Dear Friends,

     I have often said that Deborah's Palm's middle name is "transition" - well, it is my turn for big changes now in my life!

     In the works for nearly a year, it is time for me to transition out of the Executive Director role at Deborah's Palm. I have plans to relocate to the East Bay, to be near my daughter and family in early 2016.

     I will continue to work in my current capacity as Executive Director, until our Holiday break mid-December. Then I will remain on the Board of Directors and stay involved "behind-the-scenes" as a supporter and contributor.

     I am passing the torch on to a very capable crew. Deborah's Palm is in excellent hands through the tireless and caring work and support of our volunteers, teachers, leaders and facilitators. Diana Vereschzagin, our program and event administrator, who began her role in February, is beautifully managing our classes, teachers, newsletter, website and events. The executive directorship is being taken over by Katie Cooney, a gifted and insightful leader, whose background in psychology, nonprofit management and business, is just the right mix to take Deborah's Palm into the future. Katie Cooney is being charged with the challenge of our financial sustainability and connection to our community and local businesses, in order to provide the support for us, as we grow, change and flourish.

     Katie Cooney will start her work with us on Monday, August 3. Please be sure to stop in introduce yourself and welcome her to her new role at Deborah's Palm! We will use these next few months to train, prepare and define our responsibilities and tasks, to take our next steps

     I look forward to this next new chapter in my life and the transition will be eased by the fact that I am not saying "good-bye" and will continue to serve women in our community, but just from another vantage point, as Board member and guide.

     It has been a wonderful experience to plan, implement, open and manage Deborah's Palm over the last fifteen years. Even though we've been open for only five, the planning process and education I received all helped to usher in our innovative center on the Peninsula. I will now take my love, energy and expertise into a new challenge: professional grand-mothering! I can hardly wait!

     I will still be around lots. In fact, I may even enjoy my time at DP more, because I will not be tugged to go do work & be distracted, but can fully be devoted to cultivating the awesome friendships that have been founded here. Here's to a new chapter of life! L'Chaim! Love you all!

 

Peace and Love,

Katie

 

Dear Friends of Deborah's Palm,

 

It is with great enthusiasm I write to you about my impending role as Executive Director of Deborah's Palm. Before I share with you what I'm looking forward to at Deborah's Palm, let me tell you how I came to know the organization. In 2013, I had the privilege to work with Katie Ritchey, the Board of Directors and many of the dedicated volunteers on the Motown Gala event. During those months I came to understand what an incredibly special place Deborah's Palm was. This beautiful Victorian not only hosted various lively events, counseling services and educational workshops, but also graced the women who walked through the doors with compassion, kindness and community. I knew then that Deborah's Palm was where I wanted to be and Katie a person I wanted in my life.

 

Fast forward to August 2015 and my dream has become a reality. The service Deborah's Palm has provided to women over the years in the community humbles me. I genuinely believe empowering women vastly improves our society, our families, our planet and our own sense of self. I now join you and the Deborah's Palm family in living our mission; to provide a place for women to connect, discover, restore and grow.

 

Once on-board, my focus is to quickly gain a deeper understanding of the organization, get to know our wonderful volunteers and teachers and develop a multi-dimensional strategy focusing on the organization's financial sustainability, partnerships with the community and businesses, as well as grow our brand. I welcome your ideas, input and suggestions as we move forward together on this tremendous journey.

 

I honor and give thanks to the incredible work and dedication Katie, the board of directors, the teachers, counselors, leaders and volunteers have given to Deborah's Palm. I thank you for the opportunity to work with you and for you in the next steps of this great adventure.

 

Think bravely.

 

Sincerely, Katie Cooney