Greta Gissel, executive director of the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation, announced Thursday she is resigning from the position.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision to leave not only the position I hold with the Trail, but also the many boards and organizations I serve and to which I have had the opportunity to dedicate my time: Leadership CdA Dream Team 2015, Vision 2030, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, and JINGLE Books,” stated Gissel in an announcement sent to The Press.

“This community and the experiences I have had over the past four years have given me a great sense of pride, a great deal of hope for our future, and a strong desire to return very soon. Thank you to all who have played a role in my life and those who have worked with me in service to this community, through dedication and volunteerism, and who make the city of Coeur d’Alene a great place to call home.”

Gissel, who is moving to another state, began in the trail foundation director’s position in January 2015.

John Bruning, chair of the foundation board, said it has been a privilege to have worked with Gissel.

“Greta brought her strong work ethic and creativity to the executive director’s position, and to those she added her enthusiasm and especially her energy,” Bruning said, in the announcement. “As with all the other activities she has been involved with in our community, Greta always kept families at the forefront of her efforts. The Board, and more importantly the Trail users, will miss her.”

Charles Buck, assistant vice president and CEO of the University of Idaho-Coeur d’Alene, said Gissel’s departure will create a gap in the community. He called Gissel “a major force for good...a master organizer, and a quiet and effective leader.

“Her pervasive volunteerism is selfless...Her self-motivation and unreal capacity and energy will be sorely missed,” Buck said.

Anyone interested in pursuing the executive director position with the North Idaho Centennial Trail Foundation should send a resume and cover letter to the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce, Attn: John Bruning 105 N. First St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.