I did not realise that this is the current BOD of the CDS - Pat Watson,
Beth Sommers, Mark Steingart - you three all know better than to preside
over what is going on out there.

In looking at the web site, I see the usual cast of characters is in all
the key places, but come on. Do something and get that organization out
of the beer party and gooberfest mode.


Joel Markwell wrote:
> 
> To the CDS BOD:
> 
> I understand that the board has recently taken action in the John Jones and
> the Anonymous Email Episode. I note from the your website that Mr. Jones has
> been removed from the Board pending a review of the matter. Should the
> review confirm with any certainty that Mr. Jones did send the email in
> question, I hope that the Board will stand by its action.
> 
> I quit the CDS in recent years because of actions or I should say,
> non-actions by the CDS Board of Directors. There were two incidents of
> embezzlement and the Board failed to take any action at that time to perform
> a thorough audit, which I and others had called for after the first
> incident. After the second incident of embezzlement of member monies, I once
> again called strenuously for a thorough audit and once again the board
> demurred and refused to do so. I was told later, second-hand, that the Board
> finally did some kind of audit, although I have never been privy to the
> results. What should have been done was an independent audit by a
> professional accountant not related in any way to the CDS. The audit should
> have included all properties, money, income and debts, equipment loaned and
> salaries and who the salaries were paid to and for what. Once done, the
> results should have been published in the newsletter and prominently on the
> website.
> 
> An organization without the taint of scandal and with a good reputation
> might not have to take such steps, but the CDS, in my opinion, does not
> enjoy a good reputation at this time and extraordinary steps ought to be
> taken to recover that reputation. This recent action is a step in the right
> direction.
> 
> I would also like to see the Board review its instructor requirements,
> instructor health requirements, its whole training regimen including some
> consideration of a mentor-based learning regimen and the basic fitness
> requirements of all of its instructors.
> 
> Not being a member, I don't expect the same consideration of my thoughts as
> a member, however I was a long-time member, an active volunteer and
> supporter of the CDS from 1990 until 1998 and I am an active member of the
> cave diving community. If the CDS is to restore its reputation among cave
> divers around the world, it can't be business as usual, strong measures must
> be considered and taken.
> 
> Sincerely,
> 
> --
> Joel Markwell
> 736 Ponce de Leon Terrace
> Atlanta, GA 30306-3708
> 
> 404-876-3705 (Office)
> 404-229-3455 (Wireless)
> 
> joeldm@mi*.co*

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