The OUT MetroWest Board of Directors is excited to announce that we are partnering with Boston-based search firm Positively Partners to find our next Executive Director!
We announced in June 2023 that Whitney Retallic had shared with the Board her intention to step down as Executive Director, scaling down to part-time in August 2023, with a planned transition that month. Our search for a new Executive Director over summer 2023 did not result in an offer, and we are grateful to Whitney for agreeing to return in a full-time capacity through the conclusion of a renewed search process.
Since joining OUT MetroWest, Whitney has exhibited exceptional leadership and unwavering advocacy for this organization. Under her guidance, we navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic, expanded our programs to reach more youth, and strengthened our community partnerships. We are immensely grateful for her dedication, vision, and steadfast commitment to this organization.
As we embark on the search for a new Executive Director, we aim to find an individual who will build on Whitney’s legacy and take OUT MetroWest to the next level. This process will be conducted with diligence to ensure the selection of the most suitable candidate for both our organization and the community we serve. To facilitate a seamless transition, a timeline has been established that allows for an overlap in leadership between Whitney and her successor. This strategic approach is intended to ensure the smooth transfer of responsibilities, institutional knowledge, and relationships.
We are excited for the new ideas, energy, and experiences that our next ED will bring to OUT MetroWest. Our next ED will join a strong organization, characterized by:
- A committed and talented team. Having grown significantly in the past three years, the OUT MetroWest staff is a highly collaborative, capable, and diverse group that is immensely dedicated to creating communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive.
- Expanded and robust programming. In response to youth and family interest, OUT MetroWest has added monthly programs for elementary-age youth and young adults (ages 19 – 29) in the past few years. We have also expanded our programming for LGBTQ+ middle school youth and trans/non-binary high school youth. Interest and participation in our programs is strong and we welcome new youth every week.
- A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We engaged Brave Space Consulting to perform a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) audit in August 2023. The findings affirmed that OUT MetroWest is experienced as a highly inclusive and positive work culture at all levels of involvement. Brave Space also provided several recommendations to further strengthen our DEIB efforts. We are actively working to implement those recommendations and are continuing other initiatives that were in motion prior to the equity audit.
- A diversified and growing fundraising portfolio. Through expanded development initiatives and funding sources, OUT MetroWest’s budget has more than doubled (125% increase) since fiscal year 2019, aided by increased capacity with the addition of a part-time Director of Individual Giving and Engagement, a part-time Development and Operations Assistant, and a consultant Grant Writer.
- A devoted and engaged board. The OUT MetroWest board has grown in meaningful ways that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Board committees have been reinvigorated to better support the sustainability and effectiveness of the organization.
OUT MetroWest remains steadfast in our mission to build communities where LGBTQ+ youth thrive, and we are resolute in fostering a workplace that is welcoming and supportive for all staff. We welcome all referrals of potential candidates for Executive Director who can help us continue to fulfill and build on this mission.
We are grateful for your continued support and partnership at this exciting and important time in the organization’s history.
Respectfully,
Octavio González, Board Chair
On behalf of the OUT MetroWest Board
