The other thread was getting long, so I started another one because he deserves it.
I'm so happy to see that Arne is sticking around. His wisdom and institutional knowledge are invaluable. We are so lucky to have the luxury of a smooth transition between talented directors.
I'll forever be in Arne's debt for his mentorship and support. He was always open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. While he's not the most outgoing of personalities, his door was always open to us. If you had an idea or concern, he wanted to hear it. And he would push back with his scientific mind - wanting data, facts, background, etc. But he was a good judge of ideas and if you could backup your idea/claim, he'd go along. And he was very well grounded as a boss. When anyone on staff needed flexibility or help with something, he was quick to give it. He understood life was first, work second. Finally, personally I like that he pushed me and made me raise my game while I was there.
Changing a 100 year-old institution is not easy or quick, but he did it. In fact, he revolutionized the AAVSO. Many of the things we now take for granted were not easy to implement. Heck, many of them were downright controversial. Changes to the charts, database, software, etc. all had headwinds - both internal and external. Yet the AAVSO progressed. They were mostly team efforts, including staff and membership volunteers. But they were led and supported by Arne and wouldn't have happened without his conviction and ability to "damn the torpedos".
Let's not forget Linda! She was a critical accountant for the organization for a long time in addition to being not just part of Arne's family but the staff family too. I miss them both.
Aaron
p/s: And Snowy and Pixy too. Arne, how about an update on them?