The ABZS Board of Directors is changing. We offer our deep gratitude to the outgoing directors for their service and leadership and welcome our new directors.
Bows to the outgoing directors:
· Shinren Mark Stone – Shinren has served as President since August of 2016, when ABZS became a 501c3 nonprofit. He is deeply grateful to have worked with the different incarnations of the board during the early growth period of ABZS.
· Koryu Naomi Knoble – Koryu served as Vice President beginning in July 2018. She led important projects for the board, including fundraising and setting up COVID protocols for ABZS.
· Steven Meek – Steve served as Secretary beginning in January 2022. He diligently prepared comprehensive minutes of the board meetings and organized the board meetings.
A warm welcome to:
· John Flanagan – President. John has coordinated our sangha calendar project since 2014. He began his practice with us around 2010.
· Seiryu Paula Chiplis – Secretary. Seiryu Paula began practicing at ABZS in April 2022. She continues the COVID policy updates and looks forward to serving the Sangha in this new capacity.
· Zen’etsu Clay Crowell – At Large. Zen’etsu Clay began practicing at All Beings Zen in the Spring of 2021, and later received Jukai in December 2022. Zen’etsu enjoys being with Sangha, engaging in monthly events, and collaborating on ways we can continue to extend our practice within our Sangha as well as in our daily lives.
Spiritual Director Sensei Inryu Ponce-Barger, Treasurer Shoryu Christopher Leader, and At Large director Augustin Smith remain on the board.
Changing directors is built into the ABZS bylaws. Directors step down when their term is ended (two consecutive three-year terms maximum) or due to changing personal situations.
We are grateful to serve All Beings. We welcome questions and feedback from the sangha. Please feel free to contact us collectively or individually. Our email addresses are cc’ed on this email.
May you all have a lovely and connecting August.
In Gassho,
Shinren Mark Stone
John Flanagan