My first interview for the CFSEK Program Coordinator position was a snowy, Presidents Day in 2015. I met with the CFSEK Executive Director, Cathy White. A week later, Cathy was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor and passed away within a month.
I learned about the Program Coordinator opening from Cathy at a United Way meeting while still in my previous position. It was time for me to leave that organization and learning about a part-time, professional position with an upstanding organization was exciting. They don’t come along that often.
Needless to say, it was a difficult time. Filling the position was put on hold and finally, in May 2015, I came on board with CFSEK. I am glad that I did.
Table of Contents
The privilege of service
Early on, I realized it was my privilege to be the Program Coordinator at CFSEK. The timing was perfect. I needed to move on professionally; it was a part time position with flexibility which fit my personal life; it was a position that allowed me to continue work in the nonprofit/service sector; and it was with a reputable organization.
My intent was to bring my experience, knowledge base, skill set, relationships, and hard work to CFSEK. Many thanks to my parents for instilling in me a work ethic. In return, I have learned a lot. The change and growth throughout the past nine years has been significant. Staff has doubled, assets have tripled, donor and fundholder numbers have increased, nonprofit engagement has grown considerably, and multiple software transitions have been survived. I would like to think I have helped this growth occur.
My hope is that CFSEK is just getting started.
The value of relationships
This position requires many skills none more important than relating to and connecting with people. I hope CFSEK never loses the value of relationships.
When one approaches retirement, the “what will you miss” and “what are your plans” questions are common. I can tell you what I won’t miss. Technology.
I will miss the satisfaction that comes with this job; hearing from or about organization successes; giving away others’ money; all of you; daily structure; and the cliché answer of doing something that helps others. I am sincere.
After retirement, I look forward to not thinking about tasks and timelines. Slow mornings enjoying a cup of coffee, leisurely walks with my dog, time to be more active, reading more, adventures, and time with my husband, Jeff, are what I most look forward to.
Closing thoughts
Kind things are being said about me as I near my retirement. I hope they are genuine and true. To have a job you enjoy, feel proud of, and are paid to do is unique and fortunate. I have been fortunate, and I appreciate the opportunity to have been in this position for CFSEK the past nine years.
I would like to say thanks to all the nonprofits, students, counselors, donors, teachers, board members, co-workers, administrators, volunteers, and clients who have helped me reach retirement. I could not have done it without any of you. My biggest thanks always go to my family.
So, as I leave, I challenge CFSEK to continue to be a reputable organization by making decisions that benefit our SEK communities and valuing relationships with people in those communities. And always dream big and change lives!