When I first came to work at Martha Lloyd in late 1996, it was a very different organization than it is today. Although the quality of the services we provide remains exceptional, we now provide it in Canton, Sylvania, Mansfield, Blossburg and Wellsboro. Throughout this expansion, we have continued to improve facilities without losing our focus of what is most important, the people we care for. We remain that thoughtful, caring organization that Martha Lloyd envisioned back in 1928.
I still remember clearly that day in August of 2009 when I interviewed for the President/CEO position. I remember saying that I believed we were stewards of this fine organization and that I would work very hard at making decisions based only on what was in its best interest. I believe I have done that. Certainly not alone but with a great group of employees. The future remains bright for this outstanding organization.
During my tenure at Martha Lloyd, first as the Community Residential Facility Corporate Director and then as the President/CEO, I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people. First, the individuals we serve, the staff that support them, the families, the various administrative team members as well as the Board of Directors. Being on the Board of Directors of a non-profit organization it truly a labor of love. Without this level of commitment, our service system would begin to crumble. So many members of the Board have been very kind over the years offering support, advice and often times just listening to me, while I tried to figure something out. Therefore, to the past and present members of the Martha Lloyd Community Service Board of Directors I say thank you for having the faith and confidence in me to lead this organization.
My final thank you goes two very accomplished women who have provided me with some structure, organization, and support. First is Jackie, who has been my Administrative Assistant for the past nine years, she made sure I was where I was supposed to be and prepared to be there. The second person is my wife of 42 years, Teresa. She has allowed me to pursue my passion of helping people by supporting my career decisions and providing the stability on the home front, which we all need. So thanks to both.
In closing, I want to remind all of the people across the United States who read the Martha Lloyd newsletter that we remain a strong, vibrant organization that provides exceptional services to individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism. Martha Lloyd has a bright future ahead of it with the new leadership in place. Please continue to support it.
Thank you and May Peace be with you!