Isabel Fernández
Richard Fox recalls that there was a Meeting between National Association Presidents and other EFG Representatives at Burlington House in the early 1990s with the Euro-MP, Peter Beazley. He advised those present that the EFG would not make any progress with the European Parliament unless it had an Office in Brussels, and this was endorsed by the other Euro-MPs that EFG representatives met and spoke to at that time.
The Geological Survey of Belgium provided the necessary accommodation after some meetings between the director at that time, Peter Laga and Isabel. Luckily she could explain the potential benefits for BGS if EFG were in the building, and fortunately so far everything has been according to the plan.
So it was a great step forward when the Geological Survey of Belgium provided the necessary accommodation to support the EFG – at last we could start to think about having a member of staff. Isabel accepted from Gareth Jones the position of EFG Office Manager during the first IPGC in Alicante in 2000 at the first IPGC. This was a brave leap in the dark – neither side knew precisely how it would work. She grabbed the opportunity with enthusiasm and established the Brussels office, then developed her EC contacts as others have said. Initially, Isabel was ‘part time’ but she put in far more hours than she was ever paid for with 100% commitment and enthusiasm, including cheerfully giving up her weekends for Council and Board meetings. By 2008 she was working for 30 hours a week but since late 2008 she has been full time as she has taken on responsibility for running the EFG contributions to the GEOTRAINET and Euro Ages projects. As co-ordinator for GEOTRAINET, she has done a brilliant job, not only ensuring excellent delivery and budgetary control but also securing the admiration and respect of those with whom she has worked, both within the commission and amongst the project partners. Her personal contribution to EuroAges and her vision in managing and procuring contributions from EFG representatives has been impressive indeed.
To have appointed such a superb person as Isabel was a major “plus”. She has always had the support of the EFG Council and particularly the EU Delegates over the years and that is so important in linking up with the National Bodies to maintain the “pulse” of the Federation and to maintain and improve its visibility of geology in Brussels.
Isabel has, with her enthusiasm, her great capacity for analyzing and planning strategically, and her helpfulness coupled with a unique charm created a wonderful atmosphere at the Office. She has been, and continues to be, a real “Jewel” in the EFG Crown and has done so much to give the Federation credibility in the EU with good links to the European Departments. In late 2008 EFG, with its partners, commenced work on the GEOTRAINET project. As one past president put it: “how she has managed to be so active and the face of the EFG in Brussels as well as looking after her family is a mystery, but she is a great asset”.
Compiled by Ruth Allington with contributions from past Presidents and other Board members.
The Geological Survey of Belgium provided the necessary accommodation after some meetings between the director at that time, Peter Laga and Isabel. Luckily she could explain the potential benefits for BGS if EFG were in the building, and fortunately so far everything has been according to the plan.
So it was a great step forward when the Geological Survey of Belgium provided the necessary accommodation to support the EFG – at last we could start to think about having a member of staff. Isabel accepted from Gareth Jones the position of EFG Office Manager during the first IPGC in Alicante in 2000 at the first IPGC. This was a brave leap in the dark – neither side knew precisely how it would work. She grabbed the opportunity with enthusiasm and established the Brussels office, then developed her EC contacts as others have said. Initially, Isabel was ‘part time’ but she put in far more hours than she was ever paid for with 100% commitment and enthusiasm, including cheerfully giving up her weekends for Council and Board meetings. By 2008 she was working for 30 hours a week but since late 2008 she has been full time as she has taken on responsibility for running the EFG contributions to the GEOTRAINET and Euro Ages projects. As co-ordinator for GEOTRAINET, she has done a brilliant job, not only ensuring excellent delivery and budgetary control but also securing the admiration and respect of those with whom she has worked, both within the commission and amongst the project partners. Her personal contribution to EuroAges and her vision in managing and procuring contributions from EFG representatives has been impressive indeed.
To have appointed such a superb person as Isabel was a major “plus”. She has always had the support of the EFG Council and particularly the EU Delegates over the years and that is so important in linking up with the National Bodies to maintain the “pulse” of the Federation and to maintain and improve its visibility of geology in Brussels.
Isabel has, with her enthusiasm, her great capacity for analyzing and planning strategically, and her helpfulness coupled with a unique charm created a wonderful atmosphere at the Office. She has been, and continues to be, a real “Jewel” in the EFG Crown and has done so much to give the Federation credibility in the EU with good links to the European Departments. In late 2008 EFG, with its partners, commenced work on the GEOTRAINET project. As one past president put it: “how she has managed to be so active and the face of the EFG in Brussels as well as looking after her family is a mystery, but she is a great asset”.
Compiled by Ruth Allington with contributions from past Presidents and other Board members.
