We are excited that Mary Corning has joined WOC as Executive Assistant. A long-time Lander resident, Mary most recently served as the business manager for WOC’s conservation partner, LightHawk. Previously, she filled numerous roles at the Lander Valley Medical Center, including Medical Staff Coordinator and Human Resource Assistant, and has also worked as Office Manager for the National Outdoor Leadership School’s alumni relations and development office.

Mary will work closely with WOC executive director Dan Heilig and office manager Bonnie Hofbauer to address the ever-growing administrative tasks associated with a staff that has more than doubled since 2000, fine-tune our membership communications and keep the office running smoothly. As Dan remarks, with a sigh of relief, “WOC has long needed additional administrative support and we are very pleased that Mary, with her extensive experience, has joined our staff.” Mary, whose husband Ray recently passed away (see Fall 2003 Frontline), notes that she shares Ray’s life-long commitment to safeguarding the environment and is delighted about taking on this new role at WOC.

Mary has five grown children and six grandchildren. Her hobbies include jewelry making, cooking, reading, camping — both casual and wilderness — and hiking, and she plans to participate in WOC outings whenever possible. Next spring’s challenge will be to teach her grandsons how to fish.