One of the great joys of my career has been to help improve education including serving as CEO of ImpactTulsa. Since our launch, we have built an unprecedented partnership that has directly touched the lives of thousands of children across our community. We have moved quickly to focus efforts on improving outcomes for students, and have done so hand-in-hand with fifteen school districts.
As we enter our third year, our partnership is poised to continue this momentum with data driven initiatives to increase the number of students completing the FAFSA, boost pre-K enrollment and significantly increase the area high school graduation rate. All of these are well within our reach as focused staff, dedicated educators and community leaders work together on common goals.
As 2016 unfolds, I will be taking on a new role with ImpactTulsa – Chair of the Leadership Council – succeeding Stacy Schusterman who has served with distinction since the organization’s inception. Stacy’s dedication to this work remains strong.
As we begin a search for my successor, the organization will continue without hesitation with interim management from our long-time Education Advisor, Dr. Cathy Burden, whose experience in the educational landscape in our community is nothing short of legendary. Dr. Burden will work with our ImpactTulsa team to deepen our relationships with school districts and our cross-sector partners, a vital strategy as we move into a year of action. Leadership Council members Allison Anthony and COO, Monroe Nichols have begun the update of our strategic plan. You will hear more about this at the February 17 Leadership Council meeting.
Dr. Burden’s experience, the leadership of our Chief Operating Officer, Monroe Nichols, and the commitment of the rest of our amazing ImpactTulsa team, Janell Chery, Autumn Worten and Alex Paschal insures that ImpactTulsa will continue to move towards achieving our vision that every child in this community will receive a high-quality education.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Monroe Nichols at monroe@impacttulsa.com or Cathy Burden at cathy@impacttulsa.com.
Thank you for your leadership, support and guidance.
Sincerely,
Kathy Taylor
ImpactTulsa
Chief Executive Officer