Hellos and Goodbyes
January 25, 2016
It has occurred to me as I have moved through the journey called life that in many ways our lives are a series of hellos and goodbyes, strung together over time. When we are young, barring unforeseen tragedies, life is mostly "Hello!" Then as we move from one phase of life to another, we realize that goodbyes have begun to creep into our lives. The big transitions, the subject of so many books, are the most painful goodbyes, as we say farewell to people we love, places we've lived, and stages through which we have passed, never to return.
Like yin and yang, contained in every hello is the yet-to-be-said goodbye.
When Tom and I opened the doors to The Neighborhood Academy, it seemed quite impossible that one day I would come face to face with the "yet-to-be-said goodbye". So, I was quite surprised last year when I felt myself slowing down and losing some of my energy; my body was signaling to my heart that the season for my goodbye was upon me.
The good news is that each goodbye contains its own hello. After much soul-searching on my part, conversations with the Board, and beginning a search for a successor, I met with Mark Kurtzrock, a founding board member of The Neighborhood Academy and a recently retired CEO of Metis Secure. Our need and his desire to serve converged at the perfect moment. After the proper board due diligence, I am proud to announce, that starting September 1, 2016, Mark will become our new President. Under his more than able leadership, I am confident that The Neighborhood Academy will go from strength to strength.
As for me, there is a wonderful hello ahead as well. Should the community prove to be supportive of our current feasibility study, after transitioning out of the Presidency, I will take on the challenge of a new capital campaign that will add a 6th & 7th grade along with the retiring of our remaining debt. In addition, I will be spearheading our college internship and success coach program to make sure that every TNA college graduate has a smooth entry into a meaningful career.
Since I'm not leaving, but only transitioning, I won't say goodbye…at least not just yet. Instead I will share with you my heartfelt belief that Mark will continue to partner with Tom in leading this amazing school into a vibrant future; I also believe that we will continue to feel the great blessing of our community’s support for our mission.
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."
You are so special to many people including me. I hope you always wake up to the sun shining through your window.