A Message from the CEO

Lessons Learned in a Difficult Year

When asked to reflect on the past year as the new CEO for the Academy, I took a deep breath. Times have been and continue to be unpredictable. Our safety, health, and well-being moved to center stage. I found joy in simple walks, meditation, and video connections. We cancelled plans, trips, and meetings, and were reminded how precious it is to connect in person. We adopted new technology faster than we knew we were capable of and carried on. We reckoned with the deep disparities that exist and were called to use our voices to make change. We examined our finances and adjusted plans to ensure future sustainability.