What can you say about someone who gives a decade of her busy life in service to a nonprofit? “Thank you” is a good place to start. That’s where I’ll begin with Marcia Buompensiero. Since 2012 she has served on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Writers and Editors Guild, giving her time, energy and creative thinking to that position. 

Marcia has also filled the role of Treasurer. Based on my experience in nonprofit service, there is no position more important. Without a competent (and honest) treasurer, a nonprofit can lose its recognition by the state or federal government by which it is recognized. It can run adrift financially, spending more than it’s taking in. None of those fears have come close to being a reality during her leadership of our 501(c)(3).

Longtime members know her service to the Guild doesn’t end there, however. For years she has made possible the signature production of the Guild, the annual Guilded Pen anthology. It’s fair to say that collection of inspiring fiction, nonfiction and poetry might not still be in publication without the dedication of Marcia and her co-editor Rivkah Sleeth.

Why am I writing this (much-deserved) tribute to Marcia? Due to life circumstances, she is scaling back her volunteer work with the Board. Marcia remains a co-editor of the anthology this year. She has stepped down from her role as Board member and Treasurer, however. True to her dedication to the Guild, she did not do so in a way that left the organization adrift. She has recruited her friend and longtime companion, Rivkah, to step in and assume both roles through the end of 2022.

Rivkah is another longtime giver to the Guild in so many ways, including past service on the Board. It’s hard to imagine a more capable replacement. I’m grateful to be part of a nonprofit with such dedicated volunteers willing to take on challenging and time-consuming roles.

The next time you see Marcia, please thank her for her past and continued service. And the next time you cross paths with Rivkah, please extend gratitude to her for stepping in on short notice to ensure the Guild continues to operate in a financially sound and responsible manner.

Patrick Ross
President