From the Executive Director

It’s hard to believe that a single decision – to step down as Executive Director of WCLP – could bring me simultaneously such sadness and such joy. I wanted to use this space to share some of those feelings with you, WCLP’s friends and supporters, whom I have taken into my heart over the past five years.

As many of you already know, my decision to leave is a purely personal one, based on an intense desire to be more present with my adolescent children before they are off to college and a need to give my health some attention. So the sadness is in letting go of the best job I’ve ever held and working for the best organization with which I can imagine being associated. I will miss more than I can say our incredibly talented staff, our extraordinary Board of Directors and Advisory Board members, and you – our supporters, without whose commitment and partnership we could not do what we do.

But the joy in this transition (aside from the anticipation of spending a little more time with my family) is in looking at how stable WCLP currently is, in feeling privileged to have been a part of the history of this venerable organization, in remembering what we’ve managed to accomplish together on behalf of our clients over the past few years, and in knowing that my successor, Syd Whalley, brings new talents, passion and energy to WCLP. I have no doubt that Syd will use her formidable leadership skills to continue to raise the visibility of our issues and work and to enhance and diversify our funding base so as to ensure Western Center’s long-term viability and vitality.

In closing, I simply want to say THANK YOU. Thank you for all that you have given and will continue to give to WCLP, and – on a personal note -- thank you for making this experience the highlight of my professional career. I will miss having so many of you in my daily life, but I know I’ll be seeing you at our Garden Parties for years to come.