Transitions All Around!

These are exciting times for CP, its board, staff and faculty, and for all CP members. As an organization that helps people and companies negotiate change, we like to walk our talk, and while we are walking, oh how we wish we were running (more about this later)!

January 31st was my last day as President of the Board for Centerpoint (CP). I have been on the CP Board for six years, and President for three. It’s time for new energy and new ideas. Personally, I’m going to take a few months off after April, and then hopefully I’ll return to CP to work with clients on money challenges.

Jeff Weaver became Board President February 1st. Jeff has been on the board for two years and brings a wonderful presence to the board, with both his thoughtful manner and his professional experience in the technology industry. Many of you have met Jeff in various CP classes or during the fundraiser which he has spearheaded for the last two years. Other current board members include an attorney, a marketing specialist, a personal coach, and a finance manager.

I will be on the board through April to help Jeff transition into the President’s role. Although I must admit he is so good he doesn’t really need me, I just want to hang around! It has been an incredible experience for me to serve on this board. I feel I have received as much from the experience as I have given. Every board meeting I learn more about myself, my leadership style, and how individuals and organizations experience change and growth. It is truly a learning experience.

After 17 years as Executive Director, Founder Carol Vecchio is focusing on areas necessary to advance many of the changes on the horizon at CP. Lisa Tucker, whom many of you know from the Front Office, is acting as Interim Executive Director, and we will be looking for a new Executive Director later in 2010. I’m going to leave it to Carol to tell you about all the exciting opportunities currently presenting themselves but suffice it to say, you’ll be able to say you “knew us when!”

As I move off the board and CP looks to grow, there are opportunities and challenges for all of us at CP. But it is certainly worth it! As with any non-profit, cash is a necessary part of the equation, as is the commitment of time and energy. I encourage all of you, whether current or former members of the CP community, to get involved in a very profound and exciting adventure. Whether it be a contribution of money or of time, I can attest from experience that the rewards far exceed the investment.

Centerpoint is in the Spring of its organizational cycle, and we all know that in Spring you want to run. I hope to see many of you running with us as we change the way we live and work! Thanks for a wonderful six years.