Meet Our New Board Members

Many of you helped us welcome Vaughn Thayer, Charlie O’Neil, and Vicki Giere to our board at our annual meeting in April. In case you missed the meeting, here’s a little bit about them.

Vaughn Thayer: I grew up in upstate NY, made use of the state’s excellent park system, in Boy Scouts did camping, hiking, fishing, and wife Shirley and I enjoyed the same activities raising our 3 kids in Massachusetts for 20 years. While there, we camped and hiked in the White mountains of New Hampshire and the Green mountains of Vermont. One of our favorite trips was for 2 weeks camping at Acadia National Park in Maine. We have always had a fun time spending time in the out-of -doors and it continues to this day. We enjoy being part of the preservation and conservation family.

Charlie O’Neil: I was born in Brooklyn and came to the University of Texas for graduate studies after finishing the Peace Corps in Brazil. After completing the degree my wife and I did the academic nomad thing for 4 years and decided to settle in Central Texas. We moved to San Marcos in 1977. I worked for Community Action for 5 years and AMD for 20 years before retiring. Like everyone else in San Marcos, I knew Todd and learned about SMGA. I thought the idea of trails in the city was fantastic and volunteered to help build them several years ago. I like the work and the company, and the result is very satisfying.

Vicki Giere: I’m originally from the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. I’ve lived in San Marcos for 9 years. I first got involved with SMGA about 2 years ago, when I responded to a request for someone to update the online calendar of events. I’ve since become more involved by joining the Communications Committee. As growth and development threaten our natural lands and resources, I find it increasingly important to become active in protecting and preserving these fragile and limited areas.

Thanks to Vicki, Charlie, and Vaughn for helping to make San Marcos a better, greener place to live.