For Immediate Release
December 9, 2011
Contact: Kristen Berry
The Downtown Sailing Center Board of Directors met on December 7, 2011. It noted the term expiration of six of its members including Mr. Doug Silber, Dr. David Goldstein, Mr. Peter Bowe, Mrs. Merritt Keffer, Mr. John Rofles and Mr. Jim Koehnlein. This number is higher than has been typical in the past due to the Board's decision to pursue the Maryland Association of Non-profit Organization's Standards of Excellence, which among other things recommends limited term lengths for directors.
On the proposal of the outgoing President, Mr. Steve Smith, the Board elected a new executive committee including Mrs. Kathleen Lester as the Board President, Mr. William Intner as Vice President, Ms. Lisa Berringer as the Treasurer, and Mr. Trevor Smith as Secretary. Steve Smith will remain on the executive committee as the immediate past president, for a one year term.
In addition to the election of the executive committee, the Board voted in favor of four candidate members. These new members of the Board will be announced in January. Under the direction of Mrs. Kathleen Lester and the strategic planning committee, the Board is coming into compliance with the Standards of Excellence and the Downtown Sailing Center's strategic plan.
It was also announced that Mr. Kristen Berry has resigned as Executive Director, effective no later than April 30, 2012.
"As I step down as the executive director to pursue my personal career goals I look forward to remaining involved in the accessible, outreach and education programs of the Downtown Sailing Center." Until April 2012, Berry will continue to serve as the executive director, overseeing the daily operations of the Downtown Sailing Center and helping guide the facility and staff through the transition to new leadership. Berry became executive director in April of 2010.
In accepting his resignation, Downtown Sailing Center President Steve Smith said, "Kristen has set the Downtown Sailing Center on the right course for the future. Under his leadership and with his direction, we have made significant improvements to the facility, increased the quality of outreach and accessible sailing programs, and aggressively addressed longstanding administrative challenges."
"We sincerely thank KB for his unquestioned dedication to the Downtown Sailing Center, which is once again demonstrated in his willingness to assist in the search for a new executive director and to afterward remain involved in our education and outreach programs," Smith said.
The Downtown Sailing Center provides quality education and life enriching programs that promote self-esteem and teamwork through the joy of sailing. The Downtown Sailing Center is committed to promoting an environment of inclusiveness and accessibility, especially to youth, persons with disabilities, and those with limited opportunity.
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