I am writing today with my last message to you as a member of the Bethany Executive Leadership Team. My plan is to end my full-time work at the end of this month and continue, on a part-time basis, to complete some projects I have been working on for some time.
Yes, I have reached that time in my life to step away and do some of the things that I have wanted to do but have never felt I had the time. It seems that I’ve been contemplating this move for a long time — it was well over a year ago when I informed Jennifer that I was thinking of retirement — and now is the right time to make it a reality.
When I think back over my career and to my time at Bethany, there are a few things that stand out as highlights:
- I’ve spent the majority of my career working in or for not-for-profit organizations. I relate to and appreciate the caring attitudes and motives of my colleagues.
- I’ve always enjoyed working, especially learning and making improvements, year over year.
- I’ve loved meeting new colleagues and building relationships with them over the years. Some of my best friends today are colleagues I worked with decades ago.
- I’ve sat with hundreds of People of Bethany at lunch enjoying the stories of the day. However, I’ve listened to some stories from staff, especially at Bethany Calgary, that I’d rather not have heard during mealtimes!
- I’ve had four employers, with periods of employment of 16, 3, 10 and 14 years.
- I’ve held substantially the same role at Bethany throughout my tenure, however it has never felt like it was the same — every year brought new opportunities and challenges.
- I’ve worked for only two Presidents, enjoyed learning from the experience and counsel of four Board Chairs, many Board Trustees, Foundation Directors and community volunteers, and working with many colleagues on the Executive Leadership Team.
- I’ve worked continuously (except for some very enjoyable vacations) for the past 43 years — no wonder I feel tired!
I have also met many of you as Bethany has designed and built new care centres; opened, expanded and closed programs; renovated and updated our buildings to meet current standards; expanded our housing portfolio of owned and managed properties; and (unfortunately) helped to re-mediate buildings affected by floods or fire. I have seen employees join Bethany and leave — and have been delighted to see some of them return for a second term of employment.
I will be around Bethany until the end of April “wrapping things up”, and I do hope to share memories with many of you during that time.
Good luck to you all. It has been a pleasure being a part of the large Bethany family and sharing experiences with you.
With best wishes,
— Alasdair
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