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Dear Friends,
In case we haven’t met, I am Martha Van Dale, FONA’s current Board Chair. I joined the Board in 2017 and have had the pleasure of watching FONA and the U.S. National Arboretum grow and thrive in recent years. Having spent most of my career in nonprofit work serving the agricultural sector, I am honored to serve FONA at this exciting time.
Today, I write with both heartfelt gratitude and anticipation to share an important milestone in FONA’s journey. After six remarkable years at the helm, our Executive Director, Craven Rand, will step down at the end of this year. We’ve planned for this transition and will soon launch a national search for our next Executive Director — someone who will build on our momentum and guide the organization into a new era as the Arboretum’s primary private partner.
| | Craven joined us in 2019, just before FONA and the Arboretum faced the unexpected challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an organization, FONA was ready for renewal. His steady leadership has been transformational. With vision, compassion, and unwavering commitment, Craven revitalized FONA — strengthening our partnership with the Arboretum, expanding our programs, and maximizing our community impact. | | | |
As Craven shared:
“I am so very proud of our team's work over the past six years. We've done 3 very important things to strengthen FONA: We've expanded our public-private partnership with the Arboretum at the request of our federal partners. We've given back to the community through our educational programming, a growing portfolio of visitor events, and new summer hours. And we've planned for the future with a business blueprint to guide our growth and by gaining regulatory approval for a new canopy trail attraction.
I am thankful for our FONA team, our Board, our dedicated federal partners at the Arboretum. Most importantly, I am thankful for all of FONA’s supporters and volunteers. While it is not an easy decision to pass the baton, today is a great day because FONA is in a prime position to showcase the U.S. National Arboretum for its upcoming 100th anniversary, and to make sure the next 100 years are even better.”
| | From left: Craven Rand, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Dr. Richard T. Olsen at Dinner Under the Stars. Lissa Ryan Photography. | | Craven Rand (left) handing out 5K race t-shirts with a volunteer. A2Z Photography. | | |
While leadership transitions bring change, we are approaching this moment with intention and care, and I see this as an opportunity for growth. With a dedicated team, strong partnerships, and your steadfast support, FONA is well-positioned for continued success. We are incredibly grateful for Craven’s leadership and the strong foundation he leaves behind. To ensure continuity during this transition, this year we promoted longtime Director of Programs, Brianne Studer, to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer. Her experience and deep institutional knowledge will be essential as we move into this next chapter.
We will have several opportunities to thank Craven for his service before the end of the year. I look forward to keeping you informed and connecting with many of you as we move forward.
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Martha Van Dale
FONA Board Chair
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