Tina Podlodowski is leaving Lifelong AIDS Alliance to head up Big Brothers/Big Sisters of King, Pierce and Jefferson County. Podlodowski is a former Microsoft exec and who was elected to the Seattle City Council in 1995. Full text of Podlodowski’s email to Lifelong’s staff after the jump.

From: Tina Podlodowski
Sent: Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:00 PM
To: All Staff
Subject: Some Personal News

Hey All -

Well, I’m been agonizing over the “proper” way to write this email but, I think, as with all things, it’s best just to be direct:

I’ve made a personal decision to leave the agency as Executive Director. A variety of reasons have led to my decision, and I would be happy to chat with each and every one of you if you'd like. In fact, in order to facilitate doing so, I’ll be hanging around the Seneca conference room at 11am to do just that. I’ll be into the office around 10 am if you wish to catch me before then.

My last day as ED will be June 15th, and the wonderful, smart and all-ways charming David Richart will take over as Interim ED after that time, and during the search process (which may go fast, but may also take up to six months – just to prepare you!)

In August I will begin a new chapter as CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of King, Pierce and Jefferson County (and maybe Snohomish too, as there is a merger in the works…) This is am amazing opportunity and an amazing organization – currently serving about 2500 kids, but with big plans and big dreams to continue double digit growth, and make sure every child from Everett to Tacoma, Seattle to Issaquah, can get the help and support they need to grow up happy, healthy and with someone in their lives to really see them as they are, and care about them.

It’s very sad for me to leave Lifelong, for more reasons than I can ever possibly count – and I’ll save the goodbyes for when it’s time. But I wanted to make sure you all know how strong you are, and how strong the agency is…in the last three years we’ve gone from a $6Mish organization with 55 employees to a $15M agency with 95 employees, and double the clients. We’ve doubled the food program; we’ve made a national name for ourselves in public policy, and a regional reputation as an amazingly well run place – all thanks to you. And so much more.

Do know that the FY08 budget is solid and things are very fine with the agency – so please don’t think there are any worries about jobs and such (I wanted to say that for the “old timers” who remember the post-mergers layoffs). No danger of that here – we just got $1.6M from the State, remember?

Anyway, more over the next few weeks, but do know, in all the jobs I’ve had, and the roles I’ve played, I’ve never worked with a more caring, compassionate and fun group of people – you all have my genuine affection and absolute respect.

Come chat if you’d like.

Tina