2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

History

The Yosemite Association is a not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to the support of Yosemite National Park through a program that includes membership, book publishing and sales, outdoor seminars, and visitor services. Established in 1923, the association was the first such "cooperating association" in the U.S. Our revenues are used to support education, museum, research, and environmental programs in Yosemite through donations to the National Park Service.

The Yosemite Association initiates and supports interpretive, educational, research, scientific, and environmental programs in Yosemite National Park, in cooperation with the National Park Service. Authorized by Congress, the Association provides services and direct financial support to promote park stewardship and enrich the visitor experience.

2005

As always, the Yosemite Association benefited from the leadership, direction, and support of its volunteer board of trustees in 2005. The multi-talented group donated countless hours in aid of the organization, while contributing money, services, and in-kind commodities. The board consisted of Christy Holloway, Chair, Suzanne Corkins, Vice Chair, Barbara Boucke, Treasurer, Keith Alley, Brad Anderholm, Tom Bowman, Jeani Ferrari, Phil Frank, Gerald Haslam, Kimi Hill, Malcolm Margolin, Ellie Nishkian, Lennie Roberts, Tom Shephard, and Phyllis Weber.

Everyone at the association was saddened at the passing of long-time board member Ellie Nishkian in July. She had served the organization since 1987, and was one of the founding trustees of the Yosemite Fund. Named a “Life Trustee” of the Yosemite Association last year, Mrs. Nishkian was an advocate of the Yosemite Museum and made a point of supporting fine art and Native American basketry in the park, both financially and politically.

In the annual board election, Barbara Boucke, Tom Bowman, Gerald Haslam, Christy Holloway, Lennie Roberts, and Gina Tan were all elected to new three-year terms. In another board change, Phil Frank submitted his resignation (which was reluctantly accepted by the board), and Jeani Ferrari (an ex officio trustee from the Yosemite Fund) was appointed to complete his term ending in 2006.

The Yosemite Association’s success during the year would not have been possible without the impressive cooperation, collaboration, and support of the National Park Service. Representatives to the board included Mike Tollefson (park superintendent), Kevin Cann (deputy superintendent), Chris Stein (chief of interpretation), and Mary Kline (interpretive branch chief), though countless other NPS employees worked hand in hand with association staff and volunteers to reach a remarkable level of accomplishment. We send our thanks and appreciation to all those dedicated people.

In staff changes, we bid adieu and best wishes to veteran Yosemite Valley Visitor Center Store manager Jeanne Andrew, who served us assiduously for thirteen years. She and her husband Bob have moved to Vancouver, Washington, and we wish them a happy retirement. During the year we also filled several long-standing vacancies with talented and motivated new staff members. They included Michelle Hansen, Sales Operations Manager, Laura Beardsley, Membership Coordinator, Megan Pardini, Administrative Coordinator, and Holly Kuehn, Shipping/Receiving Assistant. The Yosemite Association team is now nearly complete, and it’s never been stronger.

2004

Once again the Yosemite Association’s volunteer board of trustees provided invaluable guidance, assistance, and support throughout the year. The talents of the entire board contributed enormously to our successes in 2004. The board was made up of Christy Holloway, Chair, Suzanne Corkins, Vice Chair (replacing Gerald Haslam), Barbara Boucke, Treasurer, Keith Alley, Brad Anderholm, Gerald Barton, Tom Bowman, Jeani Ferrari, Phil Frank, Gerald Haslam, Kimi Hill, Kevin Kelly, Malcolm Margolin, Ellie Nishkian, Lennie Roberts, Tom Shephard, and Phyllis Weber.

Also providing important assistance and remarkable cooperation were National Park Service representatives Mike Tollefson (park superintendent), Kevin Cann (deputy superintendent), Chris Stein (chief of interpretation), and Mary Kline (interpretive branch chief), as well as many other NPS employees throughout the ranks.

In the annual board election held without balloting (no nominations by petition were received at the annual meeting), incumbent Phyllis Weber (who has served the association since 1980) was elected to a new three-year term. Gabriella “Nené” Casares of Fresno was elected to replace Gerald Barton, who left the board for business reasons after six years of dedicated service.

Gerald Barton of Ripon brought needed financial experience and business savvy to YA at a time when our fiscal fortunes had declined. As a key member of the Finance Committee he helped develop a plan to re-invigorate the association’s business and to cut costs and streamline operations. His hard work resulted in a significant turn-around in YA’s financial position and important new fiscal policies and systems. We will miss Jerry and his wife Janet, but are hoping we will still enjoy the benefit of their support and wisdom for years to come.

