Over the past few months, United Way of King County’s board of directors has been working to narrow the field of candidates to identify its next CEO. The board of directors’ Search Committee has been moving through the process with great thoughtfulness and care.

As the board gets closer to choosing its top candidate, the process has caused me to reflect on my time with United Way. I began as the Interim CEO last July, and it has been an absolute pleasure to partner with the outstanding team members at UWKC.

My goal was to partner with team members to create the most fertile ground for the next CEO to thrive. I’m so proud of the work I’ve been able to do alongside this team and in partnership with the board.

One of our most recent accomplishments was a return to the office. Our building downtown on 2nd Street was flooded almost two years ago. A host of team members have worked tirelessly to navigate contractors and go over every detail for the renovation, interior design, decorations, and a thoughtful return-to-office event calendar.

We returned to the office on April 21 this year. Staff members were welcomed by senior staff, received new T-shirts and tickets to the Seattle Art Museum, gifts at their desks with handwritten notes, signs that expressed our joy at having them back in the office, a catered breakfast and lunch, and intentional time on our calendars to socialize together. The energy was electric, and it was a joy to be with everyone.

I am grateful to have been part of that landmark moment, among others, during my interim tenure. I believe this organization is tracking beautifully to continue and elevate their service to the community, commitment to equity, investments in making it a great place to work, and keeping their eye towards innovation.

Thanks so much to the community for showing up in such a wonderful way. To donors, funders, and partners who met my challenge to make a runway for the next CEO by investing and dreaming together during my tenure, thank you so much.

To board members who have sat down even more in their commitment to the organization than ever before, thank you so much. To the individuals, volunteers, leaders, and organizations that continue to trust our partnership, thank you so much.

And to the amazing staff who are mission-focused and show up day after day, week after week, working to make UWKC better, thank you so, so, so very much.

What a joy!