Dear Community of Talcott Mountain Science Center for Student Involvement:
It is with the deepest gratitude for his exceptional service to Talcott Mountain Science Center and Academy, I write to share the news that Jonathan Craig has notified the Board of Trustees of his decision to retire as Executive Director. After 42 years of immeasurable contribution, Jonathan will step down in December 2022.
Jonathan was appointed to the faculty at Talcott Mountain in 1979 and succeeded our founder, Don LaSalle, as Executive Director in 2007. Since Jonathan’s arrival, he has directly made a difference in the lives of thousands of children, and indirectly to tens of thousands more by training educators to teach science in the most engaging and innovative ways. Jonathan epitomizes our mission, “Inspiring today’s children to invent tomorrow”. His leadership embodies our core values: “We Say Yes, We Ask Why, We Do More, We Seize the Opportunity, We Care”. He has been an inspiration to all those who have walked through Talcott’s doors.
To ensure a smooth transition, we, fortunately, have Jonathan to continue to lead Talcott for the next year. In the meantime, the Board of Trustees has important work ahead to secure the right, future leadership for Talcott. Last year, in preparation for Jonathan’s eventual retirement, we formed an Executive Director Succession Planning Committee, and we are well prepared to move forward with a comprehensive search for Jonathan’s successor. In doing so, we will be focused on finding a person who will embrace our values and advance those aspects of Talcott that make us unique and amongst the national leaders of STEM education in America.
As we finalize the details of our plan, the Board of Trustees will communicate our progress to the Talcott community via our websites. We anticipate announcing Talcott’s new Executive Director by next summer if not sooner. With a new leader in place, we will move forward with continued confidence.
Talcott’s Board of Trustees also wish to recognize Dotty Craig, Jonathan’s wife of nearly 45 years. She has been by his side and has been an important factor in Talcott’s and Jonathan’s success for decades. During the coming months, we will celebrate Jonathan’s legacy and show gratitude to those who have underpinned his success. I know our faculty and staff, our community of alumni and supporters, and our wonderful and inspiring students will join us in celebrating Jonathan and helping him to make his final year at Talcott most memorable.
Please join me in thanking Jonathan for all that he has done to serve Talcott Mountain Science Center and Academy for so many years, and for his continued service over the next year, helping to ensure a successful transition of leadership.
Warm regards,
Rhonda L.C. Bird
Chair, Board of Trustees
Talcott Mountain Science Center for Student Involvement, Inc.
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