February 1, 2024 —As we step into the dawn of a new year, Kendal is welcoming the promise of fresh beginnings and embracing the exciting prospect of new leadership and strategic initiatives. Change is on the horizon, and with it comes a renewed commitment to positive transformation.
We are thrilled to welcome Vassar Byrd as our new CEO. Vassar brings a wealth of experience, innovative thinking, commitment to advocacy and sustainability, and a passion for smart growth. Her vision aligns seamlessly with Kendal, and I am confident that with her leadership, we will live to the promise that is Kendal.
In tandem with Kendal’s new CEO, we are developing a comprehensive strategic plan designed to carry us into our collective future. This plan will be the result of Kendal ‘s System-wide collaboration, meticulous analysis, and a forward-thinking approach. It may encompass key areas such as:
- Innovation and Technology: Embracing the latest advancements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- Employee Development: Investing in Kendal’s greatest asset – people – through training, mentorship, and growth opportunities. This may include a long-term perspective of combining our efforts with other organizations to build a pipeline of talent in the future.
- Community Engagement: Strengthening our ties with the community through impactful initiatives and partnerships.
- Sustainability: Committing to environmentally conscious practices to contribute to a greener future.
- Growth: Identifying when and how we grow, including partnering with universities,colleges and other values-aligned organizations.
- Balanced Support Model: The Kendal Corporation exists to support Kendal Affiliates and grow the Kendal System. With the last 50 years as the foundation, how we do this work in the future will need to evolve to leverage scale.
Vassar was able to join us at the Kendal System Winter Leadership Forum in early January, where Kendal Affiliate CEOs, Executive Directors, Board Chairs, and Kendal senior staff came together for networking and development, sharing model practices, understanding challenges and cocreating solutions that will benefit us all.
At that Forum, we welcomed new CEOs to the Kendal Family and bid farewell to three key people in our ecosystem who will retire before our next update: Barbara Thomas (CEO, Kendal at Oberlin), Linda Sterthous (Executive Director, Barclay Friends), and Wanda Whitted Smith (SVP HR, Kendal). Each of these valued colleagues will be missed, and we wish them much happiness in their next chapter.
The only constant we’ve had at Kendal and the world at large in recent times is change. As we continue on this journey, we invite each of you to join us in fostering a culture of adaptability, collaboration, respect, and resilience. This new year marks the beginning of a chapter filled with promise, growth, and potential for mutual achievement. As we navigate the path ahead, let’s embrace the opportunities that change brings, united in our commitment to creating a brighter future for Kendal.
Written by Amy Harrison, CFO, The Kendal Corporation