The Nominating Committee had a very easy job this year. Compared to last year, when the committee literally had to ask people to form an interim Board because of lack of volunteers, this year we are very fortunate indeed that the present Executive Board members voiced their willingness to stay on for another term.

The present Executive Board has seen some major changes, starting from Vice President Cornelia Consolati Saravanamuttu’s departure for Cambodia this summer. She was then replaced by newly arrived Rinda Maramis (UNDP). Rinda has added a lot of zest and good ideas to the group. Secondly, Secretary Dammi Holbourne left for France late last year and was replaced by Pauline Bottrill (World Bank) whose organizational skills are proving very welcome (not to speak of her scrumptious English tea cakes). And third, we just learnt that Publications Chair Minoli de Soysa is leaving soon for Cambodia. Minoli will be leaving a big gap in our midst as she has been very active, very efficient and was very able to fill three positions at once when it became necessary. Cambodia will get someone truly remarkable in Minoli. In fact, Cambodia will soon have 3 of our former Board members: Leocardia Byenkia (UNDP), Cornelia Consolati (WFP), and now Minoli (ADB). But through all these major changes, the Board members have remained focused, united, and responsive to the needs of our members.