Four Elected to Serve on National Board.

The National Nominating/Awards Committee is pleased to announce the results of this year's national board elections. The committee appreciates the commitment and dedication of all members who were on the ballot.

This year, members elected a national treasurer and three board members-at-large. They will serve on the ACA national Board of Directors through 2004.

Treasurer

Deborah A. Smith

Deborah is currently director of facilities and resources for the Girl Scouts of Hoosier Capital, where her responsibilities include developing and administering an operations budget of $4 million. she has served ACA as a member of the National Board of Directors and as a member of the Budget and Finance Committee; she is also active in the ACA Indiana Section.

In her platform, Deborah stated that her three priorities as treasurer would be to:

* "commit time and resources to provide section leadership and members the help and support necessary to transition into the new fee system.

* "continue to improve the reporting systems to help all members understand the finances of the organization.

* "work as a team member with resource development to grow the resources of ACA; this includes investment strategies and income-producing opportunities."

National Board Members-at-Large

Tom Horner, CCD 

Tom is the executive director of Catalina Island Camps, in Southern California. He is the vice-president of the ACA Southern California Section, serves on the National Education Council, and is coordinator of the Basic Camp Director Course.

Tom is a firm believer in the accreditation program and professional development plan. In his platform, Tom stated, "To me, the reason to belong to ACA is because of the development you gain from accreditation, education, and a network of camp professionals ... I am a believer in ACA and the development of camp professionals through accreditation and education."

Henry M. Thomas, III

Henry is president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, Massachusetts, and Camp Atwater. He is a member of the National Public Awareness Committee and a former member of the New England section board.

In his platform, Henry mentions that his training as a lawyer and experience with fund-raising and development will be valuable to the association. "Fund development for ACA is critically important," he says. "My development experience has been extensive and extremely successful. I have raised millions of dollars for youth development programs and initiates for my local affiliate and the National Urban League."

Kathleen Trotter, CCD

Kathleen is the owner of Kaleidoscope, Inc., which provides consulting and development services for camps and centers. She provides leadership for ACA sections doing strategic planning and is a presenter at national and regional conferences.

In her platform, Kathleen states, "I understand how to serve and listen to a diverse membership of camps and centers without compromising the integrity of the camping industry...I believe in the membership and will work hard to represent the thoughts, concerns, and perspectives, and differences in way that makes the whole organization wiser and stronger."

ACA would like to thank the other candidates who were on the ballot -- Posie Merritt Taylor, Robert Grabill, and Peter Surgenor -- for the commitment to the association and willingness to serve. ACA is stronger because of people such as these.

Thanks also to all members who voted in this year's national board elections. ACA appreciates the time you took to read the candidates' biographies and complete your ballot. A vote in the election is a right of your membership, and we encourage all members to cast their vote.