I am taking this opportunity to pass on my thanks and deep respect for the hard work and dedication of Lisa Yoshitake.

Lisa has brought much needed business acumen to GAC’s behind-the-scenes, office and accounting departments. She is  a gifted and inspirational  event organizer, a CPA, and nothing short of genius when it comes to sorting and simplifying, yet strengthening, check and balance procedures.

Thanks in large part to Lisa, GAC will undergo another independent audit this year.

Lisa has shared her knowledge of organizational cycles and the crucial need for transparency, strategic planning and collaboration.

Thank you, Lisa. The greyhounds have benefited from your work and kindness.

For a little more than two years, I have had the absolute honor to serve as a volunteer leader at the Greyhound Adoption Center.  I have learned that the Greyhound Adoption Center is so much more than a dog rescue.  The diversity and inclusivity of GAC is a model.  People of every imaginable background come together for a common goal: HOPE.  Greyhounds come to GAC from an industry that considers them disposable.  The people at GAC see the POTENTIAL in each dog.  Many of them are physically broken.  Some are emotionally broken.  They have no reason to trust humans.  Yet, they do.  For many of them it is immediate; for others it takes time.  GAC provides nutrition, medical care, and LOVE.  That is where the magic happens…transformation from hopeless to hopeful; fear to trust; broken to whole; misery to joy.  But the transformation isn’t only for the dogs, it is for every staff member and volunteer that has the honor to touch and interact with these incredible animals, it is for every person who gives of their personal resources to help, it is for every adopter who welcomes a greyhound into their home. 

It has been a true honor to serve.  I have learned so much. 

As you know, GAC has been in a state of transition.  The organization has grown and GAC’s incredible founder, Darren Rigg, is approaching retirement.  In the fall, GAC’s board decided to explore a model of governance with an Executive Director and a governing board.  This was a drastic change from the prior model of a volunteer managing board.  I accepted the role of ED as a volunteer.  I chose not to take a salary until it was clear that the new form of governance proved to be the best path for GAC.  At this time, it appears that having an ED is not the best next step for GAC.  We have explored possibilities of me staying in a different role, but I feel that the organization will be better able to embrace new governance and look to the future without me.   I am resigning from my position at GAC and my last day will be March 30.  I have the utmost confidence that the board of directors will continue the important work of this organization.  I am certain that GAC will continue to thrive because of the strength of the mission and the people who are GAC.

For the last two years, GAC has had a balanced budget.  In 2016, GAC completed its first financial statement audit in many years.  There are adequate operating reserves and the board has recruited several new members who not only love dogs and have a passion for GAC’s mission but also have strong business backgrounds.

I know that changes are on the horizon.  In addition to the changes in the executive management structure, GAC will be hiring a new kennel manager very soon.  At a recent staff meeting, I saw a group of strong employees come together to problem-solve and help each other.  I am confident that the volunteers and staff will welcome the new leaders and help them feel supported.  GAC’s staff and volunteers are skilled at welcoming, looking for potential, and helping that potential to blossom.  They do it every day for the dogs.  Those skills will make transitioning to new leadership successful.

I would like to thank every person who has helped this organization, this honorable mission, and me.  I am a better person for the time that I have spent at the Greyhound Adoption Center and am deeply grateful for the opportunity and trust that has been given to me during this chapter of my life.  I look forward hearing of the Greyhound Adoption Center’s continued success and growth.

Sincerely,

Lisa Yoshitake