Sabbatical for our CEO
After 13 years of leading the Horizon Foundation, the Board of Trustees has afforded me the opportunity to take a three-month sabbatical for the purpose of rest, reflection and rejuvenation. Given the enormity of the moment, when there is so much pain and injustice, I felt like it might not be the best time. But as all non-profit leaders know, there is never a best time, which is why taking it is even more important.
I have been reluctant to communicate my plans publicly because I recognize the privilege I have to take this opportunity for rest and contemplation, and yet, isn’t that part of the conversation? In our uniquely American context, where we value over working and constant striving, where we often diminish the value of non-profit vs. for-profit excellence and where we often have unrealistic expectations of our non-profit leaders, especially leaders of color, taking rest is showing resistance and perhaps even painting a new path forward.
As sure as I am about the value this period holds for personal growth and contemplation, I am even more assured that the Foundation remains in strong and steady hands with Glenn Schneider as acting president and CEO, working in deep partnership and collaboration with Anne Brinker, chief operating officer. And of course, they will continue to benefit from the sage guidance and wisdom of Chris Fortune, chair of the board, and Lisa Pearson, vice chair of the board and the entire board and staff of the Foundation.
Over the next three months, our work in alliance with other funders, with our grantee partners and with our state and local government partners remains critical in this moment to meet our vision of a Howard County free from systemic inequities where all people can live abundant and healthy lives. We will continue to do the work and “create good trouble, necessary trouble” in the spirit of late Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis.
I am extremely grateful to the board and staff during this time, but most importantly to the Howard County and greater Maryland community for partnering with us to bring our vision, built side by side with community, to reality. I look forward to seeing you in September, to sharing my stories of deeply intentional time with family and friends and to listening and learning about how you have continued to move towards justice and health for all.
