Dear Friends and Supporters of ECEC,

At our 25th Anniversary Celebration, we had the privilege of sharing exciting news about the future of our leadership. We are delighted to announce the next chapter in ECEC’s journey. Starting in September, two of our dedicated senior team members stepped into the roles of Co-Executive Directors. Marie Montgomery will become the Co-Executive Director of Operations, and Deb Gritton will take on the role of Co-Executive Director of Programs.

Deb has been a part of the ECEC family for four years. During this time, she’s led the way in expanding our historic education offerings at Fort Umpqua, organized numerous workshops and school tours, and overseen our youth employment program. Her passion for social media and volunteer engagement has strengthened our community connections, and her love of crafting and regenerative agriculture has inspired the creation of new public programs. You can read Deb’s personal message here.

Marie, who joined our team three years ago, has been instrumental in managing our front office, and overseeing our income-generating programs such as the café, gift shop, nursery, and site rentals. Her collaborative work with local community groups and service providers has built valuable partnerships. Marie’s extensive background in restaurant management equips her with a unique understanding of what makes our site accessible and enjoyable for everyone. You can read Marie’s personal message here.

The Co-Director leadership model is new for us, and we are confident that this dynamic approach will help ECEC thrive. Over the coming weeks, Deb and Marie will receive mentorship and guidance from experienced directors within ECEC and other nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Marjory will continue to provide part-time support through the end of the year to ensure a smooth transition.

We’re fortunate to have such passionate and skilled leaders guiding ECEC into its next phase. As things evolve, we’ll keep you updated on all the exciting changes. Finally, we’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to Marjory Hamann, our outgoing Executive Director, whose unwavering dedication and vision have played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and success of ECEC.

Thank you for your continued support!