It is with warmest wishes and mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Louise Hammer, long time friend and administrative professional for the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. Louise will be missed beyond measure and has been a dedicated and indispensable employee since March of 2014. Louise was hired by and worked alongside former executive director Stan Lilley, and has been here through many changes, accomplishments and milestones for the conservancy. She has evolved her role into donor management and communications aficionado while becoming a true and caring friend to our members and volunteers. Louise is a joy to work with and will be missed by staff, donors, vendors and business partners alike. Louise has played instrumental roles in planning our annual fundraising banquet, coordinating and executing our mailing appeals, and managing the ever changing clerical needs of a growing non-profit.
Louise and her husband were supporters and members of CWC prior to her employment with the organization but she says she was not that familiar with what we actually do. Since working here she has developed a love for the practices, mission and goals of CWC while becoming more environmentally conscious as an individual. When asked how she felt as her last day of employment approaches she said “I love it here, and wherever life takes me I hope to be able to continue to support the conservancy and be involved in their success”. She also said it will be hard to move on as she has become attached to the people and core values of the conservancy that have remained unchanged throughout the years.
Louise plans to visit her children and grandchildren, who live in the western region of the country, more often. She will also travel with her husband and embrace the next chapter of life. We wish her the best and while we will miss her friendship and deep institutional knowledge, we remain excited for her new adventure. We thank her for a deep dedication to this organization and her kindness, compassion and warm spirit.
