When I was hired as Executive Director at ICD in 2013, it was the opportunity of a lifetime. And now it is time to pass that opportunity on to someone else.
I am retiring from ICD, effective May 31. Assistant Director Sean Hayden has been appointed to take my place, and Stephanie Stalmah will assume the duties of Assistant Director.
Before coming to the ICD National Office, I had served as union co-chair for the USW/ArcelorMittal-Burns Harbor program for many years, so I was well aware of all the great things the program did for Steelworkers at my home local, USW 6787.
But being from Burns Harbor and seeing everything through that lens, I always just assumed that we had the best program out there.
What struck me most after taking this job and traveling around the country to all the different sites was the amazing job ALL of the programs were doing to serve Steelworker educational needs. It really is remarkable.
I want to thank you for that. I know you all did an excellent job well before I joined ICD and will continue to do so into the future.
As I leave, I do so knowing I leave you in very capable hands. Our staff is second to none and I will miss their friendship most of all. We will be adding a new Program Specialist, but I will leave those introductions for Sean and Steph to make.
I don’t have any immediate plans in retirement, except for maybe getting out on the road with my wife Deb and our Airstream trailer.
If I could leave you with one final piece of advice, it’s this – from a song by Darius Rucker: “When’s the last time you did something for the first time?”
Whether it’s for you, your family, or ICD, try something for the first time. It just might make a difference.
Thanks for everything. This has been one great ride.
leave a comment here