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January 12, 2001/Tevet 17, 5761, Vol. 53, No.15
Kasper resigns as ADL director
BARRY COHEN
Community Editor
Less than six months after starting work as Arizona regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, Richard Kasper has resigned.
"I was not pleased with how I was spending time," said Kasper. "Far too much time was not productive."
He said his energies were not being used to advance the mission of the organization, "to fight anti-Semitism and bigotry in all its forms," and he did not enjoy the amount of administrative work he was asked to do.
On Jan. 12, Kasper, a lawyer, will join the law firm Ryan, Woodrow and Rapp. He plans to focus on commercial and probate cases.
Ann Turk, director of community service of the ADL national office, said a number of issues draw people to serve the organization, including "causes to fight for" and educational programs. However, she said, these issues must be balanced with fund-raising and running the regional office.
"This balance of responsibilities probably did not fulfill Rich's need to be involved with the other issues he wanted," added Turk.
"I am sorry to see him go," said Richard Stern, regional ADL treasurer. "I think he's a terrific guy, and he'll be difficult to replace."
Kasper said he submitted his resignation to the national office Dec. 8, and the regional ADL executive committee and staff were informed Dec. 11.
"It was not an easy decision to make, but in the end, I believe it was the right decision," he said.
The national ADL office has begun a search for a new regional director and also for a "development person" and a "fact finder."
"Experts say this part of the country needs attention," said Turk, in order to focus on "far-left and far-right groups attempting to undermine the quality of community life."
The ADL regional office staff currently includes Paul Wieser, associate regional director; Beth McCoy, development director; and Angelica Martinez, assistant to McCoy.
"The organization is really in a terrific situation right now," said Stern, referring to the foundation built by current staff.
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