As spring 2000 unfolds new growth so will the SSCA unfold new programs and a new structure. It is also a good time for me to move on to other challenges. I announce my decision to step down as your executive knowing that I am passing on the torch to others capable of taking this organization through the next steps into future opportunities and furthering the cause of soil conservation.
For me it's time to move on. I have, for the most part, enjoyed my six years with the SSCA as executive manager. The interactions with a very supportive board and professional, hard working and creative staff will provide me with many fond and gratifying memories. I always looked forward to board and staff meetings knowing they would be productive, effective exercises. It amazes me how much can be accomplished when you have committed individuals, passionate about their tasks working together on common goals .
I am also grateful to the sponsoring agencies' representatives who have helped me guide the SSCA over the past six years. Glen Shaw (PFRA), Abdul Jalil and Ken Panchuk (SAF) always were helpful in program planning. John Hastie and Sig Guggenmoos were supportive in their roles whether they wore their TransAlta Utilities hats or, in recent years, their consultant hats. Kelly Gunsch (TransAlta) was also keen to offer support and advice. The Monsanto people - Craig Evans, Randy Christenson, Carmen Read and Aaron Chronik - were also more than supportive and very much played a hands off role in helping the SSCA achieve the success over the past six years.
Of course there have been challenges that have made my tenure not completely satisfying. My tolerance for the chore of seeking funds to keep the SSCA's extension program alive ultimately eroded my enthusiasm for this important task. If I had spent the time managing the organization that was put into creating proposals for funding I wonder where we would be at this time. It's too bad that an organization like the SSCA, with over ten years of extension expertise, has to justify their existence every three years to program committees and bureaucrats who continue to demand something that differs from previous accomplishments.
So in closing I would like to pass on to those who will carry on the torch a few bits of wisdom that I have learned over the past few years. Thank you all for the memories, it's been fun.
I've learned:
That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
That no one is listening until you make a mistake.
That it may be your sole purpose in life to serve as a warning to others.
If you think nobody cares that you're alive, try missing some annual reports.
If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
Never miss a good chance to shut up.
Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your mouth is moving.
Anything worth taking seriously is worth making fun of.
Diplomacy is the art of saying "good doggie" while looking for a bigger stick.
That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.