A Message to Our Members, Supporters and Partners,
I want to make you all aware of a change happening at the Center. Kate Jollie, our Executive Director, has shared with the Board of Trustees her intention to retire this year. Kate came to the Center in July, 2019, as the Interim Director, and was named Executive Director in October of that same year. She joined us after a long and successful career in the insurance industry, and her strong business background helped us weather the challenges and economic uncertainty of the pandemic. Under Kate’s leadership, the Center continued daily operations with creativity and innovation, including delivering programming through Zoom, hosting telephone bingo and introducing curb-side luncheon pickups. This past year, the Center reopened to full programming and resumed delivery of critical community services. Fundraising also returned, and the Center ended 2021 on a high note, with the Center closing in on 400 members and strong financial results, including the Annual Appeal, which exceeded our ambitious goal.
The news of Kate’s retirement is bittersweet. While we will certainly miss her, we are happy and excited that she will be beginning this new phase in her life. We are not sure of her exact retirement date, since it will depend on the hiring of a new Executive Director. We are beginning the search now, and Kate has committed to stay on to ensure a smooth transition.
We will plan a send-off for Kate before she leaves. In the meantime, please join us in congratulating Kate on her upcoming, well-deserved retirement.
Jean Conaty,
Chair, Board of Trustees
