Debbie Skehen is one of those “go-to” individuals upon whom you can rely to accomplish a job quickly and efficiently.

It’s no wonder that she has served as president of the River of Time Museum (RoTM) since 2008. Her resignation as president became effective Jan. 1; though she continues to serve on the board of directors.

During the years, she edited the Legacy newsletter. In between the departures of three museum directors, she became the interim director. Other times, she took over the duties of secretary and treasurer.

As president, Skehen supervised the daily operation of the museum, solicited new volunteers, handled paperwork, tracked expenditures, conducted board meetings, attended meetings, maintained relationships with outside groups and handled mishaps as they popped up.

“I had no idea it was going to take over my life for years,” said Skehen. “It was great fun at the beginning. Toward the end of last year, some of the fun stuff was becoming a chore. A challenge became a problem.”

Skehen decided last January and notified the board that 2017 would be her last year as president. “It was the right time to step back,” said Skehen. Gerry Colbert is the new president.

L. Alan Cruikshank, one of the museum founders and namesake,

Said “we were extremely fortunate for her talent.”

A reception to honor Skehen will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, in the museum.

“My primary focus has always been to increase the museum’s presence in the community,” she said. “In order to grow the number of visitors to the museum and public awareness in general, it is crucial to constantly upgrade and introduce new exhibits and programs. To accomplish this goal and just maintain what exists requires constant fundraising. It is a circular dilemma.”

To attract visitors, the museum must update and promote new exhibits and programs. “To provide these requires funding. To obtain funding requires events,” she explained.

In the initial planning and development of the museum, Skehen and her late husband, Joe, were appointed co-chairs of the membership drive.

They moved to town in 1998 from Corvallis, Oregon. Joe was an avid Cubs fan and the couple attended Cactus baseball games for their spring vacations.

She earned a bachelor’s of arts degree and master’s of arts from the University of Illinois in a combined major of history and political science.

“So once hearing about the proposed new museum, it was a natural for me to become involved.”

Joe’s background in raising funds for public universities proved to be immensely helpful as they developed membership and financial support.

“You must realize that all the successes are not solely mine to claim,” said Skehen. She praised volunteers who execute project ideas, lead tours and operate the museum. Currently volunteers number 62, including two high school students.

“In fact, without them, it would have been difficult to keep the doors to the museum open,” she said.

The museum depends heavily on its 350 members, supporters and porters. The annual Italian dinner in August is the most lucrative funding source. Last year the dinner raised $20,000. Second in raising money is the Holiday Mart. This year the sale of new and used Christmas decorations and gift items raised $9,000.

Over the years, Skehen wrote many grants for the museum, among them the receipt of $20,000 to spotlight the regional supply of water, explaining why and how water brought inhabitants here.

She established a partnership with other regional museums for an annual meeting to discuss ideas benefiting small museums.

She is currently serving her second year as secretary to the Board of the Central Arizona Museum Association (CAMA).

Skehen is updating a chapter about the museum in the history book, “Rising Above the Rest: A History of Fountain Hills, Arizona.” She and Paul Kolwaite wrote the original chapter.

Skehen realizes that the dream for a new building, often discussed in the past, is a remote idea. She strongly supports moving the museum entrance through the patio instead of the current library lobby.

Future exhibits in various planning stages involve local astronomer Charles Jewels, “A Montage of Happenings,” photographs by Jerry Miles, and updating the life of Dr. Clinton Pattea, former Yavapai Nation President.

With the assistance of Fort McDowell Education Services Director Bill Myhr, museum visitors can learn about the Yavapai connection. Albert Nelson, temporary head of the Yavapai museum, leads tours of the farm, graveyard and new children’s school, ending with lunch at We-Ko-Pa golf course.

“You can’t let things sit here. You have to be doing something new and different,” said Skehen.