To the Oregon Surfrider family:
It is with very mixed emotions that I want to inform you that I have accepted a new position at Surfrider Foundation, as the Youth Network Manager, and my role as Oregon Field Coordinator is now open. The past two and half years have been the most fulfilling and meaningful in my professional career and perhaps more importantly, on a personal level as well. I have been constantly inspired and fueled by the hard work and dedication of our chapter leaders, volunteers and my partner in crime, Charlie Plybon.
The passion and drive within our chapter network is incredible and it's been a true honor to help channel that energy into action protecting Oregon's many coastal treasures, keeping it clean upstream, laying the groundwork for a more ocean friendly future and last but not least, having a damn good time with all of you doing it! A shout out goes to the WA staff and chapters as well - the threats and issues facing the PNW often cross state lines and rightfully, so does the power of our grassroots network.
This decision was a hard one for me, but I felt that I couldn't pass up the opportunity as the Youth Program Manager role combines two threads I have been working to weave together in my professional career for the past 10 years: connecting our future generations to the ocean and cultivating an ethic of conservation and stewardship action. It all started when I began teaching sailing and windsurfing to youth 15 years ago, it’s why I’ve spent the past 10 years burning the midnight oil to make Warm Current a success and it’s why I love Surfrider (both as a volunteer for 10+ years, and now in a new employee role). In this new role I'll be managing our network of 65+ youth clubs nationwide and working on the development and implementation of a strategic plan that focuses on the growth, capacity building and sustainability of the program. I hope to take many of the successful programs and projects with youth that we've built here in Oregon and replicate them throughout our national chapter network.
Do not fear, I ain't leaving and plan to continue to engage with our local chapter network both officially through our Youth Club Network and on a volunteer basis through the Warm Current surf camps and outposts that we've already got cooking!
My official start date in this new role is April 1st on a part time basis which I will continue in until we have hired and trained my replacement, hopefully by the beginning of May. I will then transition to full-time in my new role starting in June. I'm very excited to find and help train the new Oregon Field Coordinator! The position is now open and posted here: http://www.surfrider.org/careers/oregon-field-coordinator1
I can't thank you all enough for all your hard work and dedication to the mission, your communities and our ocean!
With much gratitude and appreciation,
-Ryan