Home Office Announces New Executive Director

(Phoenix, Arizona—September 28, 2006) Last week, GWRRA Chairman of the Board Paul Hildebrand announced Don Brock’s resignation as the Association’s Executive Director and the appointment of Jim Hodge as the Association’s new International Director of Operations. Paul noted, however, that he would take some time to decide who would take over leadership of the business side of the Association.

Today, Paul says he is happy to announce the appointment of Melissa Nordeoff, GWRRA’s first female Executive Director, to that position. "I’m certain Melissa will form a close team with Jim Hodge, so that while Jim will primarily help the field officers, Melissa will team up with Jim on national and corporate issues," Paul says. "She’ll ensure the processes and activities of the Home Office are seamless and friendly to our Membership."

Paul goes on to say that he’s worked with Melissa for over 10 years and that she always excels at whatever she takes on. "And, being younger than most current Members, she has new ideas, concepts, and questions that some of us ‘ol’ fogies’ can't think about—much less remember," he adds laughingly.

Melissa says she remembers much about GWRRA from her very youngest years (she’s been a Member since birth), especially the "Friends for Fun" part. But she says one of her fondest—and most impressionable—memories took place at 1992’s Wing Ding when she was able to help work the Goodie Booth.

"When I was first able to participate and spend time with the volunteers," Melissa says, "I realized whether anyone knew who you were or not, everybody had a smile for you; everybody said, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’; everybody watched out for each other. And it was such a warm, friendly atmosphere that I’ve never been able to feel anywhere else. It was fun."

Indeed Melissa, who says many of her "new" ideas actually revolve around the Association’s roots of volunteerism and motto of "Friends for Fun, Safety & Knowledge" is certainly qualified to offer advice. Most recently, she has served as the Operations Manager for GWRRA and has trained a very good staff of professional customer service people.

Melissa says she’ll work on programs that—first and foremost—show appreciation for GWRRA’s many volunteers and Members. In fact, Melissa is responsible for developing the sub-theme of GWRRA’s National and International 30th Anniversary Events—"Giving Back to the Members." And, among the first qualities she lists as her personal qualifications for the position, is her desire to help our Family.

"And now I want to help give more appreciation to the volunteers and the Members for everything they do," Melissa says. "After all, they’re the reason we’ve been here for 30 years."

Email: mnordeoff@gwrra.org

Phone: 623-581-2500 X212