I’m a big believer in serendipity. Some call it luck. To me, it is an openness to the unexpected. I recently experienced one of those serendipitous events when three weeks ago I was contacted by an independent high school - The Bay School of San Francisco. This was an unexpected, out of the blue, email asking if I would talk to them about an opportunity at the school.
I have been very happy in my two years at Saint Mark’s, with no expectation to leave, look for another position, or disrupt the happy state our family has been in since coming to Seattle. However, I always think it is often a good idea to at least listen. And, fifteen days later, following three Zoom calls, and a quick 24 hour visit to San Francisco, I received an offer from The Bay School to serve as their Chief Financial & Operations Officer. On Sunday afternoon I accepted that position and let Dean Thomason know of my intention to depart in a few weeks.
This was an extraordinarily difficult decision. But, after a lot of conversation and consideration with my family, we decided together that this was also an opportunity from which I should not walk away. With the excitement of a new position comes the sadness of departing a place and people I love. One that pursues a mission that is close to my heart. I am going to miss all of you.
I am grateful for the opportunity to come to St. Mark’s and have learned so much under the leadership of Dean Thomason. Serving with you would have been so much harder if not for my direct reports – Adam Conley, Stephen Eddy, and David Wagner. It has been an honor to serve with all of you, the entire staff, and the beloved parishioners at Saint Mark’s.
As a final note, if I had not come to St. Mark’s and spent the past two years focused on non-profit management, I do not think that The Bay School of San Francisco would have called me to this role. I have learned so much from each of you and your wisdom, intelligence, generosity, kindness, and love have all contributed to this new chapter in our life as a family.
With gratitude,
Jim