Wednesday, June 30, 2004

Rec District exec director resigns post

Austin Crofts to spend year abroad

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By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer

The Blaine County Recreation District navigated a smooth course throughout the last year, developing the Community Campus in Hailey, providing programs to hundreds of children and maintaining miles of trails throughout the Wood River Valley.

Mary Austin Crofts, executive director of the Blaine County Recreation District, announces her resignation Thursday. Express photo by David N. Seelig

But the Recreation District’s path took an unexpected turn at the board meeting on Thursday, June 24. After detailing the district’s recent accomplishments and prioritizing the District’s future endeavors, executive director Mary Austin Crofts announced her resignation.

She rose with a single sheet of paper in her hand, as former Board president Keith Perry joked that the longtime director was about to announce her departure.

The rest of the room chuckled, but neither Perry nor anyone else in the room knew what was about to come.

"On August 20, Kim and I will load up our little family … and fly to Panama City … where we will spend the next year of our lives," she began.

"I think the timing couldn’t be better for a little change," explained Austin Crofts, who celebrated 20 years with the district in February.

Change is now imminent for the Recreation District and was forefront in Austin Crofts’ decision.

"People who make changes live happier and longer," she added.

They have decided to rent a beach house on an island off the coast of Panama, where they will live for the upcoming year. "We want to hang around to see if it’s a place we want to spend some time," she said.

After announcing the couple was leaving, Austin Crofts explained the impetus for her decision. "I feel on top of the world. I feel totally fulfilled," she said. "My commitment will stay with the district. I will be an e-mail or a phone call away."

Despite the humor, mouths dropped as Austin Crofts continued to deliver her resignation. This was the first time she had told her staff and the board.

"I just sensed it," Cathy Baer, the district’s special projects coordinator, said.

Anticipating the impact of her decision and fighting her own emotions, Austin Crofts, wiped away tears and continued with composure.

"You won’t miss a beat," Austin Crofts reassured her staff. "I have it all figured out.

"Everything is in place to make this the most positive change for the district and for the community."

The shared shock was coupled with overwhelming support.

"This is not without many challenges, but good for you," said Tim Hamilton, new recreation district president. Hamilton was appointed president at the meeting to fill the vacancy left by Perry. Perry moved out of his district, which forced his resignation. Board member Leslie Fairbrother was appointed vice-president.

"It takes courage" to make such a move, Hamilton added.

"This is my life, it’s almost like I started a business," Austin Crofts commented.

Kim and Mary Austin Crofts, who plan to spend a year in Panama, enjoy one of their favorite outings Saturday at the annual Best of the Valley food and fun fundraiser sponsored by the Blaine County Recreation District for the Youth Activity Center in Hailey. Express photo by Willy Cook

When she arrived to work at the district 20 years ago there was no bike path, no swimming pool and only a few programs. Today, with Austin Crofts’ guidance, the Recreation District has established the Wood River Trails, Blaine County Aquatic Center, Carey and Picabo Parks, North Valley Trails and the Harriman Trail. The list of contributions to the community continues with managing Galena Lodge, opening the Community Campus and embarking on the Quigley Canyon project.

When Austin Crofts began, she was the only person on the staff. As of her resignation, she managed 13 people.

"You can take this staff and put them anywhere. That’s a tribute to you," Hamilton said.

Austin Crofts gave the district her total commitment.

"I have been working really hard to see that it (the transition) works," she said.

She will stay through the district’s budget hearings Thursday, Aug. 19, and said she would continue to be available for anything anyone might need, despite the distance.

"They have great cell phone service in Panama," she emphasized.

According to Hamilton, the board will start the search for a replacement immediately. The board will look internally at interested staff members and at other interested applicants. In the meantime, the board has not yet decided whether to hire an interim director.

Whoever the succeeding executive director may be, they should heed Austin Crofts wisdom.

Summarizing her time with the district, she said, "Together we have performed miracles, there are still many more to perform."

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