Good morning, colleagues,
I am thrilled to start an exciting new journey today as President and CEO of The Joyce Foundation. Since the announcement in July, I have been overwhelmed with gratitude from your letters, calls, and emails with warm, heartfelt wishes as well as the hugs, handshakes, and other congratulatory expressions. I’m humbled by and appreciate your graciousness.
I look forward to sharing more with all of you about the next chapter at Joyce. But for now, I believe that my most important immediate duty—and the one I’m most excited about—is spending time becoming better acquainted with our programming and staff. Deepening my understanding of and appreciation for our work and how well we are executing our mission is my highest priority.
Our relationships and partnerships with philanthropy peers, grantees, and other partners are paramount. I look forward to engaging with you, meeting new partners, and reconnecting with old friends, in the near future. In the meantime, please feel free to reach out and say hello!
I want to thank my predecessor, Ellen Alberding, for her warm welcome and commitment to ensuring a seamless transition for our team. Thank you, Ellen.
My enthusiasm for my new role is tempered only by the deep responsibility and privilege I feel in leading this organization and working with the Joyce team to carry forward our legacy and impact in Chicago and throughout the Great Lakes region.
With Gratitude,
Julie
About The Joyce Foundation
Joyce is a nonpartisan, private foundation that invests in evidence-informed public policies and strategies to advance racial equity and economic mobility for the next generation in the Great Lakes region.