Changed For Good

This was my last message as NAHRO President before turning over the gavel in October of 2021.

This is my last monthly communication as I conclude my term as your NAHRO President. What a journey these two years have been. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you. I know that I have gained more than I have given. To say this term was easy (on any of us) would be to tell an untruth. We encountered a world changing pandemic shortly after I took office. We scrambled to unravel conference contracts that had been signed years ago and showed incredible nimbleness as we turned on a dime and created virtual conferences to keep our members safe while still delivering critical information and learning opportunities. We moved training offerings to virtual platforms, ensuring that your teams could continue to be trained up for successful outcomes at your agencies. We offered even more free member benefit webinars to share best practices and more. We remained committed to your professional development.

As our country witnessed the murder of George Floyd, and the social unrest that followed, we utilized the goal that had been added to our strategic plan during our leadership retreat at the start of this term to ensure critical conversations and a push for outcomes of change were happening in each committee within our structure. As a result of that work, we have a powerful framework for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that challenges not just the national organization, but also our regions, states, and PHAs to address systemic racism and be agents for change.

During the brief window of travel this year, a small delegation of NAHRO leadership made the journey to Alaska to learn about the housing challenges faced by native communities. We were surprised to see so many similarities and so many differences. We also came to the realization that we are stronger together. It was an incredible learning experience and I know that those who were able to attend will forever carry that experience with them.

Because I will not be able to publicly say these words at a conference, I will write them here. I must thank my Board of Commissioners in Pocatello for supporting this crazy idea of becoming the NAHRO President - specifically my board chair and cheerleader, Karina. As a group you have been amazing to work with. I truly hope you can see the benefits that this journey brought home to the community.

I thank my new Board of Commissioners in Twin Falls for taking a chance and hiring a director who has shared her heart with local community and with a national organization. I know that these experiences will benefit Twin Falls, as well.

To the NAHRO team – thank you. You have always made me look smarter than I am and have given me opportunities to shine when you have stood in the background. We have an amazing team in DC and I am so grateful to them. To my NAHRO supporters out there, thank you for laughing with me and crying with me. Thank you for taking my calls and for your circle of love and support. I look forward to sitting in the audience of conferences next to each of you again and asking for that blanket that was packed just for me.

To my best friend and partner in life’s wild adventure, Tim – thank you for your love and support. I remember when I first began talking about running for office he said, “do it now, so you can slow down sooner as opposed to later”. You mean the world to me, and I could not have done this without you. NAHRO will not likely see another Chief of Snacks quite like you.

Patricia, my dear friend and sister, you will be an amazing President for this beautiful organization. I cannot wait to see the wonderful and impactful things you will do.

And to my NAHRO family, each and every one of you – thank you. Thank you for this opportunity. Thank you for accepting a fully flawed human to lead this organization over the last two years. And thank you for showing me grace when I stumbled (oh so many times). As this term closes, I am reminded of one of my favorite songs, For Good from Wicked. “So let me say before we part, so much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine by being my friend … Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

Signing out, Sunny