I would like to extend my gratitude to Yakima Specialties, and the community of Yakima, for making my initial phase as your new Executive Director a very rewarding experience. I have been extremely impressed with the professionalism of the people involved with this organization and will strive to continue fulfilling its important mission in our community for years to come. As most of you know, your current Director, Pat McCarthy, is due to retire on January 14th, 2014, at which time I will take on full responsibilities for the leadership assigned to the Executive Director’s position. I look forward to working with each and every person of this tremendous organization, and will continue to honor an open door policy, ensuring all employees’ voices are recognized.

My goal is to hit the ground running and bring forth exciting new projects that will be geared toward YSI’s mission of job creation for those with barriers to employment within our community. That being said, I know I have big shoes to fill as Pat is leaving behind a legacy of high standards and personal involvement. I feel it is both an honor and a privilege to assume this role, and I will make it a personal responsibility day in and day out to keep YSI the most prized asset this community has to offer. Again, I cannot relay to you how excited I am to take on this challenge and am humbled to have the opportunity to contribute to something that is far bigger than myself.
I wish all of you a very happy and prosperous 2014.

Sincerely, your new Executive Director at YSI
Thomas P. Gallon