Departing staff member Randal Hitchin (second from right) with wife Lynne Kanne (right), Daniel Mount, and Foundation director Paige Miller.
Members, staff, and partners of the Arboretum Foundation attended our Annual Meeting at the Graham Visitors Center on June 27. Outgoing Board President Jim Reid led the proceedings. He gave a moving speech about the importance of building community—and about how the Foundation, University of Washington, and City of Seattle have created a remarkable partnership at the Arboretum.
University of Washington Botanic Gardens Director Sarah Reichard highlighted some of her organization’s key activities over the past year, including another successful bioblitz in the Arboretum. Director of Planning and Development for the Seattle Parks and Recreation Michael Shiosaki updated attendees on the construction of the Arboretum Loop Trail.
Foundation Director Paige Miller and other staff gave a Powerpoint presentation on our accomplishments in 2015-16.
Board Elections
Jim Reid (center), with partner Richard Smith (left), and director emeritus of the Arboretum John Wott.
The formal proceedings included the election of three new appointees to our Board of Directors: Steve Alley, Carol Hoerster, and Noriko Palmer. Sherrey Luetjen was elected Board President. The other confirmed nominees for officer positions were: Diane Adachi (Vice President), Jason Morse (Vice President), Jim Reid (Vice President), Skip Vonckx (Vice President), Carolyn Kitchell (Secretary), and Craig Trueblood (Treasurer).
Celebrating Volunteers & Staff
We gave Jim Reid our Volunteer Legacy Award for his invaluable service to the Foundation and the Arboretum over the past six years. We also singled out departing board member Linda Strout for her energetic contributions over the past three years. Departing staff member Randall Hitchin was celebrated for his unique contribution to the Arboretum over the past two decades. The evening concluded with a picnic-style reception on the Graham Visitors Center terrace.
