Dear Center Community,
It is a bittersweet feeling that I write to you all to let you know from me, personally, that I have accepted a position as Executive Director of Youth Development for the Sarasota YMCA. Though I am extremely excited to have been offered this amazing opportunity to grown in my professional career, I know it would not have been possible to accept it without all that I have learned over the past three years serving the Anna Maria Island community in my role as Managing Director and then as the Center’s Executive Director.
I vividly recall relocating to the island and my first experiences in enrolling my daughter, Madeline, into summer camp prior to beginning kindergarten at our precious Anna Maria Elementary School. I quickly saw that the Center would play a major role in our lives. I was very eager to put my nonprofit experience to work upon hearing about the Center’s financial struggles, initially just as a volunteer working with special events.
Volunteering quickly lead to being fortunate enough to join the team. I honestly had no idea what lay ahead, but do not regret my experience at all. Everything that has transpired during the past three years has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. I know where the Center stood upon my arrival, and I am so very proud of where it is today.
I cannot overstate enough that the Center’s success and improvements would not have been impossible without the enormous support, collaboration and teamwork from the Center’s dedicated staff and current and former members of the Board. (These true supporters know who you are:) The staff specifically has been equally as passionate about, and committed to the Center of Anna Maria Island as I have been, and continue to be passionate and committed. I hope that they will each continue to grow in their roles through continued support from their community….they work hard to serve you and I can attest that a little smile or “THANK YOU” goes a LONG way! I am grateful and lucky to have worked with such a dedicated and talented team.
I am thrilled to be able to take on an exciting, new opportunity with the Sarasota YMCA, while continuing to be a part of this special community as a member.
My transition began a few weeks ago when I met with each individual staff and board member , followed by public notification at last week’s board meeting. I will be working very closely with them throughout the next few weeks of this transition. At that meeting, the board accepted my resignation and a detailed plan for the transition period and beyond.
Next steps include forming a Search Committee to fill the executive director position, which will include key members of the community, and hiring an HR professional to lead the process. In addition, after strong recommendations, the Center will explore utilizing resources within Manatee Community Foundation for the placement of an interim Executive Director and whatever additional assistance can be provided to ensure the Center’s staff remains supported while the best candidate is selected for the organization in its current stage its life cycle.
I will look forward to celebrating this next new chapter for the Center at our Murder Mystery event, February 16 and 17. This is truly an exciting time for the Center, having finally turned the corner thanks to the everyone coming together and stepping up to support our community’s gathering place—a true jewel on this island!
Cheers!
Kristen Lessig
