This month, we bid farewell to ESYO Board of Directors Co-Chairs Kurt Bratten and Patty Michaelson, and welcome new Board Chair, Omar Williams, an ESYO Alum and Shaker music teacher.
In May, 2020, Kurt and Patty took over leadership duties at a very difficult time; it was a few months into the Shut Down, and in addition to the extensive time commitment required by any Board position, leadership during the pandemic required great flexibility and an ability to think outside the box. Kurt and Patty were always available to brainstorm and help formulate the new policies and measures we needed to address the COVID threat. They were sounding boards and advisors as we adapted to circumstances that seemed to change daily.
We greatly appreciate their leadership as well as their generous sharing of time and expertise beyond the challenges of Covid. Kurt updated ESYO’s policies and bylaws, and chaired the audit committee. He gave generously of his legal expertise. Patty co-chaired the search for a new Music Director, which culminated in the hiring of Etienne. For all of these things, and much more, we are grateful.
As we have now purchased a home for ESYO, Kurt and Patty both felt it made sense to close this chapter, and pass the baton to a new board chair, Omar Williams. This next phase of moving into, and owning, our own building will be another significant project requiring extensive time commitments by the board leadership. As such, all were agreed that the time to make the leadership switch was now. We ask you to join us in wishing Kurt and Patty the very best, and to thank them for all of their time and work. We will miss them.
