Letter from YWCA Greater Lafayette Board Chair Beth Bangs

Dear YWCA Greater Lafayette Family,On behalf of the Board of Directors of YWCA Greater Lafayette, with sadness, I announce the upcoming retirement of our President and Chief Executive Officer, Allison Beggs, effective August 1, 2021. She and her husband, Brad, a consummate YWCA volunteer, will be relocating to Allison's hometown in Corinth, Mississippi later this summer.While Allison began her official work with YWCA as a volunteer nearly two decades ago, she officially joined the organization on May 1, 2018, during a time of transition and uncertainty. In an organizational lifespan of more than 90 years, three years is a relatively small window of time; however, Allison's expertise in non-profit turnaround, along with her visionary leadership, determination and drive, and ability to bring people together, generated transformational impact. She considers her work at YWCA both her passion and her calling.During Allison's tenure, together with a strategically minded board, a dedicated and hardworking staff and a supportive community of stakeholders, YWCA Greater Lafayette significantly furthered its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Through sweeping fiscal change, facility and infrastructure improvements and new mission-aligned programs, including Empowerment Services and Dress for Success - all delivered through the lens of racial and social justice, YWCA continues to be a vital community resource.Transitions naturally come with some uncertainty; however, YWCA is in a strong position with a bright future. Recently, the organization engaged in a feasibility and programmatic review to guide our future. The foundation laid will provide exciting opportunities for YWCA's next leader. A CEO Search Committee, comprised of board members and community stakeholders, has been formed, and an ambitious search, both on local and national levels, has commenced.The Board of Directors, Allison and staff will be working to ensure a smooth, positive transition when the new leader is identified - a transition that will further YWCA's work to create a world where all women, girls and People of Color experience justice and equity.We wish Allison and Brad the very best on their journey ahead. Should you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me at boardchair@ywcalafayette.org.Sincerely,Elizabeth Bangs, ChairYWCA Greater Lafayette Association Board of Directors