Community Articles
General News · 1st December 2016
Darcy Modin
Important Hollyhock Announcement
Hollyhock CEO Dana Bass Solomon has informed the Board of Directors of her plans to retire from her position in September 2017, following Hollyhock's 35th Program Season.
The Board is profoundly grateful for Dana's extraordinary service and leadership - spanning over 20 years - first as a Director, then CEO.
Karen Mahon, Board Vice chair, says, "Dana Bass Solomon's vision, tenacious savvy and drive, is a historic contribution to Hollyhock's iconic reputation in pragmatic, engaged leadership learning, grounded in deep personal practice, and to the land on Cortes Island, BC. Dana has been the guiding light that has led Hollyhock to its highest level of impact. She leaves the organization at its healthiest and strongest time in our history. We are deeply grateful for her, though we trust she won't go far, she will be sorely missed."
Dana's contribution to Hollyhock set a high bar; building upon the accomplishments of visionary Founders, originating from Greenpeace, Humanistic Psychology, arts and culture. Dana’s legacy joins that of Shivon Robinsong and Rex Weyler in having led the first 35 years of lifelong leadership learning & supporting people making the world better.
During the term of Dana’s leadership, and with the support and partnership of many colleagues and allies, Hollyhock has accomplished much to be proud of:
• Converting private ownership donations into the creation of a not-for-profit, charitable organization.
• Introducing Leadership Institute Conferences and Trainings in house, further developing into a renowned cross sectoral, intergenerational culture and social change-maker network, including: Social Venture Institutes, Social Change Institute, Story Money Impact, Web of Change, Summer Gathering, Environmental Strategies, IndigenEyez, Reel Youth, Threshold Foundation, PlayBig, and EcoVillage Network.
• Successfully spearheading the first two phases ($6m) of Hollyhock's $10m "Forever Fund" capital campaign, removing all mortgage debt and launching a robust Bequest campaign.
• Maintaining Hollyhock’s local commitment as the largest employer on unique Cortes Island, providing job skills training for two generations of islander youth, steady management positions for longtime residents, a global volunteer program and expansive community access to great teachers of our times.
• Developing, launching and growing the Vancouver Hollyhock team, expanding its program and event presence and influence.
• Creating permanent legal protections for the beloved Cortes Island 44+ acre land and campus, on the sunny, low beach oceanfront of the Salish Sea, near Desolation Sound.
The Hollyhock Board Executive Team will launch a formal search for the next CEO in early 2017.
Joel Solomon will continue as board chair.
We are grateful to the Coast Salish peoples whose historic territories we inhabit.
The Hollyhock Board of Directors
Hollyhock CEO Dana Bass Solomon has informed the Board of Directors of her plans to retire from her position in September 2017, following Hollyhock's 35th Program Season.
The Board is profoundly grateful for Dana's extraordinary service and leadership - spanning over 20 years - first as a Director, then CEO.
Karen Mahon, Board Vice chair, says, "Dana Bass Solomon's vision, tenacious savvy and drive, is a historic contribution to Hollyhock's iconic reputation in pragmatic, engaged leadership learning, grounded in deep personal practice, and to the land on Cortes Island, BC. Dana has been the guiding light that has led Hollyhock to its highest level of impact. She leaves the organization at its healthiest and strongest time in our history. We are deeply grateful for her, though we trust she won't go far, she will be sorely missed."
Dana's contribution to Hollyhock set a high bar; building upon the accomplishments of visionary Founders, originating from Greenpeace, Humanistic Psychology, arts and culture. Dana’s legacy joins that of Shivon Robinsong and Rex Weyler in having led the first 35 years of lifelong leadership learning & supporting people making the world better.
During the term of Dana’s leadership, and with the support and partnership of many colleagues and allies, Hollyhock has accomplished much to be proud of:
• Converting private ownership donations into the creation of a not-for-profit, charitable organization.
• Introducing Leadership Institute Conferences and Trainings in house, further developing into a renowned cross sectoral, intergenerational culture and social change-maker network, including: Social Venture Institutes, Social Change Institute, Story Money Impact, Web of Change, Summer Gathering, Environmental Strategies, IndigenEyez, Reel Youth, Threshold Foundation, PlayBig, and EcoVillage Network.
• Successfully spearheading the first two phases ($6m) of Hollyhock's $10m "Forever Fund" capital campaign, removing all mortgage debt and launching a robust Bequest campaign.
• Maintaining Hollyhock’s local commitment as the largest employer on unique Cortes Island, providing job skills training for two generations of islander youth, steady management positions for longtime residents, a global volunteer program and expansive community access to great teachers of our times.
• Developing, launching and growing the Vancouver Hollyhock team, expanding its program and event presence and influence.
• Creating permanent legal protections for the beloved Cortes Island 44+ acre land and campus, on the sunny, low beach oceanfront of the Salish Sea, near Desolation Sound.
The Hollyhock Board Executive Team will launch a formal search for the next CEO in early 2017.
Joel Solomon will continue as board chair.
We are grateful to the Coast Salish peoples whose historic territories we inhabit.
The Hollyhock Board of Directors
Thank you
Comment by Dana Solomon on 7th December 2016
Dear Friends,
I'm incredibly proud of Hollyhock and our staff team, including our local & global community of Founders, Board Members, Sharegivers, Presenters, Supporters, Angels, Advisors and Visionaries.
And of course, proud of all the progress we’ve made, the team we’ve built both on our Cortes Island Campus and in Vancouver-as well as the impact we’ve had.
My intention is to remain part of the Hollyhock Community, and to support the successful transition of the next leadership of Hollyhock over the next 10 months.
It’s been an extraordinary and joyful journey for me, and I’ve learned so much. Working with and supporting people who’s core mission it is to provide the settings and condition for lifelong learning, unlikely conversations, deep mentoring, and societal change….and partnering with you all to make the world better has been and continues to be my great honour and privilege.
I look forward to spending time with you all on our Cortes Campus magic land, and in Vancouver in 2017.
In friendship and gratitude,
Dana
Dear Friends,
I'm incredibly proud of Hollyhock and our staff team, including our local & global community of Founders, Board Members, Sharegivers, Presenters, Supporters, Angels, Advisors and Visionaries.
And of course, proud of all the progress we’ve made, the team we’ve built both on our Cortes Island Campus and in Vancouver-as well as the impact we’ve had.
My intention is to remain part of the Hollyhock Community, and to support the successful transition of the next leadership of Hollyhock over the next 10 months.
It’s been an extraordinary and joyful journey for me, and I’ve learned so much. Working with and supporting people who’s core mission it is to provide the settings and condition for lifelong learning, unlikely conversations, deep mentoring, and societal change….and partnering with you all to make the world better has been and continues to be my great honour and privilege.
I look forward to spending time with you all on our Cortes Campus magic land, and in Vancouver in 2017.
In friendship and gratitude,
Dana
Happy Retirement, Dana!
Comment by Lucretia Schanfarber on 3rd December 2016
Wishing you all the joys of a creative retirement, Dana!
Wishing you all the joys of a creative retirement, Dana!