Welcome Judith! Fond Farewell Dian!

The ballots have been counted and we have a new Board of Directors at EPIC! We are excited to welcome Judith Mayer to the Board. Judith teaches in HSU’s Department of Environmental Science and Management, and Environment and Community graduate program. She holds MS and PhD degrees in City and Regional Planning. Judith is serving a fourth term on Arcata’s Planning Commission, currently as vice-chair, after two terms on Arcata’s Economic Development Committee. An Arcata resident since 2000, Judith has lived, traveled, studied and worked extensively in the US, Europe, and Asia. A founding member of The Borneo Project of Earth Island Institute, she also served as its Director/Coordinator, and continues on its board. Her research and advocacy for community environmental planning in the US and abroad gives her a local and global perspective on North Coast concerns. Judith hopes to contribute to EPIC’s defense of the Earth, and believes EPIC’s effective public persuasion, collaborative efforts, regulatory advocacy, and willingness to sue if necessary make EPIC the North Coast’s most effective environmental advocacy organization.

EPIC is also excited to welcome back Shawnee Alexandri, Robert Shearer, Peter Martin, Mitra Abidi, Noah Levy, Tom Preble, Nate Madsen, and Tony Silvaggio for another tour of duty on the Board. We are lucky to have such a committed and engaged Board.

EPIC is sad to bid adieu to Dian Griffith. Dian has been a stalwart supporter and friend of EPIC for many years and has served EPIC for 17 years, first as EPIC’s bookkeeper before transitioning to the Board. Dian always provided a keen financial eye, ensuring EPIC’s long-term viability. She also is a good friend and her positive outlook will be missed. While Dian is stepping down from the Board, she is not leaving the community and intends to stay on as an advisor to EPIC. In recognition of Dian’s longtime service to EPIC, we have renamed our annual Volunteer of the Year Award, presented at the Fall Celebration, in her honor. Many thanks, Dian, and happy trails!