The new directors were announced and welcomed at the annual WVCC Banquet on November 14. They attended the November 15th Board meeting as observers, and were seated on January 1, 2010. Their first board meeting will be on March 20.

There was a larger than usual field of candidates (a good thing!) for this election: Frank Abbato (incumbent), Carroll Bassett, Jerry Bowen, Rich Geisler, Mike Oatney, George Phillips, Ed Saugstad, Bob Thren, and John Tudek. Everyone's willingness to serve is very much appreciated! The efforts of the Nominating Committee (Pauline Apling, Fred Grady, and Alex Sproul) in soliciting candidates and conducting the election are also appreciated.

Two other incumbent directors opted not to run for another term: Jeff Bray and Meredith Weberg. We thank them for their many years of faithful service, and appreciate their continuing involvement in other ways.

The WVCC is governed by a Board of Directors, nine of whom are elected by the membership, and three of whom may be appointed by the sitting directors. Elected directors serve nine year terms, and for continuity, terms are staggered, with one third elected every three years. The next director election will be in 2012, though other appointed directors may be seated in the interim.

Additionally, at its meeting on November 15, the Board elected Frank Abbato as the new President of the Conservancy.    The service of former President Bob Handley is very much appreciated. The current WVCC officers are now:

• Frank Abbato, President
• Susi Weston, Vice President
• John Pearson, Secretary
• Bob Hoke, Treasurer

Pauline Apling also serves as Membership Secretary, Meredith Weberg continues as editor of The Open Cave, and Charlie Williams continues as Webmaster.

We mailed 194 ballots Regular and Family members (none went to Institutional members). Of these, 127 ballots were returned, which is a very good return rate of 65 percent. Everyone who returned a ballot in this election should pat themselves on the back for participating in democracy in action! Thanks for your support of WVCC and its officers and Board!