At its February 16 Annual Meeting luncheon in Princeton, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos'

Board of Trustees celebrated and thanked Michael Aaron as he concluded six years of devoted service as Treasurer.

As part of its meeting, our Board Chair Charley Busuttil presented Michael with a Certificate of Appreciation honoring his steady leadership and faithful stewardship.

Surrounded by fellow board members and staff, Michael was recognized for the care, integrity, and calm judgment he brought to the role. Whenever consulted, he rose to the occasion - strengthening our financial foundation and helping position us for long-term sustainability.

Although stepping down from the board and his role as Treasurer, Michael shared that he will remain an enthusiastic supporter. We look forward to seeing him - along with fellow board members and supporters - at our upcoming fundraising event on March 7, and throughout the year ahead.

The Board was delighted to welcome incoming Treasurer Abbie Voorhees (seen in top photo, at far left) during its Annual Meeting. Abbie brings a wealth of nonprofit and accounting expertise to this role and has worked alongside Michael for years at Lear & Pannepacker, ensuring continuity and institutional stability.

Abbie shared that she "values the role that literature and shared discussion play in building connection and community. With my background in nonprofit audits and financial oversight, I would enjoy contributing in a practical, hands-on way as Treasurer to support the organization’s continued growth and impact."

Because of the strong foundation built through leadership like this, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos enters 2026–2027 with clarity, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Our newly adopted Strategic Plan emphasizes diversified revenue streams and expanded outreach to underserved communities, ensuring that more individuals who have historically lacked access to literature can experience our exceptional programs.

Please join me in expressing heartfelt thanks to Michael for six years of dedication, gratefully welcoming Abbie to this important and meaningful role, and in celebrating the strength of our organization as we move forward together.

Many warm hugs,

Debra

Debra Lampert-Rudman, M.Ed.

Executive Director, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos

debra@peopleandstories.org

Pictured from left: Abbie Voorhees, Michael Aaron, Charley Busuttil, Debra Lampert-Rudman, Sumanth Munipalli,

Board Secretary Ysabel Gonzalez unable to attend

Photo credit: Sumanth Munipalli