Dear Lucas,
The past week has been devastating. The loss of our executive director, Jon Kest, has left an unimaginable hole in the progressive movement, as well as in my life and in the lives of the thousands he touched and whose causes he championed.
In the past week, we've heard many touching remembrances of Jon's countless achievements over the course of his lifetime. And with so much work still left to do, it's hard to think of a better tribute to Jon than renewing our commitment to the work to which he dedicated his life.
In New York City, the 2013 elections are a huge opportunity to change the conversation around so many of the issues that face our community -- from education to housing to worker rights. Meanwhile,
statewide, there is no more critical time to keep the pressure on our government to prevent New York from becoming another Michigan or Wisconsin, where workers are under relentless attacks from the right-wing and our schools and social safety net are under the constant threat of austerity.
Almost a year ago, before falling ill, Jon initiated an intensive process of reimagining NYCC's management structure with the goal of strengthening our organization and increasing our capacity to create change. A committee -- comprised of board members, members of NYCC senior staff, external consultants and Jon himself -- began to build a structure better suited to lead the organization that we have become. On Tuesday, this committee presented its recommendations to the board of directors, which approved them unanimously.
It's a great honor to share with you that I was chosen to replace Jon as executive director of New York Communities for Change.
In my role as organizing director, I worked side-by-side with Jon for years on our many campaigns and partnerships. Because of our close working and personal relationship, I know full-well how big the shoes are that I have to fill. Fortunately, in addition to naming me as the new executive director, the board also named three new deputy directors to assist me in overseeing fundraising, internal operations and staff development. These positions will be filled by NYCC veterans Ann Sullivan, Greg Basta and Amelia Adams, respectively.
NYCC has always been an organization created by and for its members. With your trust, faith and hard work, we'll honor Jon in the way he would want us to: by organizing, winning and making New York a better place for all of us.
In Solidarity,
Jonathan Westin
Executive Director
New York Communities for Change