The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park announced July 12, 2001, that their new Executive Director, Joe Kessler, has taken the reigns of the
organization. Joe replaces John
Garrison who left the position in April for a role with the Trust for Public
Lands in Florida. “Joe has the
knowledge, experience and approachable demeanor that will assure his success
with the Friends,” says Board Chairman, John Fuller.
Kessler brings more than 19 years of non-profit management experience. For the past 14 years he held the position of Country Director for CARE, the international aid organization most recently in Mali, West Africa. Kessler led CARE’s efforts in five African countries and Mexico. Before joining CARE in 1981, he spent five years in the Peace Corps serving in Central and South America and Africa. Kessler has been involved in a wide variety of projects including several successful environmental conservation efforts.
“My wife, Cristina and I have enjoyed visiting St. John numerous times over the past 28 years. I was ready for a professional change and coming here is the right combination of challenging work in a culture and setting of natural beauty that I have appreciated for years,” says Kessler.
In the midst of its tenth year, the Friends is Virgin Islands National Park’s official fundraising partner. They raise funds from private sources to support Park projects in the areas of environmental education, natural resource protection, cultural preservation, scientific research, long range planning and the improvement of Park facilities.
Kessler knows that he’s joined a stable, successful organization, but there is always more that can be done. He adds, “In addition to fundraising, I’ll be spending some time in Washington D. C. in my role as an advocate for Virgin Islands National Park to assure that our Park gets the support that it needs. I will also devote attention to increasing the Friends’ constituency among the larger VI community and look for ways to broaden community participation in the organization.”
“We’re delighted to have Joe here. He brings a new perspective on what we do and he has a commitment to becoming a part of the St. John community that will be a real benefit to the Friends” cites Christie O’Neil, Secretary of the Board of Directors.