Spring 2015
handinhand Onward and Upward As I sit down to write this, the last of my newsletter articles, many emotions are running through my mind. They run the gamut from disbelief to utter joy, from angst to a warm inner peace, from nervousness to complete confidence. But I’ve always believed that focus and discipline are good, so I will try and heed my own advice and just concentrate on one — gratitude. As I prepare to retire in July, I am filled with gratitude for having had the honor and privilege of sitting in this wonderful position for the last 11 years. I don’t believe there is a better “job” in the world and one that I’ve truly enjoyed each and every day. To be able to utilize one’s efforts, working with a community of colleagues, volunteers, board members and donors, with the united mission of helping others in their hours of greatest need, has been tremendously satisfying. There is no greater reward than to see the smile on a family’s face as they walk into one of our five Ronald McDonald Houses. To see the expression of joy on a young adult’s face who just been awarded a fouryear college scholarship to pursue a college degree. To help a middle school student pass their school physical, thanks to our Care Mobile. I am very grateful for many things: For our board of directors and their belief in our staff as we set ambitious goals. I look back sometimes and think we were half crazy to set our goals so high. RMHC-CNI, along with our hospital partners, forged ahead and 153 families across eight housing locations are better for it.
For our four board chairs over the past 11 years — starting with Paul Clark, then Mike Kotynek, then Paul Huebener and currently Bill Budig. The Board Chair is a demanding position that consumes a great deal of time and I feel so fortunate to have had the honor to work alongside these four gentlemen to move the ball forward at RMHC-CNI. For my colleagues and to the board for running our charity the right way. To have the Better Business Bureau seal of approval and the highest four star rating on Charity Navigator means a great deal. For the board’s leadership, under the direction of Jon Zindel, for professionally handling my desire to retire. When I gave notice almost two years ago, the board put in place a national search that was careful and deliberate in its approach. We wanted to ensure that we had the very best person in line to assume the leadership helm of this great charity. While we saw many fine candidates from various locations and fields, there were none better than Holly Buckendahl, who currently is the CEO of RMHC in Kansas City. From that post for the last seven years, Holly has built and funded a brand new House (bringing their total to three). She has continued to innovate with her programs, including a camp for children with cancer. The Succession Committee loved what she had done for families and, perhaps more importantly, how she had done it. Please join the board in welcoming Holly, her husband Kraig, and their two daughters Zoe (12) and Ava (9) to this charity. Holly is scheduled to start on July 6th and I will depart
Our incoming CEO, Holly Buckendahl
after a period of a couple weeks of transition. Starting on July 6th, Holly can be reached at hbuckendahl@rmhccni.org or 630.623.5307.
Retiring CEO, Doug Porter
As for my plans, my wife Ann and I have some extensive travel plans to explore a lot of what has been on hold as we settle into a more leisurely lifestyle. While I don’t know what the future holds, I do know that I want to continue to experience many things in this great country of ours. After a period away, I hope that Holly will be kind enough to let me come back and do a little volunteering. I know that when I do, Holly, the entire team and board will have really reached new heights! I remain grateful to the RMHC-CNI family who has supported me and traveled by my side on this wonderful journey! As I always like to say, onward and upward!
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