Dear tSB community,
tSB empowers and builds leadership in our youth – and that is exactly what it has done for me. At 22 years old, I took a position at the Service Board as the Administrative Assistant. I was excited for my first real job and had no idea what tSB would come to mean to me. In my eight years at tSB, I have received incredible mentorship, learned hard and soft skills and have developed deep relationships. Together, we have conquered mountains – literally and figuratively – and have had a tremendous amount of fun. Today we are stronger than ever, and it is because of our community. Thank you.
It is with a heavy heart but a great deal of excitement that I share that I have decided that it is time for me to move on. tSB is on a strong path, with passionate and talented staff, board members and supporters. In my time at tSB, programs have become stronger and deeper and our community has grown. It is now time for new leadership to lead the organization into its third decade.
There really are no words to describe just how important this community is to me. tSB is the place I work, but it is also my family. As a part of this community, I have faced some of my biggest professional challenges and made difficult decisions. I have made mistakes and learned hard lessons. Together we have suffered tremendous losses, but also gained so much. Through all of it, you have supported me.
While difficult, this job is also incredibly fun.
My first year, I learned to snowboard alongside Michael Fertakis (he picked it up much more quickly than me). I still never fall as hard as when people are yelling my name from a chair lift. Room six at the Huckleberry Inn is filled with memories and video footage of terrified prophets and mentors falling over after Raj or Rafanan jumped out of the closet. More infamous videos were filmed, from remakes of Harry Potter with Duffy, Ann, Antasia and my parents’ hairless cat to Tyvon’s behind-the-scenes music videos with the stars of Blonde and Powerful. I still can’t believe that Mickey, Fino and Juan let me bleach their hair.
Some of my favorite moments have been in the back of the bus, singing Disney tunes lead by Matt Therrien or proving to students that I have rhythm. Or the long van rides to Portland; singing happy birthday to ‘Berto and stopping at food trucks. Oh, the food! Stephany shared her favorite family recipe, Pai taught me to cook for 60, Chris convinced me to eat salmon (and even adobo) and over the years the best meals of my life have been at tSB retreats.
It has been such an honor to work with the amazing tSB staff (current and past) and community of students and volunteers that give so much of their time to build something beautiful. While I will no longer be serving as ED, I will always be a part of the tSB family.
Over the next six months I will be making my transition from Executive Director to the tSBiggest fan. As I and the organization prepare for this transition, I ask you to support tSB through the process, ensuring our community continues to thrive. First, I ask you to continue to give. This community has built and sustained tSB for the last nineteen years. Your time, expertise and contributions have gotten us this far and we need you with us now. Our strength is our community, with all of you, tSB will grow.
Second, I encourage you to help us plan. Connecting with our community has been essential. Especially at this time, your knowledge and experience are critical in guiding tSB. The Board of Directors is leading the process to find the next Executive Director of the Service Board and want to be informed by our community. We want to hear from you. Your voice is a vital part of the process.
Please consider providing input in the following ways:
- Reach out directly. Give me call, send us an email, or fill out this survey and let us know what you would like to see in tSB’s next leader.
- Get coffee with the Executive Director Search Committee. Meet them at Uptown on Delridge next Thursday, 7/10/14 from 4pm (please RSVP if you can join us).
- Attend the community forum and BBQ on August 17th. Join the rest of our community to plan tSB’s future. More information coming soon.
After hearing from you, we will begin searching for the perfect fit. We need your help finding the leader and ask you to think through your networks, reach out to your people, and share this opportunity.
It has been an honor to serve as tSB’s Executive Director and to share this community with you all.
With gratitude from the bottom of my heart,
Ashley
