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Mary Ennis has been part of the ACA fabric
for as long as most of us have enjoyed
this Association. She began her career
at the American Camp Association in 1955.
Hired for a temporary job to help move
the ACA headquarters to their new building
in Bradford Woods and get things organized,
Mary's "temporary" job
extended for fifty-three short years. Her
warm smile and friendly voice helped many
of us find the best ACA resources for our
specific needs.
Mary had several titles during her tenure—her
latest was corporate secretary, but, as
she says, "The work was always the
same." She saw ACA through several
capital campaigns and building projects
and the establishment of many new programs
and projects. She witnessed the ACA's
branding initiative and name change and
helped the Association adapt to three logo
changes, although she still has a fondness
for the "acorn." During her
fifty-three years, she has supported the
work of five executive directors, five
interim executive directors, and twenty-four
national presidents. She has seen
the organization grow from a technically
bankrupt association to one with nearly
eight thousand members. She has endured
more board meetings than many of us can
imagine.
Through all the changes, Mary Ennis was
steady as a rock—always there to
assist the staff and provide unwavering
support for ACA volunteers. Her organizational
prowess, her knowledge of ACA history,
and her devotion to her work and to our
volunteers will be missed. The American
Camp Association had the remarkable good
fortune that a temporary job in 1955 turned
into a life-long commitment to ACA, the
camp experience, and youth.
Mary will enjoy her retirement by traveling,
gardening, and helping ACA as a volunteer
prepare the Association for its 100th anniversary.
We welcome Mary into this new role as a
well-known volunteer. Who better to help
us organize our historical documents and
help us tell our story? Our story will
be that much richer and all of our memories
that much deeper because of Mary's
grace and dedication.
Please share your memories and messages—your
appreciation and celebration—with
Mary by writing her in care of the ACA
National Office, 5000 State Rd 67 N., Martinsville,
IN 46151. We will forward all your letters
to her. |
