United Way of Northern Arizona — The Hardest Part of Retiring is Saying Goodbye

The Hardest Part of Retiring is Saying Goodbye

In just a few weeks, I’ll walk out of the offices at 1515 E. Cedar Ave. in Flagstaff for the last time as the President and CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona, my professional home for the past 24 years.

While I’m looking forward to retirement and am excited about the plans I’m making with my husband for this next chapter in our lives, the truth is it’s hard to say goodbye.

Being part of this organization for almost a quarter of a century has been an incredibly meaningful part of my life and walking away from something like that is never easy.

I passionately believe in UWNA’s mission. I’ve had the pleasure of being part of (and ultimately leading) a team that worked every day to bring people and resources together so we could meet immediate needs and collaborate on long-term solutions to the challenges facing our communities.

During my time here, UWNA has evolved to better serve Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties. Sometimes those changes were the product of strategic decisions, such as focusing our efforts on programs that “Stepped Up for Our Youth.” Other times it was necessitated by emergencies and events, from wildfires to COVID-19.

Never did I think I’d be a CEO of an organization during a pandemic, but I’m so proud of how UWNA and our partners responded. While COVID-19 created substantial barriers in our efforts, we learned, we adapted, we applied our collective wisdom, and we persevered.

United Way has always been the organization you can count on when times are tough and that will not change. It is with the highest confidence that I pass the baton to your new President & CEO, Liz Archuleta, who brings phenomenal experience and the highest caliber of leadership to the role.

Working with our dedicated volunteer leadership, talented staff, and entrusted community partners, United Way will continue and grow as a force for lasting, positive change for northern Arizona.