- this challenge was called Northern Pass!
A month later, we held our first specially-called board meeting in many years to deal with Northern Pass. And so it goes: Three years of listening, strategizing, responding, talking, deliberating, raising funds. Three years of losing sleep, sometimes dancing happy steps, sometimes wringing hands. Three years of talking about our position to oppose Northern Pass as it was currently proposed to all who would listen, and some who would not.
Just two weeks ago, at another specially-called board meeting, we modified our position on Northern Pass to say that if the Northern Pass transmission line is to be built at all, it should be buried from beginning to end – preferably along existing state-owned transportation corridors such as state highways and rail beds.
As you know from this week, the challenges continue and now seem to be, for the moment at least, taking on a much higher profile, engaging even more New Hampshire residents in dialogue and outrage.
While all of this has been happening, the staff and board of the Forest Society quietly and confidently has continued its ongoing work: securing and protecting lands, being good stewards, educating, advocating, building and strengthening relationships with members, donors and key decisions makers throughout the state, and raising amazing amounts of funds to support all our efforts. We recently received accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance -- not a lightly undertaken task by any means. You'll hear more about this from Jane.
And all this -- all this -- would not be possible without you, our members who walk with us and encourage us day in and day out to hold fast to our 109-year-old mission “ to perpetuate the forests of New Hampshire through their wise use and their complete reservation in places of special scenic beauty.”
It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve this organization as the first woman board chair in its history. ( I feel like I’m just getting the “hang” of this!) I will miss the pink ribbon wrapped around the gavel that has set before me at each meeting.
I celebrate the members of the fabulous board of trustees who so conscientiously dedicate themselves to the work of the organization. What a joy to have worked with you!
I loudly applaud and congratulate an incredible staff. Thank you all for making your work look easy!
I especially salute the members of the senior leadership team – Paul, Will, Jack, Denise and Susanne. You are just amazing -- creative, nimble, tenacious and strategic! Just wonderful!
And finally, Jane. Our organization is beyond fortunate to have the leadership of such a wise, seasoned, fearless individual who is a forester first and foremost, but also the President/CEO of an incredibly complex, dynamic organization whose relevance only increases with age. I think this is true of Jane as well.
Thank you all.