Greetings, fellow Avilones. I know, I know. Last month I told you that I would likely NOT be able to submit a column in time for the September issue of the Avila Beach Life newspaper because of my pending vacation. But, lo and behold, I managed to carve out some time before heading to Alaska. Of course, doing so several weeks in advance of the publication due date meant that the news would be rather dated when it comes to Avila happenings. So, I decided to set aside the local news update with an announcement a little closer to home. Are you curious? Do I have your attention? Then read on.
Earlier this summer I informed the Foundation Board of Trustees of my plan to retire as Executive Director at the end of 2023. This will conclude 15 years of service in my role, and I have enjoyed every bit of it! However, having turned 72 years of age this summer I decided it was time to pass the baton to someone new who could bring into the equation the type of fresh ideas and enthusiasm that I did in 2009. I can look back and feel gratitude and pride in what the Foundation has accomplished during my turn at the helm. Over these past 15 years I have been fortunate to work with so many wonderful board members and a few talented staff associates. All have contributed to, and been extremely supportive of, my efforts, ideas and leadership. This afforded me a lot of freedom to be creative in our agency’s quest to enhance life in Avila Beach.
Looking back on my life, the past 15 years mark the final chapter of what has been a nearly 50-year career in the non-profit sector. My gosh, where did the time go? It all began the summer of 1973 when I was asked to be a substitute tennis instructor at the Mid Valley YMCA in Van Nuys, California. That stint led to further assignments with the “Y”, then to a career track as a YMCA professional. In 1982 I took my experience to the YMCA in Newport Beach and further honed my management skills by heading several departments involving youth and families. In 1985 I bid farewell to the YMCA after being hired by the American Red Cross of the San Fernando Valley, where I learned some new valuable skills in communications and fundraising.
Fast forward to 1989 when my wife and I decided to leave the madness of Southern California and set up stakes in Los Osos after having visited the Central Coast the previous year in search of a better quality of life. After a brief stint working part time for the Cuesta College Foundation, I was hired in 1991 by HOTLINE of San Luis Obispo County in my first job as an executive director. While I certainly had experience heading departments and supervising staff and volunteers, I had not before been responsible for an entire organization. That first year was a challenge, but everything came together nicely and resulted in a 7-year term with HOTLINE that ended in 1998 after I was hired to be the first executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County. What a terrific experience that was! Wonderful staff, dedicated board of directors and volunteers, and no shortage of donors.
Sparing you the boring details, I left BBBS after three years to help with two new start-ups, then returned to BBBS for another three years as their E.D. when the agency once again called upon me to help right the ship. My journey took yet another turn when, just as was l retiring from BBBS at the end of 2008, the opportunity to become executive director of the Avila Beach Community Foundation surfaced. Gladly, I was hired at the beginning of 2009, and you know the rest of the story, which brings me to the big news of the day. The next four months will be spent working side by side with the person chosen to be my successor as he transitions into the role. I am delighted to introduce you to Rick Rowe who, as of January 1, 2024 will be the Foundation’s new executive director. Rick, you may recall, was on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2013-2017 – the last of those two years as Board President. He also served on the boards of the Avila Beach Community Services District, Avila Valley Advisory Council and Avila Beach Civic Association. Rick recently retired from teaching school, which followed his first career in the technology industry. He possesses terrific workplace and people skills that should serve him well in this new capacity, and I know you will offer Rick a warm welcome.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
Earlier this summer I informed the Foundation Board of Trustees of my plan to retire as Executive Director at the end of 2023. This will conclude 15 years of service in my role, and I have enjoyed every bit of it! However, having turned 72 years of age this summer I decided it was time to pass the baton to someone new who could bring into the equation the type of fresh ideas and enthusiasm that I did in 2009. I can look back and feel gratitude and pride in what the Foundation has accomplished during my turn at the helm. Over these past 15 years I have been fortunate to work with so many wonderful board members and a few talented staff associates. All have contributed to, and been extremely supportive of, my efforts, ideas and leadership. This afforded me a lot of freedom to be creative in our agency’s quest to enhance life in Avila Beach.
Looking back on my life, the past 15 years mark the final chapter of what has been a nearly 50-year career in the non-profit sector. My gosh, where did the time go? It all began the summer of 1973 when I was asked to be a substitute tennis instructor at the Mid Valley YMCA in Van Nuys, California. That stint led to further assignments with the “Y”, then to a career track as a YMCA professional. In 1982 I took my experience to the YMCA in Newport Beach and further honed my management skills by heading several departments involving youth and families. In 1985 I bid farewell to the YMCA after being hired by the American Red Cross of the San Fernando Valley, where I learned some new valuable skills in communications and fundraising.
Fast forward to 1989 when my wife and I decided to leave the madness of Southern California and set up stakes in Los Osos after having visited the Central Coast the previous year in search of a better quality of life. After a brief stint working part time for the Cuesta College Foundation, I was hired in 1991 by HOTLINE of San Luis Obispo County in my first job as an executive director. While I certainly had experience heading departments and supervising staff and volunteers, I had not before been responsible for an entire organization. That first year was a challenge, but everything came together nicely and resulted in a 7-year term with HOTLINE that ended in 1998 after I was hired to be the first executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County. What a terrific experience that was! Wonderful staff, dedicated board of directors and volunteers, and no shortage of donors.
Sparing you the boring details, I left BBBS after three years to help with two new start-ups, then returned to BBBS for another three years as their E.D. when the agency once again called upon me to help right the ship. My journey took yet another turn when, just as was l retiring from BBBS at the end of 2008, the opportunity to become executive director of the Avila Beach Community Foundation surfaced. Gladly, I was hired at the beginning of 2009, and you know the rest of the story, which brings me to the big news of the day. The next four months will be spent working side by side with the person chosen to be my successor as he transitions into the role. I am delighted to introduce you to Rick Rowe who, as of January 1, 2024 will be the Foundation’s new executive director. Rick, you may recall, was on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2013-2017 – the last of those two years as Board President. He also served on the boards of the Avila Beach Community Services District, Avila Valley Advisory Council and Avila Beach Civic Association. Rick recently retired from teaching school, which followed his first career in the technology industry. He possesses terrific workplace and people skills that should serve him well in this new capacity, and I know you will offer Rick a warm welcome.
That’s it for now, fellow Avilones. See you at the beach!
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