March 14, 2025

Greetings all,

It’s bittersweet to write this note to you as I prepare to finish my tenure as ULI Washington’s Executive Director. Many of you may know that, after 11+ years at ULI, and more than three years in this role, I will be departing next week to take on a new professional challenge.

Since announcing my professional shift, I’ve been preparing the organization for transition and engaging in personal reflection. I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you here.

1. We’ve come a long way…and there’s still a long way to go…
   The rapid pace of change forces us to confront our norms and assumptions. We see this in so many places: from the way we plan, regulate, and construct buildings to the way we communicate and engage with each other – both in the workplace and through ULI programming. When I think back to my first few months in this role, we were contemplating decisions around rebuilding the ULI Washington community as we collectively emerged from COVID. Our work included everything from reestablishing relationships, to forming new partnerships, to streamlining event management, to creating branding and communications, to launching a new work plan with three signature programs and 120+ additional ways to engage. We have a lot to be proud of. However, the work continues. Our region is facing unprecedented challenges and disruption, the likes of which have not been seen in recent history – or perhaps ever. The consequences of this change will continue to challenge and drive us to find solutions that meet the moment. And we can’t back down now; in every challenge there is an opportunity to think creatively and move forward.
2. When in doubt, look to the community for innovation and answers.
   I firmly believe that the ULI Washington community is a special place, full of thoughtful and educated practitioners, who share similar values about the economic vitality of this region. These values drive our work and have the potential to effectuate lasting and positive change in this region. I see our community’s commitment to growth each time I work with members and partners throughout the region to advance thought leadership and best practices.I hope you’ll continue to lean on this network for thought partnership and answers as challenges continue to arise. Our collective expertise is unmatched, which means our collective potential is also unmatched. Together, we will continue to identify opportunities to grow and thrive – but I also know it won’t be easy, which underscores why our community is so very important.(Related note: If you need some motivation in times of despair, perhaps find a “power song” to keep you motivated and share it with others – I like this classic!)
3. Gratitude
   Growth and change never happens in a vacuum! I am so very grateful to ULI Washington’s member leaders for your support, partnership, and friendship through the years. I wish to extend a special thanks to ULI Washington’s Executive Committee, Governance Committee, Management Committee, as well as the incredibly talented ULI Washington staff! Each individual in these groups has dedicated their personal and professional time to advancing ULI Washington’s impact, and, as a result, to fostering my own personal and professional growth. I am immensely grateful to all of you and extend my heartfelt thanks.

I am pleased to share that Grace Hill will be assuming the role of ULI Washington’s Interim Executive Director during this transition, and ULI will be working to backfill for this position on a permanent basis very soon. Welcome, Grace!

It has been a wonderful opportunity to engage with you, and I look forward to remaining a part of this tremendous community as a ULI member! Beginning in mid-April, you can find me here!

Warmly,