Risa Shimoda Announces Resignation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 25, 2004 <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Contact: Kevin Lewis
AW
Board President,
klewis@snowcrest.net
RISA SHIMODA ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION FROM AMERICAN WHITEWATER
<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /> Risa Shimoda has announced her resignation as Executive Director of American Whitewater. She will work closely with the organization during this transition period while the board searches for her successor. In the interim, AW National Policy Director Jason Robertson will serve as acting Executive Director. Risa has a long history of involvement with American Whitewater as a volunteer, and while she pursues other professional and boating interests, a motion is already underway to return Risa to the board as an honorary member to acknowledge her many years of service.
"I believe that passion is requisite for fueling the persons who work for organizations that need to create and sell 'flowing water,' and hope that mine has some longevity with the staff and board as I depart," shared Risa. "I wish the best for the next person fortunate enough to see what it is like to work for one of the most effective conservation / recreation groups in the United States."
Risa's three-year tenure as Executive Director was marked by a number of important achievements. American Whitewater succeeded in landmark conservation efforts across the United States to restore flows on rivers such as the Upper Ocoee in Tennessee and the North Fork of the Feather in California. American Whitewater also protected the right to float and successfully defended that right in Colorado and led the fight to defeat boat registration initiatives in 14 states.
Risa promoted the development of the American Whitewater website, which now attracts over 20,000 visitors daily. She was instrumental in the growth of AW's events program, which sponsored the 2002 Teva Tour and continues to support many grassroots river festivals around the country. Membership services have greatly improved over her tenure as Executive Director and she helped American Whitewater refocus its programs and outreach toward mission-fulfillment.
Risa's greatest contribution, perhaps, has been her ability to encourage others to follow her example of decades of volunteerism. Kevin Lewis, American Whitewater board president, extended AW's gratitude for her hard work and dedication: "Risa's passion and tireless work was an inspiration to the board and staff and will continue to inspire the organization for many years to come. We wish Risa well in her future endeavors and we feel comforted knowing that this is simply the latest chapter in Risa's legacy with American Whitewater. She will always remain a vital and active member of this organization."
American Whitewater enjoys a membership of more than 6,000 individual members and 160 local canoe and kayak club affiliates, representing more than 80,000 whitewater paddlers across the country. American Whitewater was organized in 1954 with a mission to conserve and restore America's whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely. For more information about American Whitewater, please visit our website at www.americanwhitewater.org.
Kevin Lewis
1565 Rovian St
Boise, ID 83705-4269