Dear friends, It has been my extreme pleasure to serve as the Executive Director of Friends of the Children-Seattle and it is with gratitude and sadness that I announce I will be moving on from the organization. During my time here, I have had the chance to work with talented children, dedicated families and committed supporters that make this work possible. It is hard for me to announce my departure from Friends-Seattle in January 2021. My family will be leaving the country to support my wife in her next position as a pediatrician and I will be pursuing new professional ventures. I am forever grateful for everything I have learned working alongside our board, staff, volunteers, families and, most importantly, our youth and mentors.

This year has been challenging for us all. I am proud of the work our staff has done to respond to this global pandemic. We shifted our services from in-personal to virtual, and we have found new and creative ways to connect with youth and families. We have worked with families to address social isolation, food insecurity, and virtual learning. It has been a privilege to witness our youth and professional mentors' exceptional ability, thoughtfulness, and dedication to this work.  I am thrilled to announce that we will be moving forward with two co-interim executive directors, Michelle Hurd and Kelsey Woods. Michelle started with Friends-Seattle in 2009 as a professional mentor. She has held multiple leadership roles with the organization through the years, including K-5 Team Lead, K-5 Program Manager, and Program Project Director. Kelsey joined Friends-Seattle in 2018 as Senior Development Director, overseeing all communications and revenue, after leading both global and regional nonprofits as an Executive Director. Our program leadership, including Alicia Uehling, Doneka Lang, and Sheena Fanuncial, will continue to oversee all mentor programs. Edgar Masmela will continue to support our mentors and families as Partnership Director.

Thanks to the stability and commitment of our staff and board, and your ongoing commitment to our work, Friends is poised for continued success and impact. I want to thank each of you for believing in our young people, and the power of professional mentorship, for 12+ years, from kindergarten to high school graduation, no matter what. I can be reached after January 15th at lewissr88@gmail.com. I look forward to continuing to watch the success of this organization, and the success each of the incredible young people that we are privileged to work alongside.

Steve Lewis Executive Director

Friends of the Children - Seattle | 206-328-3535 | info@friendsseattle.org

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