Long-time DISL Business Manager Georgia Mallon Retires
Dr. George F. Crozier, DISL Executive Director

At the end of October, one of the founding spirits of the Dauphin Island Sea Lab retired from active service to the Laboratory. Georgia Mallon, in many ways, typifies the commitment and dedication to the mission that has brought the institution to the national prominence that we now enjoy and engendered survival through hard times. She not only brought intelligence and perseverance to the business affairs of DISL, she provided a common sense balance to a leadership that has usually been long on enthusiasm and effort, but sometimes short on thinking through consequences.

Ms. Mallon, like several others, began her career "on the cafeteria line" where she demonstrated that she was capable of much more. Her thoughtful and caring approach to everyone at the laboratory was only exceeded by her extraordinary business sense - and that only by her cautious and conservative approach to making and saving money. Eventually she became the business manager of the laboratory as well as the Human Resources Manager, benefits and risk manager, and the conscience of the Executive Director.

In retirement she will continue to function formally as the buyer and consultant to the gift shop. What's not to like about buying nice stuff with somebody else's money and then selling it to make more money? More importantly she has agreed to remain on call to the Executive Director to provide the wise management; staunch and unflagging support; stern warnings - and most importantly - a shoulder to cry on!