Conservation Northwest

Inside Conservation Northwest Board news Paul Bannick Development director,paul@conservationnw.org Saluting generosity & leadership We are thrilled that Tom and Sonya Campion will be celebrated as the "Outstanding Philanthropic Individuals" of 2011 by the Washington chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Few have done more to keep the Northwest—or even North America—wild than the Campions. It is hard to imagine having succeeded in any of our major campaigns without the leadership and generosity of Tom and Sonya. As critical as their support has been to us, this award recognizes that they have shown similar generosity to other organizations, particularly to those supporting the Northwest and Tom's prime interest, the Arctic. Wildlife and wildlands stir something in Tom's soul and once he cares, his motivation, passion, and persistence are unstoppable. Conservation Northwest has been a fortunate beneficiary of his energy and business acumen since our founding in 1989, and Tom has been a leader on our board ever since. Since Sonya entered Tom's life, her grounded intellect and breadth of philanthropic experience has been invaluable in helping us and many other groups chart better courses in pursuit of fundraising objectives. Tom possesses a rare set of business skills that enabled him to found Zumiez, a clothing company for snowboarders, skaters, and other active youngsters. To Conservation Northwest, Tom brings the same skills to bear that allowed him to grow Zumiez to 400 stores. He is bold, but not rash; deliberate, but not conservative. This style has enabled Conservation Northwest to take calculated major risks that have paid off. In 1998, with a budget of only $250,000, we committed to raise over $18 million in just 15 months to save 25,000 acres of vital lynx habitat from logging in the Loomis Forest. We got it done. Sonya lent her expertise and counsel of The Collins Group during both the Loomis Forest Fund campaign and The Cascades Conservation Partnership that followed. As our board treasurer, Tom asked tough questions of this campaign. When Tom got the answers he needed, Tom and Sonya relax in the Methow Valley, another area benefitting from their philanthropy. Courtesy Braided River he didn't hesitate to take the needed risk and back it up with his money, time, and reputation, helping us to protect 45,000 acres in the Cascades by raising over $80 million in private and public funds. While their skills and energy alone are great boon to conservation efforts, Tom and Sonya also give very generously. On top of this, they make financial requests, host meetings and events (even the occasional staff retreat), and do everything needed to move forward our mission over the long haul. The Campions are heroes to those of us who work at Conservation Northwest and we are thrilled to see them recognized for this prestigious award. Congratulations, Tom and Sonya! Congratulations also go to the Wilburforce Foundation for being chosen as the "Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation" for 2011. Wilburforce is one of Conservation Northwest's top supporters. To our board—Hellos and goodbyes Conservation Northwest says goodbye to long-time board member Nancy Ritzenthaler. Nancy joined us just after the Loomis Forest campaign and has guided us through many organizational transitions and hosted several house parties to benefit our campaigns as well as generously supported us herself. We will miss her! We welcome aboard new board member Michel Girard. Michel recently Michel Girard ran Cameron Catering and now operates a management consulting firm. He brings 15 years of high tech and a decade of small business experience to our board and enjoys helping businesses run, grow, and thrive. 22 Fall 2011 Michel says one of his strengths is that he can look at complex problems from a variety of perspectives and come up with creative solutions. But perhaps his biggest asset on our board will be his ability to ask for money. "I can walk up to a complete stranger, make them feel comfortable, and then ask for money." (Thanks, Michel, we're counting on you!) Michel joined our board because he believes, "Conservation Northwest has the best combination of staff, leadership, and vision to tackle the complex issues of the day." Michel lives in a small house in Seattle now but lived on the water for 10 years. "My true heart lies with the ocean. I love every moment I get to spend out on the water traveling with and amongst the wildlife. And, I love weather. It is probably one of the reasons I love living on a boat—you have to learn to work with Mother Nature." –Jodi Broughton , jodi@conservationnw.org www.conservationnw.org

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