5/13/49 - 6/13/96
Ron Schmied was an extraordinary man who made a lasting impact on all who had the good fortune of working with him. Many of the items in your packet today are the direct result of Ron's vision. We on the Tiger Team want to tell you about him.
Ron was an energetic and enthusiastic man who was convinced that individuals could have an impact on where our agency was going and how it was viewed by our constituents. He inspired his fellow Agency Image and External Communications Charter Team members with his spirit of "we can make a difference." Even after his diagnosis with leukemia and during chemotherapy, he worked hard with the Tiger Shark Team to ensure that the many ideas generated were distilled into workable solutions, rather than 'pie-in-the-sky' ideas. This determination to see a job through, and to do it right, was one of the hallmarks of his style.
The agency brochure has been published, the agency statement and customer service policy have been adopted, the NMFS logo is nearing approval, and the National Outreach Advisory Board is being established. These were all team ideas which Ron shared and completed with us.
His dedication to making a difference will also have a big impact on how the Agency communicates with its constituents. Due in large part to his work with both teams, five new positions have been approved to provide each region with a Public Affairs Officer to guide us in our outreach efforts.
Beyond sharing Ron's efforts to help achieve our Agency's image and communication goals, we'd like to share Ron, the man, who squeezed every ounce of life from a 24 hours day. Ron was very intense in everything that he did and he freely shared about his love of life, God, and his family with his fellow workers.
Ron's sense of humor, and lack of ego, endeared him to all who worked with him. Ron's humor never left, even when his illness consumed him. We all remember what he said, with a very hoarse voice during a Tiger Team call, when a fellow team member offered to donate leave (which he already had more than enough of), "but I sure wish all of you would donate some weight!"
Ron will be remembered in the accomplishments of his vision. We thought you should know about Ron. He was one of a kind -- an extraordinary man!
Ron Schmied was a Fishery Administrator in St. Petersburg, FL.
Contributed by his colleagues on the NMFS Tiger Shark Team and included in packet entitled "The NEW National Marine Fisheries Service".