2015 is going to be a big year for Southwest Initiative Foundation. After a four-month search process, we’re preparing to name our next president/CEO.
Throughout my time as interim, I’ve often looked to a quote on the cover of our current strategic business plan:
Honor the past;
Be ruthlessly honest about the present;
Boldly envision the future.
We’ve used this time of transition at the foundation to do the first two, celebrating Sherry Ristau’s leadership and evaluating our current policies and practices as we prepare for change. Now, we’re really looking forward to the future.
After 20+ years of steady leadership, it’s going to be a new day for Southwest Initiative Foundation. We’re all excited for the new opportunities and challenges this change will bring.
I like to describe Southwest Initiative Foundation as a learning organization. We balance thoughtful, strategic planning with taking calculated risks that lead to breakthrough ideas. We learn, we grow and we change—and that has led to some great things at the Southwest Initiative Foundation.
Southwest Initiative Foundation and all of our board and staff are so committed to our southwest Minnesota region, not just in the coming year but forever because we’re a permanent resource.
We look forward to sharing more with you in the New Year and wish you a happy and prosperous 2015!
