Groundwork Denver in search of new Executive Director
Groundwork Denver’s search for a new Executive Director to replace Wendy Hawthorne has reached its first milestone, with the application window closing on November 24. The search committee is excited about the diversity and quality of the candidates expressing interest in the position and looks forward to initial screenings by our executive recruitment firm, and first-round interviews to take place on December 6.
Groundwork Denver will be hosting a celebration in honor of Wendy’s leadership on Colorado Gives Day, which is Tuesday, December 5th, from 4:30 pm – 7 pm at Fire on the Mountain (3801 W. 32nd Ave. in Denver). To learn more about the event, click here. If you cannot attend the celebration but would still like to honor Wendy in some way, consider contributing to Groundwork Denver on Colorado Gives Day. To schedule your payment now, click here.
Letter from the Board, sent October 12th, 2017
Over the past eleven years, under the vision and leadership of Executive Director Wendy Hawthorne, Groundwork Denver has undergone tremendous growth in both programming and the fiscal health of our nonprofit organization. More importantly, Wendy’s team has worked together to build a grassroots organization that has had significant positive impacts on both the environment and the lives of the people in the communities we serve.
So, it is with sincere appreciation and genuine warm wishes that we announce that Wendy has decided to step down from her position as Executive Director as of the end of December.
In her letter to the board of directors, Wendy wrote: “I still care deeply about the work of the organization and the communities that we serve, but I’ve decided it is time for me to take a short sabbatical and then pursue a new challenge. We’ve crafted a new strategic plan and have a great staff and board, and Groundwork Denver is on solid financial ground, so the time feels right for new leadership.” The Board of Directors echoes Wendy’s words and is confident that we will continue to pursue our mission for decades to come.
Working with a consultant, we have a solid plan in place to implement a comprehensive executive search to find a great new leader. Wendy will be with us through the end of the year to keep our important work moving forward and then will remain available to help the new Executive Director with the transition as needed.
We look forward to keeping you and our entire team of stakeholders updated on the status of our executive search, plus a gathering to celebrate Wendy’s leadership currently being envisioned in early-mid December.
On behalf of the board, we so appreciate our volunteers, funders and partners. Thank you for your support!