An email update sent April 15, 2022
It’s Hard to Say Goodbye
I’m writing to you today with bittersweet news. After more than nine years at Clackamas Service Center, and six wonderful years serving as Executive Director, I’ve decided to embark on a new adventure. At the end of May, I’ll be leaving my position at CSC.
Let me tell you, this was not an easy decision. Over the last decade, I’ve met so many amazing people – from resourceful, resilient community members to open-hearted supporters. CSC isn’t only a hub for services, but a gathering place for some truly incredible humans.
While I’ve served as the face of the organization for the past few years, everything we’ve done during my tenure has been a team effort. In part, this felt like the right time to move on because of the strength of the organization.
Your support has made this organization so impactful, and I’m so proud of where the Center stands today. Our dedicated, mission-driven team is making fantastic progress, empowering our community members to live more stable, healthier lives.
As you know, we’re fresh off the heels of incredible growth with the addition of the Food Hub. Through our grocery deliveries, meals, and partner programs, food from CSC now benefits over 10,000 people each month! Our referral relationships with other service providers have helped more of our unhoused community members find permanent housing solutions in the last three years than ever before. Every day, CSC’s work touches more lives, and our network of amazing partner organizations, volunteers, and donors just keeps growing.
I care so deeply about this organization, and set our board and staff up for success by giving them more than 8 weeks notice of my intention to leave. Some work has already begun behind the scenes, and here’s what you should know about CSC’s next steps:
- My last day at CSC will be May 31st, 2022, and I will remain available to our staff, board, and the eventual new Executive Director in a limited capacity, on contract, for as long as necessary.
- The board of directors has convened a search committee for a new ED. The position will be posted soon and an expert nonprofit recruiter will be screening candidates. A committee composed of CSC board and staff members will conduct interviews and ultimately select my replacement.
- Krista Harper, our longtime Development Director, will serve as Interim Executive Director during the search process. Krista has worked closely with me since 2017, and I know she and the rest of the staff are prepared to maintain CSC’s course during the transition.
- CSC’s mission, vision, and long-term organizational plans remain intact. Our board is committed to hiring a new director who will bring new passion, experience, and perspective to the organization as it continues to grow.
I understand that this news may be surprising, and if you have questions, concerns, or just want to connect, please know that I would love to hear from you. I will continue to be available to you by email and phone through the end of May. To reach me, send an email to debramason@cscoregon.org or call me at (503) 929-1601.
I’m so grateful to you for all you’ve done for the Center, and I can’t wait to see where your support takes CSC in the future. Thank you for being part of my CSC experience!
Always,
Debra Mason
Executive Director