Dear Friends,

We are embarking on a significant new initiative.

Last week in Yakima, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a site plan, design guidelines, and a preliminary management proposal for a life long learning center at Fort Worden. The Commission’s vision is entirely resonant with Centrum’s mission to provide transformative learning experiences at the Fort.

The Centrum Board of Directors is preparing to submit a “Letter of Interest” to Washington State Parks, indicating Centrum’s willingness to enter into negotiations about a possible management role in the new learning center. We want to help build a partnership economy that benefits all resident organizations, users of the Park, and the local community.

I have resigned as Centrum’s Executive Director, effective November 15, to assemble the task force—including Centrum Board members Cindy Hill Finnie and John Begley—which will guide this process. I will work as a consultant to Centrum.

This effort will be overseen by Centrum but operated and funded as a distinct project, not competing in any way with Centrum’s existing programs.

The Board has begun a search for a new Executive Director. In the meantime, Kisha Palmer will take charge of staff and day-to-day operations as Managing Director. We are extremely fortunate that Kisha is in place as we move through this next phase of Centrum's evolution.

While I am very excited about the work ahead, I will miss much about the job I am leaving. Over the last five years, with your amazing support, Centrum has grown from a $1.8 million to a $3 million organization, expanding and deepening its programming, scholarship opportunities, volunteer corps, and donor base. You have helped create and sustain the profound sense of connection and community that is the heart of what happens at Centrum.

Thank you so much for your years of generosity and guidance.

Thatcher