Dear Friends of St. Luke’s Home:
It is with sadness that I inform you that St. Luke’s CEO L’Don Sawyer will be leaving St. Luke’s Home on February 12 to return to a position with Tucson Medical Center to expand its Telehealth Program. Diana Sheldon will serve as the Interim CEO effective February 5, 2019. Her contact: ceo@stlukeshometucson.org and direct line: 207-0849. Please let us know if you know anyone interested in the permanent CEO position.
As you all know, L’Don loves everything about St Luke’s and will continue to partner and engage (as she did in her previous position at TMC) with our St. Luke’s community. This includes advocating for St. Luke’s with her many high-level contacts across our community.
Over the last several months, I have heard many of you praising L’Don for the myriad improvements she has brought to St. Luke’s, and the many ways in which she has raised St. Luke’s exposure in the broader community. She is, without a doubt, an eloquent advocate for the housing and care needs of low-income Elders. Of course, I have also silently hoped (fervently!) L’Don would remain as our CEO forever! But, alas, life threw another one of those dreaded curve balls.
So, we can all be grateful and thankful for the three years L’Don gave us. And I can assure you she is leaving St. Luke’s in the strongest possible position, including solid finances, improved staffing ratio, heightened staff training, a strengthened relationship with the University of Arizona, a long-term plan for growth and a strong and committed Board of Directors.
We have hired an Interim CEO, Diana Sheldon, who not only has expertise on interim non-profit leadership but was also a former member of St. Luke’s Board of Directors. We also have a strong search committee, including Board and Community leaders, that is actively seeking a permanent replacement for L’Don.
St. Luke’s today is a strong, stable organization with an identifiable brand, vital programming, strong community ties and a dedication to the highest quality of life and care for our Elders. I feel confident we will find a successor for L’Don who will continue to lead with the vision, integrity and heart-felt care and connection with our Elders that have been the hallmarks of L’Don’s three years with St. Luke’s.
Please join me in thanking L’Don for her commitment, passion, enthusiasm and motivation. She will be greatly missed by staff, board members, partners and, more than ever, by Rio, St. Luke’s resident black lab who, without question, adores her! If you have questions or concerns during this transition process, please contact me at the following e-mail: nancynagle65@gmail.com. I will also continue to provide updates as we move forward in service of St. Luke’s mission.
Sincerely,
Nancy Nagle, President, Board of Directors