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From our new Executive Director

Dear Colleagues,

I hope this note finds you and yours well and thriving in this New Year. I am writing to introduce myself. On January 2, 2007 I assumed the position of Executive Director for the Foundation. It is an honor to have been chosen by the FHE Board of Directors to be the FHE staff director. For several months (since June 2006) I worked in an organizational development consultancy capacity with FHE. Albeit, then, the relatively short tenure in my present role, I've had the opportunity to learn about FHE's history, operations, and challenges. There's nothing like taking the helm, though, to drive home what one doesn't know! Fortunately I have incredibly smart, talented and hardworking FHE staff and board colleagues helping me navigate these new waters.

What compelled me to put my name forward for the FHE E.D. position was my desire to be of service to the FHE mission of the worldwide healing and prevention of trauma. I wanted to be part of an organization that has the potential to move the human evolution needle forward. I wanted to join my energies with this work because I believe that it offers hope and healing on the most fundamental and personal level of human existence. My hope is that my mix of skills and experience can help expand FHE's capacity and impact.

My management background spans starting a women's resource center in rural Colorado to managing the $35 million Denver Metro regional asset district. Most of my career has consisted of "start up" operations, including programs in victims' services and mainstream and adaptive recreation. Most recently I taught for the Graduate School of Public Affairs at University of Colorado after receiving my doctorate in Public Administration/Nonprofit Management Concentration from the University of Pittsburgh's Graduate School of Public And International Affairs.

This month the FHE Board of Directors and I finalized a number of strategic goals for this year. One of my earliest agenda items is to do an assessment of our outreach program to date and develop a strategy for continuing our outreach presence in the world. As you may know, on November 30th Dr. Geneie Everett finished her tenure as TOP Director to pursue her desire to offer the Trauma First Aide training to a wide audience. I know I join many of you in thanking Geneie for her dedication to healing trauma.

I want to ensure that the momentum that has been achieved via Geneie's and so many others' efforts are honored and sustained. To that end, in the past 3 weeks I have reached out to past Trauma Outreach Program volunteers and to folks who have gone through the trauma first aid training for their thoughts on our future direction. I have been delighted with the positive responses I am receiving. Meanwhile, if you are reading this note and would like to share your thoughts about FHE's outreach efforts, please contact me at jhansberry@traumahealing.com or by phone at 303 652 4035.

With all best wishes and great hope for our work together,