Dear VOX family,

It’s with mixed emotions that I share with you that Susan will plan to transition from her position as VOX’s Executive Director at the end of this fiscal year. Susan is moving on to follow her calling to seminary, and starting a graduate program at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur. I know you join me in cheering Susan on as she will move into her next phase in the fall. Her leadership at VOX has been incredible as she truly embodies VOX’s mission. Personally, she has been an amazing colleague and friend.

VOX’s Executive Committee has been working to put together an early plan for this transition. We are grateful that we have this spring and early summer to plan. A few important points to remember and underscore:

• This transition will have no impact on VOX’s mission to lead a youth-voice movement where teens from diverse backgrounds create a stronger, more equitable community through leadership and uncensored self-expression.
• VOX is financially healthy as a result of Susan’s strong leadership and hard work of the VOX team. To date, we have met 94% of our fundraising goal and have more than $175K in reserves.
• Most importantly, as a result of Susan’s development of the staff and their competencies and commitment to a successful transition, we will take the right amount of time to find the right person to serve as VOX’s next Executive Director.

What’s Next:

• The Executive Committee is drafting an interim plan for approval at April’s Board Meeting.
• We will also identify members of the transition committee by April’s Board Meeting.
• There is more to come and we will keep the VOX family close as the transition unfolds. If you have immediate questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at VOXBoard@voxatl.org.

Best,
Tania

Please see below for a message from Susan.

Dear VOX family,

I am so grateful to the VOX family for this chapter of my life. While I am excited about taking the plunge and listening to my call to seminary, it is bittersweet because this work, with you all, has also felt like a calling. And one that has shaped me in so many ways. I am indebted to VOX for pushing me to be more myself, to lead from a place of authenticity and to find joy every day in my work. Serving this organization is the honor of a lifetime.

When I started at VOX in 2014, I knew I had walked into something truly magical and I feel that today as well. The sense of community and belonging that VOX teens create for one another, even through Zoom screens, is radical. The love that the adult team pours into their work is unparalleled. The commitment that the board brings to the table is profound. VOX alums continue to walk the walk and the dedication of VOX volunteers makes us all thrive. Every ingredient makes the magic. Transitions are a time to add to the recipe and bring in new possibilities. I look forward to what’s next for all of us.

I will close how I started – I am grateful for your love, support and kindness. Lastly, I hope each of you know that I take “once a VOXer, always a VOXer” very seriously and will support this organization in the ways that serve it best right now and always!

In the Spirit of VOX,
Susan