BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — After 12 years at the helm, Mike Van Abel has resigned as the organization's executive director, effective Friday. The organization's board is working to select a permanent replacement for the position.
"Mike has been an outstanding steward for IMBA and its initiatives throughout his 12-year tenure," said Robert Winston, the chairman of the IMBA board of directors. "Under Mike's leadership, programs such as the IMBA Chapter Program and the Regional Director Program are great successes, and have significantly strengthened IMBA's membership. On behalf of myself and the entire board of directors, I wish Mike every success in his future endeavors."
Van Abel said, “When I was hired, IMBA’s board asked me to focus on three things: growing membership, growing industry support and helping IMBA become more professional ... I am proud to say we have done all three. I am most proud of the restructuring done that has led to what IMBA is today — a much more cohesive association of local chapters ready to be led into the next phase of growth and development by someone new.”
Dan Brillon, IMBA’s vice president of finance, administration and programs, will act as interim executive director.
“We are well poised to continue Mike’s great work transforming IMBA into a strong chapter-based association,” said Brillon. “Continued year-over-year membership growth speaks to the success of our local chapters. Those local advocates and experts are more relevant than ever in an increasingly complex world of competing interests for the use of public lands.”
