For the last three months, I have been thinking about how to say
goodbye to all the many friends that I have made in my last fourteen
years at USRowing. I thought about listing all the people who have
made an impact on my life but the list would be too long. I thought
about providing little stories about how I have grown as a person
because of my connection with the sport of rowing but I'm a horrible
story teller. In the end, I'm going to make it short and sweet.
Thank you to all whom have touched my life by sharing your love of
the sport of rowing with me.

God love USRowing for hiring a twenty-three year old, seven-month
pregnant girl who couldn't understand why rowing wasn't the same
national governing body as canoe/kayak. But since that time I have
grown to respect the sport and all the people who share in its pain
and its glory. And although my only rowing victory was against the
hair dressers on the second floor of Pan Am Plaza, I admire everyone
who puts in countless hours on all levels of the association.

I ask that you be patient with USRowing as it makes this huge
transition to New Jersey. The staff is a good one and will be up to
speed in no time. Best wishes to everyone in 2006. I only hope I
enjoy my new job half as much as I have enjoyed my time at USRowing.

Thanks again,
Jody Pope