The Voters Voice

It’s the end of my first week at Kids Voting sans Anna.  I have to say it is bittersweet.  As much as I love being here at Kids Voting, I keep expecting Anna to walk through the door with her big smile, funny disposition and a plate of cookies!  Alas, I know that is not going to happen as she has departed for her next big adventure at Wright State (Go Raiders!  I am an alum).  Anna left Kids Voting in great shape; her tireless efforts are evident in our public profile, our financials and our growing support.  She is to be commended for that.  Further, please know that we did wrangle her into doing committee work for us so she will still be contributing to our success.

I am honored to take the reigns as the Interim Executive Director as we search for a new leader.  This was an easy decision for me when Anna asked me to step-in (the peach pancakes helped too).  You see, I have been a supporter of Kids Voting Dayton for a decade now – it’s hard to believe.  I have been an intermittent Board member over those years and have watched the organization blossom to what it is today.  So, I felt confident my learning curve would be minimal. 

My first two weeks have been great – we’ve been busy – which is good. 

Day two for me was March 4 – Primary Day.  What a way to start a new job!  I was able to see workers at Montgomery County Board of Elections scrambling about in the morning – they really do a tremendous job.  I then transported some of our Youth @ the Booth workers to several precincts.  I watched Justin do an interview with Jamie Jarosik from WDTN and then visited several more polls – it was a great day and a wonderful way to see our democratic process in action.

I have been an external supporter of Kids Voting for a long time, I am glad to be in a position where now I am on the inside looking out…and the view is great from here!