January 11, 2020— The Board of Directors of Apalachicola Riverkeeper (AR) spent the day in a strategic planning retreat at Tall Timbers in Tallahassee. Kim Sash, vice-president of the board is a conservation biologist for the Tall Timber’s land 
conservancy. She led the group on a wagon tour of the upland pine habitat at the conclusion of the day, noting the ecological connectivity of North Florida’s conservation lands, rivers and bays. Related, Tall Timbers hosts its annual Fire Festival on January 25. Look for Apalachicola Riverkeeper’s resource table there.
Board president, Katie McCormick, kicked off the retreat by welcoming the group. Board members also included Kim Sash Hill, Mark Friedman, Rebecca Jetton, Charley Kienzle, Guy Anglin, Mary Balthrop, Craig Diamond, Hank Kozlowsky, Barbara Powell, Clay Robinson and Lynn Wilder. (Lynn is slated for March appointment).
Strategic planners, Brent Johnson and Rick Zelznak facilitated the discussion and breakout activities throughout the day. Brent and Rick first worked with the board in August 
2017 to strengthen the organization’s strategic plan with emphasis on priority setting during the transition planning of Dan Tonsmeire’s retirement. Georgia Ackerman has been Riverkeeper and Executive Director since December 2017.
Dan Tonsmeire served as Riverkeeper from 2004-2017. Dan periodically advises on various projects and issues, such as AR’s current legal challenge to the Army Corps of Engineers, a suit filed in 2017. Dan is also a project team member on AR’s Slough Restoration Project. Diane Hines joined as Deputy Director in December 2017. Susan Macken, who joined AR is 2013, continues as Administrative Coordinator.
Over the course of the day, board members and staff reviewed and prioritized current and upcoming projects and policies. Organizational goals and objectives for 2020-2021 were also evaluated and revised. Overview of 2020 goals will be shared with AR’s membership at the annual member meeting on March 21.
 More photos of AR’s Board Retreat.
