As a granting organization, HCTF relies very heavily on our science based technical review process to review grant applications and make recommendations to the Board regarding project funding. Since 2010, Lynne Bonner in her role as Manager, Evaluation has been the person who leads and manages this critical business function for HCTF. As many of you know, Lynne recently decided to retire effective March 31, 2016, and the Foundation subsequently ran a competition to find a replacement for Lynne – no simple task! The position garnered a lot of attention and we had 78 applicants from across North America. Following a thorough interview and screening process (of which Lynne was one of the panel members), we are happy to announce that Kathryn Martell was the successful candidate for the position. Kathryn has an M. Sc from the University of Alberta and brings experience working with both government and NGOs, including The Land Conservancy of BC and the Garry Oak Ecosystem Recovery Team. Kathryn starts with the Foundation in January of 2016, and there will be an overlap and transition period from that point until the end of March 2016. Thru that time, Lynne will mentor Kathryn in her new role, and will also be working on a few special projects for the Foundation. So, on behalf of the Board and staff at HCTF – a warm welcome to Kathryn in her new role, and a huge thank you to Lynne both for her contributions to HCTF and to conservation in BC.