I begin this month's article with a bit of good news! We have a new addition to the ranks of the ACB staff in Minneapolis. Our lengthy search for a new controller for that office came to an end with the hiring of Donald Gardner in October. Don comes to us with over 25 years of experience working for non-profit organizations. His expertise has been evident from his first day on the job. He hit the ground running and hasn't stopped yet. Those of you who attend the mid-year meetings in Jacksonville should have a chance to meet him, and he has said that he is looking forward to meeting many of you, as well as learning more about ACB's activities and mission. I think you will be pleased with our find.
By the time you read this, we will have sent another year into the history books and begun a brand-new one. I want to thank each of you for helping to shape the year that was. Your time, your talents, your energy, your suggestions and words of encouragement, and your willingness to share your financial resources with others have been noted and are very much appreciated.
As we approach the new year, it is tempting to speculate about the nature of what lies ahead. We can anticipate some of the challenges we are likely to face. Some are already familiar to us. We may wonder how many surprises are in store for us as well, since each year seems to hold a few. For my part, I don't intend to worry about such things, because I am convinced that regardless of the strength of the challenge, or the nature of the surprise, ACB is full of people who can rise to the occasion and draw upon resources that are sufficient to overcome it. We have seen this happen time and time again. That being the case, we are bound to have another great year.
Therefore, to each and every one of you, I hope that 2006 will be your best year yet, and I look forward to the things we will accomplish together.