Some Final Words
In what seems like the blink of an eye, 12 years have passed since I was elected to the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors. When then-President Murray Archibald called to inform me, I felt a sense of pride and honor I’ve never forgotten.
In January 2018, after serving as Vice President for four years, I’ll also never forget the reaction I had when the Executive Director, the late Steve Elkins, asked if I’d agree to serve as President, as he was taking a medical leave of absence. I would never have said no.
Sadly, Steve passed away just two months later. Over the next 18 months, the Board, staff, and organization as a whole had to begin to transition CAMP Rehoboth into its next chapter—and for the first time in three decades, doing so without one of its beloved co-founders.
From Steve’s passing, to working through a nine-month professionally guided strategic planning initiative, to embarking upon the search for and hiring of a new Executive Director, to dealing with a world-wide pandemic that redefined our lives for a year and a half, and now trying to get back to “normal,” the Board accomplished some very important work during some very difficult years.
At times it hasn’t been easy, and challenges have certainly surfaced, but our steadfast commitment to the mission of this organization has driven our collective efforts and we have persevered.
In working with Executive Director David Mariner, Development Director Anita Broccolino, and all of our talented and amazing staff, as 2021 draws to a close, I am pleased to report that our financials are strong, our membership is up, our programs and services are thriving, and we are engaging the broadest audience of supporters we’ve ever reached. Exciting plans for 2022 are underway and the future is bright!
The Board having adopted a Term Limits policy in 2020, a key responsibility of the President is now succession and leadership transition for the Board. With my term concluding at the end of this year, this important priority has been a major focus of mine the last two years.
With that said, it is my great pleasure to announce the November elections of Wes Combs as President, Leslie Ledogar as Vice President, Bea Vuocolo as Treasurer, and Mike DeFlavia as Secretary.
I’ve worked closely with Wes and have watched him emerge as an effective and strong leader. His personal commitment and professional work experience will benefit CAMP Rehoboth tremendously. He and his husband, Greg Albright, have been long-time supporters, members, and generous donors. Since the Board established a Governance Committee in 2020, Wes has successfully chaired this critical effort and the organization is stronger for it. We are very fortunate to have Wes serve as the next president. On behalf of my fellow board members, congratulations Wes!
Congrats also to Mike, and to first-time officers Leslie and Bea. This is an incredibly strong group of officers who will meet the challenges ahead and lead the organization into its next phase. Along with the full board, I’m confident we will work together and accomplish great things next year, and in the years to come.
I would be remiss by not addressing the change in the position of Treasurer. After nearly 30 years of volunteer service in that role, Natalie Moss decided to step down and shift her focus to training and mentoring our new treasurer. On behalf of a very grateful organization and community, we will never be able to THANK YOU enough, Natalie, for all you have done for CAMP Rehoboth. There aren’t enough superlatives to describe your contributions and we are forever indebted to you for that loyalty and dedication. We love you!
It bears repeating, CAMP Rehoboth is a unique and amazing organization supported by passionate, dedicated, and generous individuals who share a mutual affection for the organization and this community. It is a beautiful thing.
On a personal note, it has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as Board President of CAMP Rehoboth these past four years. Overall, I’m proud of the work we accomplished during not only a transitional but also a very demanding period in the organization’s history. Walking into the Convention Center in August 2006 to volunteer for Sundance for the first time, I would never have dreamed that one day I would be writing this column. I have been truly blessed.
A quick note of thanks to each of the board members I’ve had the privilege of working with these many years. Your support was, and remains, invaluable.
While I would have made certain decisions differently, hindsight is always 20/20, and I know I have led with my heart. Appropriate really, because thanks to the vision, dedication, and leadership of our co-founders, CAMP Rehoboth is and always will be the heart of the community.
Thank you and Happy Holidays! ▼
Chris Beagle is President of the CAMP Rehoboth Board of Directors and is a realtor at Berkshire-Hathaway-Gallo Realty in Rehoboth Beach. christopherbeagle1@gmail.com