[NFBWATlk] Fwd: Announcement--Us!

[Marci Carpenter]

Sent from Marci's iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Durand, LouOma (DSB)" <louoma.durand at dsb.wa.gov>
> Date: November 18, 2019 at 2:18:34 PM PST
> Subject: Announcement--Us!
> 
> 
> Beloved staff, friends and community partners,
> 
> Thank you for the privilege and thrill of working with you all! Now, after 43 years in public service and 15 years as Director of the Department of Services for the Blind, I plan to retire on January 1, 2020. (I will be sharing more news with you about that transition between now and January.)
> 
> I am so proud of Department of Services for the Blind, our highly engaged staff, our partners across the state, contractors, loyal constituents and stakeholders. This is a truly person-centered organization and community. Individuals may come to us because they have vision loss, but they bring their entire lives and challenges with them. It has been a wonderful aspect of public service for me to lead an organization which starts with the whole person, whether they have other issues or disabilities - it doesn't matter.
> 
> As a result, our customers overcome barriers, learn skills, access technology, find community support, set high expectations for themselves, take charge of their lives, live independently, go to working good jobs with benefits, support their families, get off public assistance, pay taxes, and become contributing members of their communities.
> 
> I love the culture of this agency!  We at DSB are "fiercely optimistic"!  I hope each of you continue to bring joy, laughter and fun into this important work. Let's continue to share as much kindness and openness in our worlds, always mindful of the  why of what we do together.
> 
> Now... Onward!
> 
> Gratefully,
> 
> LouOma
> 
> 
> LouOma Durand
> Executive Director, Dept. of Services for the Blind
> POBox40933
> (360)725-3836
> (206)906-5535
> www.dsb.wa.qov<http://www.dsb.wa.qov>
>