LEADERSHIP TRANSITION ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
“I feel so privileged to have had an opportunity to help establish
White Pony Express in our community. It has been the highlight of my work life.
A very bright future awaits.” - Gary Conner
Gary Conner has served as executive director for White Pony Express from its very modest beginnings to being a primary resource to the underserved across Contra Costa County. Gary recently informed us he must withdraw as executive director for health reasons.
Given the strong volunteer leadership and staff management team we have brought together to run our programs and operations over the past two years, a natural choice to fill the role of executive director is Mary Brooks, a current member of our board of directors.
Mary has also served White Pony Express as co-chair of the Free General Store and chair of our Communications Team. Mary will continue her work as founder of Integrē Wealth Management of Raymond James.
Mary says,
“I am in awe every day of the difference WPE makes in the lives of all those who participate with us – donors, recipients, volunteers, and staff. It really is
all of us taking care of all of us
. I so look forward to representing WPE as its executive director
.”
While our fundraising and "friend-raising" will, and must, continue into the new year to sustain our work together, know that White Pony Express is in excellent financial shape to continue our service and growth. From a formation budget of $800 and no regular donors of food, clothing, and other needed program resources, WPE developed its life sustaining and enriching Food Rescue and Free General Store programs that provide 6,500 pounds per day of high-quality food and thousands of articles of clothing, toys, and books per month to those in need.
Gary Conner will continue to serve as our president and board chair as we go forward working together with the staff and Mary Brooks as our new executive director.
Wishing you, and the communities and people we serve, all the best in 2019,
White Pony Express
