President
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This will be my 18th consecutive term as your president. This has been a great privilege and I have enjoyed every minute of it. This will be a transition year so that a solid foundation for the future can be put in place. There will also be a couple of milestones to celebrate: 2019 will be the twentieth anniversary of the Rescue Program and we hope to reach 100,000 plants rescued; 2020 will be the Societies 60th birthday and we can celebrate that we are the largest local Cactus and Succulent Society in the World!
Vice President
Vonn Watkins
Vonn has served as TCSS Vice President for over 16 years. As Program Director, he has arranged more than 300 speaker and workshop programs for the society including monthly meetings, Sonoran conferences and a national convention. He is one of the founders of the TCSS cactus and succulent plant rescue program and Pima Prickly Park. He is an educational specialist on various species of Cylindropuntia, Grusonia and Opuntia and is one of the authors of the book, Field Guide To Cacti & Other Succulents of Arizona. Vonn created the TCSS logo and has been on the research committee for many years. He has also been recognized with various service awards as well as an honorary life membership in recognition of his numerous accomplishments.
Secretary
Barbara Watts
Barb is a member of the Technology Committee working with Steve to re-develop our website membership portal into an interactive and dynamic database platform. This includes integrating software that will simplify and improve the recording and preparation of Board minutes. Given her role in the development of these tools, Barb believes it is a natural progression for her to take on the Secretary position where she can effectively manage both the technical and administrative aspects of this responsibility.
Treasurer
Donna Ellis
I have been a member of TCSS for over 40 years. In addition to serving on the Board, I am the Cactus Rescue Coordinator and have recently stepped into the Treasurer position. As Cactus Rescue Coordinator since 2016, I follow up on leads for possible rescue sites. I correspond with developers, conduct scouting expeditions to evaluate potential sites, work with the State of Arizona to secure native plant removal permits and tags, and work with Rescue Field Manager, Steve Watts, to implement rescues. Rescues constitute one of the major fundraising and educational activities of the organization. My main goals as coordinator include making sure rescues are fun, safe, productive, and legal for the hardworking volunteers who participate.