As the new year begins, it brings with it some changes to our Board of Trustees. Two long-standing board members, Harriett Barlow and Mark Dowie, are leaving us after two decades of outstanding service. From Mesa Refuge Founder Peter Barnes:

“Harriet opened my eyes to the magic of creative retreats, and Mark introduced me to the magic of Point Reyes. Then, when I had the mad idea of starting a writer’s retreat in Point Reyes, they supported and advised me every step of the way. For over twenty years they have been steadfast and wise. Without them the Mesa Refuge wouldn’t be here today.”

Thank you, Harriet and Mark!

And, though Harriet and Mark can never be “replaced,” we are thrilled to welcome Kim Klein and Margaret Russell — both dynamic women with a wealth of experience in building and leading nonprofit organizations — to our board.

From our Board Chair Elaine Elinson:

“I have learned so much from Kim’s excellent trainings on fundraising for our board. We are always delighted to have Kim at our meetings because she is also a stand-up comic. We know that she will keep us laughing — as she encourages us to pursue new resources to secure the future of Mesa Refuge.”

“I have known Margaret since she was chair of the board of the ACLU of Northern California and I was on the staff and always have deeply admired her unwavering commitment to social justice. She is a national thought leader on constitutional law and racial justice — her voice has become even more crucial in today’s precarious world.”

Welcome, Kim and Margaret! You can read more about Kim and read more about Margaret on our website.