February 1, 2018
To the Members of ODS,
With the recent resignation of Tom Murray, I have assumed the role of ODS President. This progression is outlined in the ODS Bylaws and was confirmed by the Board of Directors at our meeting on January 28, 2018. We elected Emily Kenyon, Director at Large, to fill the vacancy of President Elect. Soon we will begin the process to elect an ODS member to fill the vacancy of Director at Large.
Our long time ODS Executive Director, Corinne Tindal Stonier, is graduating with a BS in accounting soon. She has recently accepted a full time accounting position and is currently transitioning out of her ODS Office role. The Executive Committee, outgoing Executive Director, and several past and present Board members are working to ensure a smooth transition. We have volunteers in place to do the tasks normally handled by Corinne. During the next several weeks we will be learning, doing, and evaluating the tasks that make up the activities of the ODS Office. We are creating a plan of what we will need to support the organization going forward utilizing volunteers and possible staff.
The Executive Committee will continue the process of reviewing financials, policies, and procedures as we transition and move into the upcoming year. We will continue to ensure segregation of duties and reporting that is transparent. Reports of previous budgets and actuals are on the ODS website attached to meeting minutes for all to review.
At the recent ODS Leadership Retreat there was a very good turnout of ODS members. The enthusiasm and passion of the group in attendance was very impressive. At the meeting an ad hoc committee was formed to improve Strategic Planning, Marketing, and Outreach. We also have a committee to organize, plan, and execute our presence at the Northwest Horse Expo in Albany. Many stepped forward to offer their help. Thank you.
ODS is a strong membership organization. The recent changes have provided us with many opportunities to review and improve ODS. You can make a difference by becoming involved in your local ODS Chapter, with the ODS Board, or in one of the many upcoming events in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
Karen S. Cheeke
ODS President
Central Region Representative
kontessakeen@hotmail.com