Remembering the life of Richard Hoover who was so instrumental within PVA
By Robert L. Thomas Jr.
Later this month, approximately nine new Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) national directors will travel to the national office to attend the annual New National Directors Training in Washington, D.C.
This training is provided to ensure that the national directors understand their role and fiduciary responsibility to the national organization. They’ll also be given the opportunity to meet with all of the departments and get an understanding of what it takes to run the programs.
In addition, the parliamentarian will provide training on proper board etiquette.
Through this training, national directors will know how to properly obtain the floor during annual meetings, know how to write a resolution and understand the importance of how resolutions affect our governing documents.
The finance department will also provide training to ensure each director understands how to appropriately read the monthly statements and the budget.
When you discuss anything related to financials within PVA, you cannot talk about them without mentioning Richard Hoover. Unfortunately, he passed away June 22 in Hamilton, Mont.
As PVA national president, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the life of an individual who was so instrumental within the organization. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to work alongside Richard, conversations with others gave me information on his accolades. He was a national president, acting executive director, editor of PVA Publications and longtime member of the finance committee.
Richard served as national president from 1984 to 1987 and started the formal matching grant process with chapters, which today is known as the chapter grant. He figured if chapters raised funds on their own, the national office would match up to that amount the following fiscal year.
In 1990, he founded the finance committee, and PVA made initial investments to set up a reserve account. He served on this committee for 33 years, with the last few years as an honorary member.
During the worldwide financial crisis in 2008-09, Richard remained vigilant and steadfast, insisting that we shouldn’t cash out the portfolio. He knew he wouldn’t want to face the board of directors on lost gains. His forward thinking and wherewithal have helped PVA tremendously. We thank Richard for all of his contributions to our organization.
Richard, you will be truly missed.
