SPECIAL EDITION E-NEWSLETTER

December 8th, 2022

Photo: Carolyn Griffin-Bugert, outgoing Executive Director (left), Canuche Terranella, incoming Executive Director (middle), and Laura Reichlin, Board President (right) at WRI's Outdoor Classroom Ribbon Cutting today.

Holy cats… it’s been six months already?

In June, when I announced my plan to retire by the end of the year, that timeline seemed so far away… and now it is here. As I sit in the Sunroom of the River Haus looking out on the snow falling, I have a sense of sadness about leaving a job that I have absolutely loved, and a sense of excitement for WRI’s future.

I know that I am leaving WRI in good hands. Canuche is the perfect fit for the job. He already has a strong passion for the mission (demonstrated by 2.5+ years on WRI’s Board of Directors), he is a great strategic thinker, and most importantly, has a good heart. I leave WRI knowing Canuche will care for WRI as much as I have.

The past four years as Executive Director have been a true honor. It has had a few challenges. It has had many, many successes. The job has always been joyful.

I have you, our supporters, the Wenatchee River Institute staff, and our Board of Directors to thank for how much fun this job has been. It is your passion for this place that has made me look forward to coming to work every day. It is your passion that will carry WRI forward.

The future for WRI looks bright!

Sincerely,

Carolyn Griffin-Bugert

Outgoing Executive Director

Wenatchee River Institute

executive_director@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org

I have been excited about the Wenatchee River Institute since my son came home with chalked hands and big smiles after his first day at Rock On Camp with WRI. As I learned more about the passion of the educators and the beauty of the campus, I knew I needed to get involved in the organization. I’ve evolved from a parent to a donor to a board member to the leader of WRI, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity.   

WRI is in a great position. Strong youth programs that are well supported by teachers and parents. Interesting and engaging community programs that bring people with diverse interests to our campus. Facilities that are a treasure for our town and everyone who visits. A great team of educators and strong corps of volunteers who work to make WRI better. Carolyn led WRI to this moment and I appreciate her for it.  

I’ve got big boots to fill. 

Looking forward, I want to keep doing all the little things that she and her team do that brought us to this place. I want to keep the flywheel of environmental education programs that WRI offers. I want to listen to our community and develop the next great ideas. Like Carolyn did before me, I want to collaborate to help build out the next cycle of best ideas. Finally, I want our campus to be a welcoming place for everyone to share and to be proud of.  

Over the next few months, I will be reaching out to learn more about what WRI means to our members, donors, and supporters. The Board of Directors is working on the next strategic plan, and it will be a good moment for thoughtful reflection on where we are and where we want to go next. Join me on the journey!  

Sincerely,

Canuche Terranella

Executive Director

Wenatchee River Institute

cterranella@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org

509-548-0181 ext. 1

You're Invited!

Passing the Baton

Saturday, January 21st

4:00PM-5:30PM

WRI River Haus

Join us for a "passing the baton" open house to welcome Canuche and bid farewell to Carolyn. This will be a great opportunity to meet Canuche, get to know him, and ask questions. It will also be a great time to bid a fond farewell to Carolyn and honor her time and stewardship over the last 4 years. There will be light snacks and drinks available. Stay tuned for more details!

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