Letter from Leadership: Growing Our Team, Growing Our Impact

Please join me in welcoming GCDD’s two newest employees: Cathy Harmon-Christian as our Public Policy Director and Rena Harris as our Chief Program Officer. By the time you read this, they will have been on the job for a couple of weeks, settling in, setting priorities and, I’m sure, already making a difference with their expertise.

I participated in the selection processes that brought Cathy and Rena into GCDD’s employment. The pool of candidates for both positions was competitive, and I’m excited our top choices accepted our offers. I know Cathy and Rena will be great additions to the GCDD team, and I look forward to working with them.

While I'm thrilled about Cathy and Rena joining our team, I also want to share some insights from the broader interview process. All the candidates were well-qualified and enthusiastic. During our conversations, they offered valuable advice that I thought would benefit our entire GCDD community. This Letter from Leadership is the perfect opportunity to pass along their wisdom.

I encourage you to consider the information below and how it can help our GCDD team – Council members, employees, partner organizations, self-advocates, family members, friends, and others – advance our work together and toward system and policy changes:

• Observe, listen, talk to as many as possible and ask questions. The more we learn, the more we can think about opportunities, barriers and affecting change.
• Always think about who our work will impact. Why we are here, what we are doing, and who we are serving.
• Get to know, care about and respect each other, have open lines of communication and build trusting relationships. This will help bring people to the table.
• Consider this framing: Rights, resources, representation, and respect.
• Stand up for people who can't always do so for themselves – help them be seen and heard.
  Use our experience to do our best in the moment and also learn as we go. This helps us be prepared.
• Give praise as soon as possible.
• Dare to lead – make it a better, meaningful place for all.

One candidate also shared, “GCDD is one of the most respected organizations in the state and continues to be sought for experience and knowledge.” I agree and don’t take lightly the enviable position our Council holds.

As we move into fall, we’ll be taking the next steps in developing our new five-year plan and accelerating our planning for the 2026 session of the General Assembly. I extend my appreciation for everyone and all that you do and share my excitement for all to come based on our continued commitment to Making a Difference!

Lisa Newbern
GCDD Council Chair