After a year of change and transition, I’m starting a new chapter in my personal and professional life next week. Many of you know that I left Apple and my 20-year career in the private sector at the end of 2013 to pursue a new life direction. After much reflection and soul searching in 2014, I've decided to pursue work in the public or non-profit sector with organizations whose mission I believe in.

I’m beginning the first installment of my new chapter next Monday. I begin work as the marketing and communications manager for the School of Social Work at Portland State University. It’s a brand new role that will help position the School’s work to prospective students, donors and members of the broader community. Given my experience in higher education, I think it will be a great way for me to deliver my marketing and communications expertise while learning more about public sector marketing, donor development, and the socially minded non-profit organizations in Portland aligned with the university.

At the same time, I’ll be moving back into my loft in the Belmont district here in Portland. I had planned to rent my place out through this summer but my most recent tenant moved out early and unexpectedly this month. So I get to return to my building, neighborhood and community in southeast Portland. I’ll begin moving back in next week. And I'll have a sofa bed in tow — so please come visit!

The past year has filled with both amazing and challenging moments unlike any I’ve experienced. I’ve had a lot of time to pause and reflect on my core values, clarify what’s most important, and explore how I want to engage and contribute professionally in my next life chapter. Much of this work has been invigorating and rewarding. Other times I’ve found it discouraging and difficult. But throughout this time I’ve been blessed with amazing guidance and support from family and friends.

Many thanks to everyone who has supported and encouraged me through my many transitions this past year. There are so many people who’ve been generous with their time and advice. Here are just a few I’d like to pause to thank. There are many more.

Thanks to Terry, Peng, Angela, Ann, Kathleen, Migena, Tim, Sarah, Amy, Jill, Arthur, Greg, Annette, Roxanne, Rachel, Terri, Ken, Murielle, Anna, Bill, Bob,  Jay, Barbara, Mary Kay, Karen, Alison, Laura, Kate, Reggie, Anabelle, Hans, Outi, Diana,  Suzanne, John, Jeri, Scott, Bart, Randy, Joe, Tom, Richard, Jeff, Donna, Chas, Rob, Maxx, Kahala, Sue, M.j., Don, Caroline, Brad, Jana, Jeff, Carin, Todd, Lynne and Marilyn.

And special thanks to Laura, Alison, Ned, Enid, Jim, David, Michael, Katja, Scott, Hannah, Emily, Kathleen, Tim, Lucas, Logan, Eliot, Randall, Tom, Amy, Rob, Josie, Henry, Augie, Donald, Harold, Dave, Dian, Janet, Martha, Terry, Enrique and Annella.

Love and thanks to my Mom and Dad (Alan), brother Kyle, and sister-in law Danya. I couldn't have done it without you.

And to the 20+ professionals in Portland and Seattle non-profits that did informational interviews with me over the past six months. Thanks for sharing your time and talent and for giving me a glimpse of my path ahead.

Finally, my thanks to Dean Laura Nissen, Richard and the rest of the search team in the School of Social Work at Portland State for giving me this new opportunity. I’m thrilled and delighted to be joining the School and look forward to doing amazing work together.

Wish me luck as I dive into my new chapter!