Executive Director Transition

Dearest Friends and Colleagues:

I have some important news to share with you. In December 2010—after almost 23 years—I will be leaving my position as Astraea’s Executive Director. I am preparing to leave an organization that I deeply treasure and that has given me the unique privilege to bring my whole self to the table. Being at Astraea has allowed me to live by my values and to work alongside an incredible array of people who share a passion for justice.

Serving as the Executive Director of Astraea has also provided me with a unique vantage point from which to view the changing landscape of our movements and philanthropy. Astraea has participated and at times played a leadership role for some much needed changes. The terrain has been rough and unyielding yet, together, we have accomplished a great deal. While our work is far from done, there are more institutional and individual donors supporting LGBTI issues than ever before. There have been significant changes in support for LGBTI people of color, lesbian and trans organizations that incorporate critical racial and economic justice analysis and practice in their work. Astraea’s community has been unwavering in supporting and amplifying this work and these voices.

Today we are engaged in a strategic planning process to be completed this spring which will guide and focus Astraea’s programming and philanthropic advocacy. After more than two decades at the helm, I feel it is an opportune time for new leadership to step in and guide Astraea in its next phase while I take some respite and reflection time for myself. Astraea’s mission has always been to support the cultural change that lays the groundwork for social and political transformation. Core to Astraea’s work and philosophy is our commitment to inclusivity and diversity, supporting local and regional community-based groups and working at the intersections of multiple communities.

As I prepare to leave my current role, I am heartened by the knowledge that Astraea is in very capable and loving hands. I am extremely proud of the Astraea staff—a diverse, intergenerational and seasoned group of 21—for their deep commitment to Astraea’s values and programs. Over the past two years, Astraea has engaged in organizational activities to strengthen the systems, technology and the leadership development of our staff and board. These activities, as well as the new strategic plan, provide the base from which Astraea can continue the important work that lies ahead.

The Astraea Board is leading and overseeing the executive transition process throughout this year. I have appreciated their support over the years and even more so now. For the next ten months, I will be solidly focused on Astraea and working closely with the board and staff to make this transition for Astraea and myself as seamless as possible. I am grateful to each and every one of you for having accompanied me on this journey—from the staff and board to the grants panelists and volunteers; from donor partners to colleagues and friends. Your support and counsel has given me strength, insight and hope.

And of course, to the thousands of Astraea grantee partners around the world: your work, commitment and courage have inspired and fueled me and many others everywhere on a daily basis. You are the reason that we at Astraea persevere in our work. You are true “Justice in the Making.”

I can say with assurance that my future work will continue to be grounded in the social justice feminism that is so close to my heart. As I move on from the Executive Director position, I am fully committed to Astraea’s future success and its new leadership. My hope is that you, too, will remain as committed as ever, providing hope, resources, truth and support.

With warmth and gratitude,

Katherine Acey