The Friends of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks are laying off Executive Director Neills Kristensen effective June 16, the organization’s president, Travis Hunt, said in a statement released on Tuesday.
“This is solely a financial decision and has nothing to do with the performance of the Executive Director,” he said in the statement. “The Executive Director will be working a reduced schedule of one and half days a week for continuity with staff, financials and programs. Retail and Educational staff will not be affected by any changes and programs such as Junior Naturalist and Nakimu Caves Trips will continue.”
Kristensen has been executive director for a number of years and has overseen a major growth period in the Friends’ history. He could not be immediately reached for coment.
Here is the full text of Hunt’s statement, which was also signed by Treasurer Marie-Hélène Ostiguy:
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are sending out an update on the Friends of Mount Revelstoke and Glacier and wish to thank everyone for their support. The past few years have been very challenging for the Friends on many different levels, but we have survived and have continued to support Parks Canada and our community. Due to financial difficulties, the Board of Directors needed to make decisions which will affect our operations and level of commitment to activities in the community. These changes are necessary for continued success of the organization in the future.
“One of the major operational changes will be laying-off the Executive Director effective June 16, 2012. This is solely a financial decision and has nothing to do with the performance of the Executive Director. The Executive Director will be working a reduced schedule of one and half days a week for continuity with staff, financials and programs. Retail and Educational staff will not be affected by any changes and programs such as Junior Naturalist and Nakimu Caves Trips will continue.
“We understand that there may be some outstanding invoices that need to be dealt with and we appreciate all of your continued support over the past few years. Any past or current invoices that have been placed will be paid fully.
“The Board of Directors are currently reviewing operations regarding staffing, programs and events in terms of long-term functioning and success of the Friends.
“We wish to stress that there are no talks or need for alarm that the organization will be folding in the future and all commitments that have prior approval will be supported.
“We ask for everyone’s understanding and support as we work towards financial sustainability.”
