title: Report from the retiring chairman.
abstract: In concluding this report, which omits a great deal, the retiring Chairman is probably entitled to a valedictory. (Margaret Mead referred to it as a benediction.) The Association faces two major challenges beyond those obvious ones of maintaining financial solvency and reversing a declining membership. First, there is the necessity to articulate goals for the future. This was started by a series of meetings under the heading of Arden House II, following the tradition of the meeting held in 1951 under the leadership of Warren Weaver. A proposed Committee on Goals can serve this purpose. Second, there is a need to maximize the coherence of all efforts supported by the Association to achieve the greatest effect with the funds available. The proposed Committee on Program and Planning can encourage this. I complete this assignment with the sense of having been very privileged to hold the office of President and Chairman of the Board. I pass on the gavel to Roger Revelle, and to Margaret Mead and Bill McElroy in turn, with great confidence and that certain knowledge that nobody can succeed like a successor.
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Rieser