For those of you who I haven’t yet met in person, let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Tia Gray Stecher, the new CEO of Morrison. As many of you know, Jay Bloom, who led Morrison for 13 years, decided last summer that it was time for new challenges. And, coincidentally, I was thinking along the same lines at just about the same time. When I learned that Morrison was looking for a new CEO, my curiosity was piqued. I did some research, and the more I learned about Morrison, the more impressed I became.

Here’s what jumped out at me right away: Morrison fulfills a serious role in this community. Having done work like this in the past, I could see that Morrison’s therapists and managers were getting the toughest cases. I liked that. I looked further. Morrison offered treatment programs for the full range of children, including some very innovative Outpatient services designed to identify kids in the early stages of distress. This, I could see, was an organization that understood children’s mental health issues. I felt I could truly make a difference by joining Morrison, even though it was a bit intimidating to think of myself as being the CEO of such a large and well-known organization. However, as you’ll find out sooner or later, I’m not one to be put off by challenges. I like them, and, the bigger they are, the better I like them. The people at Morrison take on the toughest jobs in the children-and-families mental health world, and I love being part of the crusade to turn the tables on abuse and neglect in our community.

When I decided to take this job, Jay Bloom told me something that is proving to be right on the money. He said I would be inspired by the work and the people at Morrison, and that the job would be rewarding rather than overwhelming. He also told me he’d left a few tasks behind for the new CEO that would require my attention. All that was true. He didn’t tell me how much I’d love my adopted home, Portland, but then that’s something you have to find out for yourself. Bottom line: I am thrilled to be here, in Portland, at Morrison. I already feel like I’m part of a very special team. You’re part of that team, too, if you’re reading this message. We’ve certainly got our work cut out for us. But together we can get it done.