News from the Statewide Master Gardener Program

UC Master Gardener Program Statewide Blog

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News and updates from the statewide UC Master Gardener Program office.

Author: Melissa Gable

Published on: June 25, 2013

Pam Geisel, Outgoing Statewide Master Gardener Program Director

For the past seven years, the heart of the Master Gardener Program has been Pam Geisel. At the statewide office, Pam has worked hard to advocate on behalf of the Master Gardeners. She secures funding for statewide trainings, supports the creation of new programs, as well as creates and maintains alignment to UC Cooperative Extension initiatives. During her time as Director, Pam has been the visionary behind the program cohesiveness that gives us professionalism and credibility throughout the state.

This Thursday, Pam is retiring and I am looking to the over 4500 Master Gardeners in our state to help me thank her. To Pam: Your passion for the Master Gardener Program is contagious and we are incredibly grateful for your hard work and tireless support. You so greatly deserve and have so fully earned all of the joy ahead of you in your retirement. Thank you for being a friend, a leader and an educator to all of us.

In recognition of Pam's valuable intellectual contributions, she has been granted Emeritus status with the University. This is great news for us – Pam will make herself available as an expert speaker for presentations so she can continue to enrich our learning. She will also be volunteering as a Glenn County Master Gardener, serving on the Master Gardener Steering Committee, and has generously offered to assist with preparations for the 2014 Conference. I suppose in her free time, she might also get in a bit of gardening, traveling, biking, cooking and enjoying time with her husband, Ralph.

Aubrey Bray, Statewide Training Coordinator

When it comes to changes you'll see at the statewide office, Aubrey Bray will shift from her role as Statewide Program Representative to Statewide Training Coordinator & Glenn County Master Gardener Coordinator. We are tremendously happy for Aubrey and will keep you posted about the exciting projects Aubrey will undertake in her role as Statewide Training Coordinator.

As for Pam's position, my name is Missy Gable and

Missy Gable, Incoming Statewide Master Gardener Program Director

I am stepping into the Director role. I promise to share a blog post about myself and what I hope to accomplish at the statewide office in the very near future. For now, I would like to focus on acknowledging a woman I hold in very high regard, Pam Geisel.

Pam, we can't thank you enough!

Comments: 17

Comments:

by JT Williams

on June 25, 2013 at 10:48 AM

Very well written Missy and I couldn't agree with you more.
Cheers JT

by Yvonne Savio

on June 25, 2013 at 1:55 PM

Pam, it's been glorious working with you since your Advisor days and especially your being our Statewide MG face! Do play at new adventures!

by Cynthia D White

on June 25, 2013 at 3:31 PM

Oh how we sometimes hate change - in this case it's because we will be missing a great leader - thank you Pam for all your help and cheerful responses each time we have asked for your help. Enjoy your life and know that you have made ours better!!

by Peggy Beltramo

on June 25, 2013 at 6:24 PM

Pam, your leadership has shaped a statewide Master Gardener program all of us can be proud of. I know Missy will continue to add to your powerful shaping of a very special program that enriches the lives of California gardeners and those of us who serve them.

by Lucy Heyming

on June 26, 2013 at 9:47 AM

Pam, we have appreciated all you have done these many years to strengthen the Master Gardener Program. We are better for it and know that you have built a strong foundation for Missy to continue. Enjoy your retirement and think of us fondly now and then as we will think of you.

by Dorothy M Downing

on June 26, 2013 at 10:03 AM

How well I remember your gardening program on Valley PBS, Pam. Little did I know back then that our paths would cross many times as I,too, became a Master Gardener. Thank you for your dedication to the program and for your role in improving our programs statewide. I am happy to hear that you will continue in the statewide steering committee. Thank you for your continued commitment. I look forward to meeting Missy and working with her in the future.

by Amanda Crump

on June 26, 2013 at 12:50 PM

Pam - Thanks for being our fearless leader. Thanks for being so influential and positive and thanks for helping us change the landscapes that nourish the souls of California gardeners! Enjoy retirement!

by Pamela S. Bone

on June 26, 2013 at 3:38 PM

Pam, I enjoyed knowing and working with you "back in the day" when we were both fledgling farm advisors just starting Master Gardener programs in our respective counties. In addition to leading a successful Master Gardener program, you also did much for the landscape horticulture profession, Both programs immensely enriched the residents of Fresno Co. and beyond. From all I've heard and observed, you have also been an outstanding Statewide Master Gardener Coordinator, who will surely be missed by the University and Master Gardeners. But, your continued involvement as a Master Gardener volunteer means your talent will be used for the good of the Master Gardener program for many years to come. Congratulations on your Emeritus staus and best wishes for a fruitful (yes, pun intended) retirement.

by Stephanie Pocock

on June 26, 2013 at 3:49 PM

I really cannot thank you enough Pam. You are a great leader and the MGP is evidence of your skills. Enjoy some time in the garden, and do some traveling.

Welcome Missy you've had a super teacher and I know you will do a terrific job!

by Margaret Burnett

on June 27, 2013 at 2:48 PM

Pam,
Thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication to the Master Gardener Program. California is the better for it. Best wishes on your retirement!

by Pauline [GB] Y Sakai

on June 27, 2013 at 3:13 PM

Pam,
I'm happy for your retirement and think back on the many positive contributions that your presence has made to the Master Gardener Program. I will miss your warm and welcoming ways that made me feel like my volunteerism as an MG was truly appreciated. Congratulations on your new emeritus status.

Welcome - Missy!

Pauline Sakai, Placer County Master Gardener

by Robin Y Rivet

on June 28, 2013 at 1:08 PM

Pam we'll miss you, but we welcome the fact that the state chose to validate the MG program by realizing that your vital retiring shoes needed to be filled, and without delay. Welcome Missy Gable. If we/I can do anything at all to ease your transition, I have been around the MG block for a long time, (17 years) and intend to remain active. There is much to do!

by Leslie A. Parent

on June 29, 2013 at 11:58 AM

Pam - Congratulations on your illustrious career and the big reward, retirement WITH emeritus status! You have set the tone for the Master Gardener program, mixing fun with integrity and guidance. I remember the presentation you did for SM-SF counties at our Annual Meeting, “Building Community in Your MG Program” with the analogies of hats to wear in various situations. Which hat will you wear now? Try on a comfy, floppy gardening hat : ) Keep in touch! Leslie

by Synthia Quan

on June 30, 2013 at 9:23 PM

hi pam
i didn't realize how lucky i was when i became a fresno county mg....back in the day when you were still in fresno. i remember you had a broken leg, but you were still going full speed with directing our training, the GOS, and our program.
it was sad when you left, but it turned out that you didn't 'leave'. you continued to work for US, and the entire state of california.
you say you're retiring....REALLY... i'll just say i'm looking forward to hearing your next presentation. take care. thank you for all you've done for us.

by Sam Foushee

on July 3, 2013 at 9:45 AM

Hi Pam,
I treasure the time I got to spend working with you on the State Steering Committee, and I'm sure our paths will cross again. Best wishes in the next chapter of your journey.
Sam

by Sam Foushee

on July 3, 2013 at 9:45 AM

Hi Pam,
I treasure the time I got to spend working with you on the State Steering Committee, and I'm sure our paths will cross again. Best wishes in the next chapter of your journey.
Sam

by Sam Foushee

on July 3, 2013 at 9:45 AM

Hi Pam,
I treasure the time I got to spend working with you on the State Steering Committee, and I'm sure our paths will cross again. Best wishes in the next chapter of your journey.
Sam