September 30, 201l, will go down as a historic day in the history of the Religious Conference Management Association. That's the day Dr. Woodring officially retired, concluding 30 years as executive director of RCMA. His tenure was marked by spectacular growth for the association. Assuming the executive director's position with only $1,200 to conduct the next annual conference, he departs leaving the association with more than $11 million in assets, positioning RCMA to continue to grow.

We commend Dr. Woodring for a job well done. Through his tireless efforts RCMA has become a valuable and visionary organization in the hospitality industry. Saying farewell to a friend, whom I have known and worked with for nearly 30 years, is not easy. Remembering, reviewing, and reflecting on Dr. Woodring's 30-year tenure brings the following things to my mind:

Dr. Woodring is a competent planner. He knows how to plan an exciting, educational, and enjoyable program. His enthusiasm, energy, and excitement is contagious. (I have attended every conference since 1980.) The skills in meeting planning he models serve as an example for other meeting planners.

Dr. Woodring has a consuming passion. He has poured every ounce of his energy into RCMA. His tireless efforts are reflected in the strong organization that exists today.

Dr. Woodring is a consummate professional. He has served as president, vice president, and secretary/treasurer of the Convention Industry Council. Dr. Woodring is in the Hall of Leaders. He was one of the original members of the Certified Meeting Professional board of directors and was instrumental in developing the Certified Meeting Professional credential. The hospitality industry has given him numerous awards and honors.

Dr. Woodring has a consistent perspective. He has never lost sight of the core values that characterize RCMA. He has retained them with tenacity and tact. I applaud his faithfulness to the values of RCMA.

Dr. Woodring has a congenial personality. His sense of humor and cheerful attitude have made for easy conversation and communication.

So with a sense of sadness, yet a sense of confidence, we say farewell. Dr. Woodring, you leave a strong, solid, and stable organization. The foundation of RCMA is unmovable and the future of RCMA is unlimited.

Enjoy your retirement!

Religious Conference Management Association

7702 Woodland Drive, Suite 120
Indianapolis, IN 46278
e-mail: rcma@rcmaweb.org

RCMA Officers

President
Melvin L. Worthington, CMP
National Association of Free Will Baptists Inc.

Vice President
Melvin Tennant, CAE
President
Meet Minneapolis

Secretary-Treasurer
Jackie T. Walker
Church of God Executive Office

Executive Director
Harry Schmidt
Religious Conference
Management Association

Board Consultant
DeWyane Woodring, CMP, CAE

RCMA Board Members

Sheri Clemmer
Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Hugh W. Hill
Awana

Obadiah Jenkins Jr.
Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.

Debra K. Mardis
The Salvation Army

Jim Nirmaier
Visit Fort Wayne

Michelle Penner
Canadian Conference of MB Churches

Marvin E. Schmucker, CMP
MHS Alliance

Mollie M. Stewart
The United Methodist Church