For only the second time in Polar Bears International’s history, our board of directors has granted board emeritus status to an individual. In a ceremony in Bozeman, Montana, on October 11, 2024, our executive director, Krista Wright, presented Richard P. Beck with our Ice Bear Award and announced his emeritus status.
“Polar Bears International would not be what it is today without Dick Beck, who has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the organization,” Wright said. “Dick has served in a board and advisory capacity to PBI for over 25 years, including more than a decade as CFO. Over the years, his expertise, sound judgment, and deep commitment to the bears has proved invaluable to PBI and its leadership team.”
“A true philanthropist, Dick played a key role in nurturing the growth of PBI from its humble beginnings to the impactful organization it is now,” she added. “With great gratitude and appreciation, we are pleased to present him with our Ice Bear Award and confer the title of emeritus board director.”
Prior to his retirement, Dick served as senior vice president and chief financial officer of Advanced Energy Industries. After retiring, he served on the board of five publicly held technology companies as well as several nonprofit boards, including Polar Bears International.
He and his wife, Valerie, made their first trip to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, in 1998 and have returned many times since.
Polar Bears International’s chairman of the board, Patrick Keeley, said that the honor is well-deserved given the enormous impact Dick has made.
“Dick’s keen intelligence and steady leadership are part of the bedrock on which PBI was built,” Keeley said. “He helped shepherd PBI from a small nonprofit to one that is known worldwide, with outreach and conservation projects that are truly making a difference in ensuring the polar bears’ future. We are beyond grateful for his many contributions and pleased to honor him in this way.”
Dr. Steven C. Amstrup, chief scientist emeritus for Polar Bears International, first met Dick in 2001. He recalls being struck by Dick’s passion and devotion to polar bear conservation, and conservation more generally, at that first meeting.
“In the years following, Dick’s leadership on Polar Bears International’s board steered PBI on the path from a small volunteer organization to its current status as the first organization that pops up when you type ‘polar bears’ into a Google search bar,” he said. “Dick’s business acumen combined with his conservation passion have provided fundamental guidance leading to PBI’s growth and success. And his generous financial support has given PBI many shots in the arm at critical times.”
“Dick’s help and leadership at many critical junctures has played a pivotal leading role in getting PBI to where it is today,” he added, “and I am so very pleased to celebrate the awarding of emeritus status.”
Wright echoed those sentiments and emphasized the exceptional nature of the honor.
“Conferring an emeritus board title is a rare event for Polar Bears International and has only occurred one other time in our history,” Wright said. “PBI is reserving this honor for individuals who have had such a transformational impact that the organization would not be what it is today without them.”