In other trustee changes, Bradley C. Anderholm replaced Kevin Kelly as the DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite representative to the board. Mr. Kelly was promoted to regional vice-president for DNC, and Mr. Anderholm was named to follow him as chief operating officer of the Yosemite operation. As well, long-time Yosemite Fund representative Tom Bowman was appointed to fill a regular board position with the Yosemite Association.

For the first time in several years there were no staff changes to report.

2003

YA's volunteer board of trustees contributed hundreds of hours of time and donated generously to our organization in 2003. We appreciated the fine service and dedication of the entire board that consisted of Christy Holloway, chair, Gerald Haslam, vice-chair, Barbara Boucke, treasurer, Gerald Barton, Tom Bowman, Suzanne Corkins, Phil Frank, Kimi Hill, Malcolm Margolin, Kathy Orr, Lennie Roberts, Tom Shephard, Gina Tan, Phyllis Weber, Jeani Ferrari, Kevin Kelly, and Ellie Nishkian.

In the annual board election (that was held without balloting because there were no nominations by petition), incumbent Malcolm Margolin of Berkeley was elected to a new three year term. Keith Alley, Vice Chancellor for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of California at Merced, was elected to replace Kathy Orr, who left the board after twelve years of distinguished service.

Dr. Alley is responsible for the development and support of research opportunities, initiatives, and partnerships at the new UC campus. In his dual position as dean of graduate studies, he will oversee graduate degree programs and all issues related to graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. An outdoor-lover, mountaineer, and cyclist, Alley most recently worked as Senior Associate Vice President for Research at The Ohio State University.

Alley also will be representing UC Merced in matters regarding the university's Sierra Nevada Research Institute, now being created in Yosemite. He is committed to increasing access for diverse students from the San Joaquin Valley region to both education and the natural treasures of Yosemite. He lives with his wife Jill in Merced.

Kathy Orr was actively involved in Yosemite over the course of her tenure as YA board member. She originally worked as a volunteer for the association, helping with membership recruitment, staffing of the museum and visitor center, and more. She later became a Volunteer-in-the-Park (VIP) for the National Park Service, spending many months each year contributing her time and knowledge in assistance to park visitors. Despite leaving the board, she continues as a valuable and highly regarded VIP.

The YA board recently passed a resolution thanking Ms. Orr for her years of service to the organization and Yosemite. The impact of her absence from board meetings has been diminished considerably, however, by the fact that we still see her regularly in the park.

On the staff level, there were several key changes in 2003. Long-term employees Connie Nielson and Anne Steed both left YA to pursue other opportunities. Connie came to work in our office in August 1992, and quickly became a key member of the membership department. She was primarily responsible for the development of YA's volunteer program. Anne concluded fifteen years of service with YA in September. She first worked as an assistant in the field seminar program, next as administrative assistant, and finally as membership coordinator.

Both Connie and Anne were extremely popular with our members and known for their warmth and excellent customer service. The voices at our end of the "member information line," Connie and Anne also were responsible for making our member events (such as the annual meeting and the spring forum) so successful and well run. The departure of both these fine employees has been keenly felt, and we extend them many thanks for their contributions to YA, and best wishes for the future.

Hired to take over as new membership coordinator was Christine (Chrissy) Knight. She most recently worked for DNC Parks & Resorts at Yosemite as an interpretive guide, augmenting her lifelong connection to the park. Chrissy's primary duty will be supervising our volunteer programs (both month-long and work trips), calling on her previous experience as an on-site manager for a residential volunteer program in Hawaii. We are pleased to have her as part of our staff.

2002

In the annual board election (that was held without balloting because there were no nominations by petition), incumbents Tom Shephard of Stockton and Bob Eckart of Mariposa were elected to new terms. Kimi Kodani Hill, a Berkeley-based graphic designer, author, and editor, was elected to replace William Alsup, who left the board after serving for fourteen years.

Ms. Hill, a long-time and active member of the association, became deeply involved with the organization during the production of Obata’s Yosemite, the book that featured the art and writing of her grandfather, Chiura Obata. She since has served as editor for Topaz Moon and Shades of California, both published by Heyday Books. She lives with her husband Richard and son Anthony in Berkeley.

Mr. Alsup made numerous contributions to YA during his time on the board. He authored two books published by the association (Such A Landscape! and Missing in the Minarets), and involved himself in a variety of Yosemite issues and several YA committees. His participation and support over the years are much appreciated.

