At Sawmill Community Land Trust, we are sad that our Fearless Leader, Connie Chavez, will soon be embarking on other adventures and leaving us missing her incredible problem-solving skills, out-side-the-box thinking, hilarious sense of humor and incredibly generous spirit!
So, as a tribute to Connie, we've started a blog where her friends, co-workers, co-volunteers and partners-in-crime can post what she means to you. For now, we're keeping the blog a secret but we will print out your posts & give to her in late March.
Please pass the word along to people who may know Connie - - but who we haven't caught up with yet - - about the blog. Thanks!
This is a shot of Connie in-charge and working the crowd at the demolition of the blighted apartments in Barelas! SCLT will be constructing 4 single-family affordable homes on the cleared site this spring - - the organization's first foray outside the original Sawmill area! Another big accomplishment!
To say you will be missed seems like such an understatement. There are no words to truly reflect how much we will all miss working with you. You have worked so hard and given so much to the Sawmill Community Land Trust and we will always remember you. Your courage, warmth and compassion have inspired us all. I wish you the best in this next phase in your life. Enjoy the adventure that awaits you! Steve Kinberger, SCLT Board President
ReplyDeleteWhat can one say about Connie? There just isn't enough room to cover it all! Cool under pressure, forward thinking, intrepid, committed, overflowing with integrity and guided by humility. These are just a few of the remarkable qualities that makes Connie not just a great leader, but a wonderful human being. The world is a better place for her efforts and as sad as we are to let her go, we also know her talents need to be shared with others.
ReplyDeleteIf there is one thing Connie has instilled in all of us its that as a team we can not only rise to the challenge, but go beyond the expected to achieve the exceptional.
As a friend and my mentor, I look forward to seeing where the next chapter of life takes you. Oh, and I'll probably be giving you a call from time to time...
Wade Patterson
Incoming SCLT Executive Director
I have been truly honored to know Connie and to experience her wisdom, creativity, perseverence, and hospitality. She has willingly given of her time to the national Community Land Trust Association and served admirably as its President during a period of substantial growth and change. She sought to find common ground on contentious board issues and in this day, where diviseness is so often a challenge, she is a uniter and a builder of consensus.
ReplyDeleteShe has been a great friend and I will always treasure the times spent with her in Albuquerque and the wonderful New Mexico hospitality she always shared and her spot on reccomendations of places to get the very best food in all of New Mexico.
Absolute sincere best wishes as she begins her next chapter
Robert Burns
Director, Local Government Solutions - IBTS
Board Member and Secretary - National CLT Network
Connie, I have been so inspired by your vision, clarity and perseverance and so grateful for your warmth, humor and hospitality. I have seen you be a fierce advocate one minute, and then in the next breath be a compassionate mentor. I am humbled by the number of balls you’ve juggled—almost always with a chuckle and a shrug of your shoulders—it is what needed to be done.
ReplyDeleteThank you for helping to form the National CLT Network, for coming back on the board, and then for leading the Network through a very difficult transition. With you, I always trust that I am hearing the truth, even when the truth is hard. And I know that you have looked at an issue from many angles. You demonstrate the wisdom gained from walking in others’ shoes.
May you find unexpected joys, know that those around you honor and appreciate your wisdom, and may you join us for revival meetings of the Connie Chavez fan club!
Lisa Byers
Executive Director, OPAL Community Land Trust
Board Member, National CLT Network
Connie,
ReplyDeleteYou have played so many roles in my life: a research responder (my favorite), a CLT expert, a grant reviewer, an advisor, a boss, a committee chair, a hostess with "the mostest", a role model, and a friend. I have learned so much from you, and I am so lucky to have you on my team.
The astounding part is knowing how many other roles you play for so many others in your life! You impress me constantly. You're energy and endless giving is a true gift to everyone in your life.
I hope that--maybe just maybe--your transition will be accompanied by a couple hours more to sleep! Thanks for everything you give to your community and our community.
With my highest regards to a wonderful leader,
Emily Thaden