Letter to the editor

Thank you to our community

Dear Editor:

As I prepare to embark on a new life journey and leave this wonderful community, I feel compelled to thank so many of the generous people I have met over the past two years who embraced me and continue to embrace the amazing nonprofit organization Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County. 

It is hard to believe that this summer marks my two-year anniversary at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County. 

As I reflect over my time here, I am overcome with emotion about all we have accomplished for our girls. We have marked these, and numerous other, important milestones:

Program reorganization to align with national standards

Retirement of the entire Nadel settlement debt

Launch of the Champions for Girls national giving circle

Introduction of the high school initiative

Design and integration of the “Code” initiative

Designation as a national pilot site for the literacy program 

Award of the Kellogg Foundation literacy grant

Additionally, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County is home to one of 30 girls in the country to be recognized by Girls Inc. National as a national scholar. Over the past two years I have experienced some of the most rewarding moments of my life, but now, it is time for me to pass the baton.

Last November, I began a new chapter in my life when I remarried the love of my life and the father of my children. After being divorced for 25 years, fate brought us back together. My husband, a retired pilot, lives in St. Augustine and teaches at Jacksonville University. The challenges of our long-distance relationship are proving too much to bear at this stage in our lives, and I was forced to make a gut-wrenching decision.

I feel it is time to take a new journey, embracing this opportunity to join my husband in St. Augustine. It is with a heavy heart that I will leave this wonderful community and the amazing organization Girls Incorporated. Although I am not leaving for some time, until a new executive is hired and trained, I have made my intentions known to the board of directors.

The team assembled here is strong — a phenomenal group of committed community leaders, advocates and dedicated staff. Although I am reticent to leave, I know I am leaving at a time when the organization is stronger than it has ever been and is in great hands with a solid plan for its future. 

The new executive director will be chosen by a search committee made up of current and past board members. It gives me great comfort that because we are in a time of growth and stability in all other areas and have successfully restructured our team and realigned our mission this transition will be made seamlessly and smoothly.

Even after my departure, I plan to stay very involved in the organization and hope to connect with many of you at future events and to stay in close contact with the many close friends I have made.

I feel comfortable and confident that by passing the baton to a new leader who can work with the dynamic board and amazing staff, this organization will only grow stronger to shape a strong, smart and bold future for our girls.

Robin Rose 

Executive director of Girls Inc. of Sarasota County

I was honored to have been selected as one of only four executive directors in the country to sit on the Girls Inc. National Strategic Planning Committee. I am leaving with a sense of tremendous pride in what we have created together here, with everything now in line and on target to move forward strongly.