Early in the year, Bob Eckart resigned from the board following his decision to move to the Phoenix, Arizona, area. A board member since 1993, he served as Treasurer for much of his tenure and proved enormously helpful with financial and other association affairs. Thanks go out to Bob for his service that spanned nearly a decade.

Appointed to complete the vacant position was Suzanne Corkins, director of business development for a biotechnology company in Palo Alto. She and her husband Trey Pruitt are fervent hikers and backpackers, and we look forward to benefiting from their involvement with YA.

In another 2002 board change, veteran CEO of Yosemite Concession Services, Cindy Bower, was promoted to a new job within Delaware North Park Services. Her ex officio position was filled by Kevin Kelly, who was named to replace Ms. Bower as the head of the park’s main concession company.

On the staff level,Mary Ann Corbaley, assistant sales manager, left the association. Chris Geis was hired to
become the new administrative assistant for the office.

2001

There were two additions to the board of trustees of the Yosemite Association in 2001. Assuming one of the regular seats on the board was Phil Frank, the San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist know for his "Farley" cartoon strip. He was elected to a six-year term to replace long-time board member Dan Wolfus.

Named to fill one of the three ex officio Yosemite Fund positions on the board was Jeani Ferrari of Turlock. She replaced Martha Brown of Mariposa who ably served the Fund and the Association for several years. Ms. Ferrari joined Tom Bowman and Elvira Nishkian as Yosemite Fund representatives.

In staff changes, long-time Seminar Coordinator Penny Otwell retired in 2001. Almost exclusively responsible for the success of the Yosemite Field Seminars over the years, Penny was well known to the hundreds of members who participated in the outdoor education program. Her warm demeanor and personal touch distinguished her work, and everyone at the association wishes her success with her artistic career and her other endeavors.

In the membership department, Connie Nielson returned to work after a five-month absence caused by a serious medical problem that seems to be resolved. We are happy to have Connie back, pleased that her health condition is improved, and appreciative of all her hard work on our behalf. Anne Steed, who served as secretary/cashier for many years, moved into a part-time position in membership in late summer.

In other changes, Mary Anne Corbaley was hired to replace Ferol Conklin as Assistant Sales Manager, Sandy Hamm joined the staff as a warehouse assistant, and Shelly Malenfant was employed as a part-time secretary/receptionist.

2000

The complexion of the YA Board of Trustees changed slightly in 2000. With the expiration of his two six-year terms, veteran board member Dan Wolfus left the board at the end of the year. One of the early trustees of the Yosemite Fund before joining the YA board, Mr. Wolfus made many contributions to Yosemite and our organization during his fifteen years of service. With his background in banking, he was a natural as Treasurer for the association, a post he held for some ten years. He also generously opened his home in Wawona for a variety of meetings and social events. We deeply appreciate the commitment of Dan Wolfus and his family to YA's efforts over the years.

Elected to replace Mr. Wolfus is Phil Frank, the noted cartoonist for the San Francisco Chronicle. For years Mr. Frank has contributed his drawings and other talents at the park, and his daily strip entitled "Farley" has featured a number of Yosemite-related topics. He lives in Sausalito with his wife, Susan, and maintains studios in locations as varied as a houseboat, a clock tower, and a farm pumphouse. Everyone at the Yosemite Association welcomes Phil and Susan to the organization, and looks forward to benefiting from the experience and sense of humor that comes with their involvement.

In staff changes, one of YA's longest-term employees retired in December. Membership coordinator Holly Warner, who spent fourteen years in the position, decided she'd like to experience Yosemite as a typical park visitor might, and to free up more of her time for gardening, yoga, pets, travel, and more. Ms. Warner was responsible for engineering the growth of YA's membership from 2,000 when she began to over 8,000 at her retirement. She distinguished herself with her congenial demeanor and personal approach towards our members, who came to know her as a friend. We wish Holly a rewarding and satisfying retirement, and thank her for her years of service and hard, productive work.

Filling Holly's vacant position is Laurel Rematore, an active YA member and volunteer. She left her university relations position with Cadence Design Systems to become Membership Director, and her work experience includes many years in human relations with Lockheed-Martin. Laurel has set lofty goals for herself in terms of new member acquisition, and she hopes to continue the tradition of personalized "member relations" that has come to characterize her department. We wish Laurel best of luck and all success in her new position.

In other staff changes, Ferol Conklin was hired to replace April Rose as Assistant Sales Manager, and Leah Mills took over as Warehouse Manager from Shaina Zelazo.