As we start 2020, the Land Trust would like to bid farewell to our board members who completed their terms at the end of 2019--Win Francis, Jim Nicol, and Bob Thomas. Their time, passion, and dedication to our work was immeasurable to our success, and we thank them for their years of service.
Win Francis was a co-founder of the Land Trust. He rejoined the Board for the second time in 2012. As an attorney and a co-founder of the High Desert Museum and the Tower Theatre Foundation, Win provided the Land Trust with both legal acumen and a deep understanding of how community institutions grow and evolve. Born and raised in Oregon, Win took a keen interest in the history of Central Oregon and the role of the Land Trust in protecting lands for future generations. We’ll greatly miss Win’s penchant for showing up to meetings with a smile and a joke.
Sisters resident Jim Nicol joined the Board in 2012 and served as Board President from 2017-2018. He was an active member of the Finance, Fundraising, and Board Development Committees. As a professional forester with an extensive background facilitating international forest transactions, Jim provided invaluable forestry and stewardship expertise to support our conservation work. In addition, Jim is always willing to pitch in, whether it's at Bingo for a Cause, fish releases, the Dirty Half, or as a Trail Steward. His passion is extensive, with more than 1,000 volunteer hours given to the Land Trust!
Bob Thomas joined the Board in 2011. Bob grew up in Bend, where he owned and operated a Chevrolet car dealership that was in his family for three generations. As an avid recreationist with a long-term view of Central Oregon’s growth, Bob deeply understood the importance of the Land Trust’s work in protecting Central Oregon’s wild places. While on the Board, Bob served on the Land Trust’s Board Development and Fundraising Committees. Bob’s background and interests meant he could always be counted on to provide a unique perspective and ask the tough questions.
Thank you Win, Jim, and Bob for your accomplishments while on the Board of Directors of the Land Trust!
