As a mission-driven organization, we talk about change a lot at Resource Media. After all, across the whole range issues that draw us to this work, whether it is ensuring everyone has the ability to live in safe, healthy communities or ratcheting down the global level of carbon to save our planet, change is the essential ingredient for progress. The same is true within our organization and within each of us. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
That is why the news I am sharing here is exciting, for both me and for Resource Media.
In October, I will be transitioning out of my current role to set up my own consulting practice. Deputy Director Amy Frykman will take over as Interim Executive Director as the Board works with staff to conduct a thoughtful national search for my permanent replacement. Amy is an immensely capable leader, and I have full confidence in her ability to take the helm of Resource Media as long as is necessary
I am really proud of what Resource Media has accomplished in the seven years since I returned for my second tour of duty. We’ve been more intentional about owning our values and defining our mission. Chief among those values is that sustainability and social justice are inseparable: You can’t have one without the other. This core belief prompted us to embark on an equity initiative that has seen us diversify our staff, embrace multi-cultural work, and take steps to make our culture more inclusive. We also have clearly committed ourselves to “the long game,” reflecting the reality that change based on trust simply takes time. We now work on a broader suite of issues in recognition that artificial silos are an impediment to building power. These values and mission-driven strategies are reflected in our updated strategic framework, adopted by the Board in 2018. And we have embraced a more distributed decision-making structure, allowing us to tap the creativity and wisdom of our talented staff more fully.
As proud as I am of what Resource Media has become, I also recognize that our transformation is far from over. The work of undoing institutional racism in the context of social change is itself a long-term strategy. With that in mind, I am excited to step aside and open up opportunities for more diverse leadership at Resource Media.
I am not going far. As I mentioned above, I will be starting my own consulting business with an emphasis on organizational development, program design and communications with a special focus on traditionally white-led organizations that are starting their own equity journey. I hope to continue working with Resource Media on specific projects as the need arises. From my new vantage point, I will also be Resource Media’s loudest booster. I will continue to have a huge vested interest in seeing Resource Media succeed.
As Resource Media Board Chair Erin Barnes put it, “This is a change in leadership, not a change in course.” Our strategic framework will continue to guide Resource Media’s work and its evolution. I hope and expect that we will continue to “be” the change we seek. Many thanks to all of you who have helped me and supported Resource Media on this unfinished journey.
