I want to share some big, yet bittersweet, news. After 26 years, I have decided to retire as Executive Director of Healthy Gulf at the end of December 2022.
I will be forever grateful to Healthy Gulf’s initial steering committee for trusting me to take the helm of a then fledgling network and allowing me the freedom to build the organization into a valuable resource of support for Gulf communities fighting to protect their health and homes. I am so proud of what Healthy Gulf has been able to achieve over the years.
It has been an absolute honor and privilege to work with you to try to address major environmental threats to Gulf communities. I take with me so many incredible memories.
My retirement has been planned for some time. In fact, it was addressed in our 2020 Strategic Plan, with the goal of completing the transition to a new Director by 2025 – when the current Strategic Plan ends.
I am leaving Healthy Gulf in very good hands. Our board is larger and stronger than ever. And there is a transition team, made up of 6 board members and 1 staff member, guiding decisions regarding next steps. That team will soon begin the search for an Interim Director – who will take the reins for 6-8 months with a focus on strengthening the organization’s administrative and human resources systems in preparation for new leadership. The board and interim director will then begin the search for the next Executive Director.
I have every confidence that long after I am gone, Healthy Gulf will continue to protect the incredible resources of the Gulf of Mexico and the communities that call this region home.
Thank you so much for all of your support over the years.
From Andrew Whitehurst, Healthy Gulf Water Program Director: “Cyn is an amazing mix of talent, education and experience in advocating for the resources of the Gulf. For GRN, now Healthy Gulf, she’s been our North Star and chief strategist, as well as a valued
collaborator with many other regional and national environmental groups.”