The La Jolla Shores Association has said goodbye to its longtime President, Janie Emerson, and will shortly install John Pierce in her place.

Emerson’s term is up, and after four years at the LJSA, she stepped down at the April 10 meeting. 

 “It has been a pleasure to work with all of you,” she said.

Emerson has “been an invaluable asset,” said San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Joe LaCava. “I don’t know this community could ever repay you for the good work that you have done over the years.”

LaCava’s former field representative, Steve Hadley, who retired in September after years of service, lauded Emerson’s courage, persistence and tenacity. 

Emerson “has commanded the attention and the cooperation of the city staff for The Shores like no other leader in La Jolla could have done,” Hadley said. “You preserve the character of this community.”

In addition to Emerson, board members Sharon Luscomb, Pam Boynton and Rick Kent are also leaving the board; Emerson commended them all for their support. 

LaCava swore in the new board members: Terry Kraszewski, Karen Marshall, Mary Coakley Munk, Pierce and John Shannon.

Later in the meeting, Emerson, speaking for the LJSA nominating committee, nominated a slate of officers that included Pierce for president, Cindy Goodman for first vice president, Kathleen Neil for second vice president, Claudia Baranowski for secretary and Terry Kraszewski for treasurer. 

The board unanimously approved the slate. 

“It’s been an honor and a pleasure to serve,” Emerson said. “I personally believe that change in leadership is healthy for an organization. I’m really excited about John [Pierce] bringing in a new younger generation aspect to this and the team that has a good mix of experience and expertise in different areas.”