Thank You, Jim, for Your Many Years of Service!
Jim Craig has served as President of Mitrata-Nepal Foundation for Children since 2020 and retires from this critical role at the end of this year. He will continue as a board member serving as Past President for 2024, assisting with Rick Hendin’s transition into the role of President. We are eternally grateful to Jim for his service to Mitrata as President, but we owe him so much more!
Jim started to serve Mitrata following our first large sponsor trip to Nepal in 2011. It was a fantastic trip, and Jim fell in love with Nepal, our children, and our NGO partner, BSF. He embraced the diverse cultural experience and joined the board of directors when he returned to the USA. He volunteered to be the board Secretary, played a vital role in coordinating board meetings, and, as an officer, became deeply involved in fundraising, board development, and finances. Mitrata is a working board that operates like a family, with everyone contributing time, energy, and expertise. At that time, Mitrata needed to expand board infrastructure, establish financial investments, and develop a strategic planning process essential to nonprofit success. Jim applied his business acumen, tireless hard work, and countless hours to make us who we are today.
Jim even turned his hobby into a fundraiser, riding the 1000 Mile Motorcycle Iron Butt Challenge Race for Mitrata!
In 2020, Jim stepped up to take over as President from our long-standing leader, Dr. Nancy Williger. Everyone agreed it was a hard act to follow from Nancy, the first child sponsor, and President for so many years, but Jim jumped right in again, continuing to serve as Secretary, too. The pandemic hit as soon as he started, throwing Mitrata into a very stressful time for the organization. Mitrata had to develop entirely new ways of fundraising, resulting in severely reduced funds for the first nine months of the year. Our partner NGO in Nepal was struggling with desperate family situations for our children, lockdowns, and severe health threats for BSF staff. Jim became the president at a very challenging time, and he never wavered.
As Vice-President the last couple of years, Rick Hendin had the pleasure of working closely with Jim:
“Jim faced numerous challenges during and after the height of COVID-19, and he successfully navigated the Board and Mitrata through them. I learned a great deal from him, and I look forward to his continued guidance and experience in his new role.”
We are grateful to Jim for his dedication, persistence, and leadership these past four years as President and 12 years as Secretary. We are also thankful for his decision to remain on the Board and serve as Past-President, along with continuing to be a member of the Fundraising and Executive Committees in 2024.
We could not have done it without you, Jim! Thank you from all of us at Mitrata! You have truly made a difference!
