Change is in the air at PCRC!

After nineteen years of rewarding work with the organization, I have made the decision to retire. As I am preparing to leave, I am confident and excited about the positive future that is unfolding for PCRC. At twenty years of age, the organization is entering its adulthood with a skilled, energetic staff, nearly 200 dedicated volunteers, a visionary Board and a host of friends and supporters who all recognize PCRC’s value as a community resource. Our programs continue to evolve to meet changing needs and address new opportunities, but the mediation, facilitation, training and civic engagement services remain true to their principles and purposes. Together, these programs support stronger, more resilient communities that are inclusive and vibrant. I will be forever grateful for the privilege of helping to shape PCRC into the fine organization it is today.

It is a little hard to think about the past nineteen years at PCRC when there is so much energy going forward. But as I am preparing myself for the transition from my role as PCRC’s executive director to my next role as retired ED and ongoing fan of PCRC, I am remembering the people and the experiences that have enriched my time here. Joe Hardegree, the founding director of PCRC, hired me in 1987 to be the program administrator for community mediation programs in San Mateo and Belmont. Joe was a visionary and a consummate community worker. I learned so much about conflict resolution from Joe and the volunteers who energized PCRC in its early days. Warren Dale and Valerie Powell, both former chairs of the Board of Directors and ongoing program volunteers have generously supported me, and PCRC, for all of these years. Marty Tarshes, former County Manager, George Riley, Director of Community Services, Arlen Gregorio, County Supervisor and later state legislator, Judge Walter Harrington (ret.), Geoff Ball, renowned facilitator and Nancy Yeend, mediator, are among the many who have made unique contributions to PCRC over the years. Ana Navarro, long time friend and colleague, continues to serve PCRC as Board Secretary while she directs the Superior Court’s Small Claims Mediation Program. Sheila Purcell, valued partner as Director of the Courts Multi-option ADR Program, helped PCRC in the early years as a representative of the California State Bar. While I could go on for pages, I thank these friends and the many dedicated volunteers and staff members who have made my time at PCRC so fulfilling.

The countywide structure of PCRC, the result of a collaborative planning process, has enabled us to maintain stability and planned growth through the lean years as well as times of plenty in our community. The initial generous funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, facilitated by Bob Barrett, program officer, got PCRC off to a strong start. And for many years, both the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Peninsula Community Foundation have invested in our work, both by bolstering our organization’s structure and supporting the development of new program areas. Over time we have developed productive partnerships with most of the cities and the County government as well as many school districts.

PCRC has deep ties with public agencies and community based organizations and we are working on developing equally positive connections with business and corporate partners as well as reaching out to community members throughout San Mateo County, to tell them how our programs and services can help them and enlist their support for our work.

PCRC is on the move, still inspired by our mission and energized by the community we serve. The future is bright. And it’s the right time for change. I am stepping back from leadership, but I will continue on as PCRC’s biggest fan!