In September 2008 Hurricane Ike devastated the upper Texas coast. Among other things it meant completely changing plans for the state symposium, which wound up being held in a small pavilion in the town of Jasper.
That’s where I first met Pam Middleton. She had just been hired as an intern at our state office and was learning the ropes from Mike and Jennifer McBride. Mike and Jennifer had already announced their retirement and left at the end of January, leaving the state office in the capable hands of Pam.
I had been a member for several years but in 2008 I was starting to get involved at the state level. In the ten years since then I have had the pleasure of working with Pam on countless projects in my role as webmaster and during my term as state president. Hers is one of the most frequently dialed numbers on my phone. She has had many responsibilities including book-keeping, membership, planning our symposiums, board meetings and other events.
For many members Pam was the main face of the Society. If you’ve ever called or sent an email to the state office it was probably Pam who answered your call or email. If you ever attended one of our events Pam was usually the first person who greeted you at the door.
All good things eventually come to an end. But it was still a shock to me to learn that Pam had turned in her resignation. She and her husband Alan decided earlier in the year to move to Georgetown. Things moved fast and in early 2019 Pam and Alan expect to be in their new home.
At this year’s symposium Pam was presented with an Honorary Lifetime Membership. That’s not an award given lightly. The last time it was awarded was in 2006. Pam intends to stay involved. She told me she would be joining the Williamson County Chapter and expected to be an active member. She even hinted that she might like an elected office.
Of course Pam can never be replaced. But her job position has been posted. Interested parties can enquire at application@npsot.org.
Photo: Pam with husband Alan at the 2009 fall symposium in Wichita Falls. Photo by Bill Hopkins.
**ARCHIVED POST** **ARCHIVED POST LINKS & PICTURES MAY NOT WORK** **ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: Bill Hopkins