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From Andy Falender After nearly 23 years as first executive director and more recently president of the Appalachian Mountain Club, I have decided to retire in January 2012. While retirement has been a hard decision, I leave knowing that the time is right for me and that the organization is ready. For me, this has been so much more than a job. It has been a way of life, an opportunity to meet and work with wonderful, committed, visionary, and accomplished people, and to find renewal and rejuvenation through time spent at special outdoor places. For AMC, I know I have chosen a time of great strength in our organization, great excitement, and great opportunities for the future. I was extremely fortunate to take on this position at the beginning of 1989. AMC had a distinguished history, amazing volunteers, and an agenda that had enormous potential. During these nearly 23 years, I've worked with extremely talented and dedicated staff, board members, advisors, donors, volunteers of all types, colleagues in the environmental community, and many, many others. I'm very proud of what we've accomplished together. We really have, as our mission states, promoted the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. We have been able to implement AMC's mission because of you. Thank you for all you have done and thank you for the opportunity you have provided for me. And while I may be leaving my role at AMC, the organization is not slowing down! We plan to build on the momentum we already have, and are investing in new ways to get kids outdoors, build our constituency, lead in regional conservation, and continue the progress we have made in the Maine Woods Initiative. Thanks again for giving me this terrific opportunity.
From Laurie Gabriel 
It is with mixed feelings that I write this note to you. The AMC Board of Directors and I are very sorry that Andy has decided to retire in January 2012. But we are pleased that we have another seven months of his leadership and believe that Andy has chosen to leave at a time of great strength for AMC. I feel honored to be in the role of chair of the Board of Directors and chair of the Search Committee during this major transition for the club. Finding the right successor is enormously important to AMC, and I want to make sure all of our members understand the steps we are taking to find Andy's successor. Over two years ago the Board of Directors formed a Transition Committee to prepare AMC for a leadership change, and we now have a Search Committee in place. The Search Committee includes current board members as well as individuals with experience at nonprofits who have undergone a leadership transition (see below). The Search Committee has engaged the Bridgespan Group as our search consultant. Bridgespan focuses exclusively on executive searches for nonprofits. You can find a job description, a short biography of our search committee members, and an email address that you are welcome to use to recommend potential candidates, by clicking here. Please be assured that the AMC board and staff are committed to maintaining the high standards that Andy has established for programs, facilities, member and volunteer services, trails, and conservation stewardship. Both of us greatly appreciate your support, input, and commitment!
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AMC President Andy Falender. Photo by Megan Begley.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH COMMITTEE
