On January 19th Diane Schwartz announced her retirement as President & CEO of the American Conference on Diversity after thirteen years of strong leadership, excellent management and program growth. She is now looking forward to the next chapter in her life; all of us will miss her presence and thoughtful guidance as the organization surpassed the challenges of today's times. Happily, we have enjoyed the exceptional highs of many successes under her leadership.
The American Conference on Diversity does incredibly important work in New Jersey. That work, of course, will continue with enthusiasm by our dedicated, experienced and professional staff.
Diane has much of which to be proud. Our youth programs have grown; our chapters have grown from 5 to now 9 as we launch "Allies;"our chapter programs have grown; our major fund raising events have stabilized, our Walk is a source of pride; we created the Educator's Institute; our Community and Government Initiatives have grown, our significant body of work in Health Disparities was launched with research and a conference and continues with the cultural competency training and patient care focused conference; the Annual Diversity Issues in Higher Education Conference was created and is on-going; a Statewide Research project and conference on NJ residents' attitudes and behaviors on inter-group relations was funded and launched; program research on Lead for Diversity's impact - both youth and advisors - have been implemented and so much more.
Last year we reached 7,000 adults and youth through our work, programs, trainings and events - and 25,000 more through expanded Action Plans - an all-time high! Financially, the organization is sound and stable.
Serving as the face of the American Conference on Diversity, Diane is a noted speaker both locally and nationally, TV and radio guest and published author on many issues. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the New Jersey Human Relations Council, the Board of Directors of Leadership New Jersey and Fellow of the Class of 2002 and a member of the Executive Women of New Jersey.
We are grateful to our many donors, contributors, chapter board members and volunteers, whose consistent support during both good and these recent difficult economic times has helped us weather these storms. That generosity is immeasurably important and appreciated.
Diane leaves a lasting legacy upon which to build our future growth. To that end, a Search Committee of the Board has begun its efforts to secure a successor.
Diane's last day in her position will be April 20th; however, moving forward she will continue to serve the organization as an Advisor and Consultant working on special projects.
We know you join us in wishing her well.
