Meredith has been with the GBIF Secretariat since July 2002, and returned to the US in the beginning of July at the end of her contract. During her employment by GBIF, Meredith had editorial responsibility for the GBIF web-site, including most of the GBIF news stories. She was also responsible for drafting annual reports, press releases, pamphlets, tutorials, powerpoint presentations and logo design and use questions. As Scientific Liaison officer, she was a major driver in the development of the GBIF Strategic Plan 2007-2011, the GBIF Science Symposia, and the Ebbe Nielsen Prize presentations. Over the years Meredith has also been very much involved with various scientific biodiversity informatics communities as well as GBIF external relationships. Some of GBIF’s founders may also recall that Meredith was active throughout the original OECD Working Group process that led to the establishment of GBIF.

Of her departure, Meredith says, “I’m only leaving GBIF’s employ, not leaving GBIF. Biodiversity informatics is crucial to the sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity, and I still very much believe that GBIF as an organisation is essential to biodiversity informatics. It has been my honour to work for GBIF for the past 12 years -- first for getting GBIF established, and then for GBIF as a functioning entity. But it’s time now for GBIF to be served by fresh perspectives and new ideas, and for me to take on something new. It has been a pleasure to meet and get to know everyone on the Governing Board and the various GBIF committees, and I hope everyone continues to support and promote GBIF.”

GBIF would like to thank Meredith for her never-failing enthusiasm and support to GBIF’s work and we wish her well and look forward to interacting with her further in whatever new directions her career takes.