TLAnnualReport2023-2024 - Flipbook - Page 3
CEO MESSAGE
Welcome to Turning Leaf!
It is with profound gratitude and excitement that I write this CEO message. I continue to be amazed by our
innovative, energetic and dedicated team of over 600 people. I am excited because we have created a
roadmap for the future. In consultation with the Board of Directors, senior leadership, community
stakeholders, and many team members, we built a 60-month strategic plan. The plan will create growth
opportunities for many of our team members, greatly enhance their experience here, and remodel our
organization to help more people, in new places, and in better ways.
We are introducing the Healthy Employee Initiative - a framework for employees to pursue and experience
enhanced work-life balance. This includes features such as a health spending account, hybrid work models,
and increased mental health services (especially for long-term support for work-related trauma). The plan
also features the Fit To Grow Initiative where we focus on putting people in the right positions at the right
time (through aptitude and personality testing, etc.). The plan also includes a Leadership Development
Program where all team members have the opportunity to cultivate their leadership skills for the future. You
will want to be a part of what is happening here.
As a non-profit organization, we are guided by a governing body known as the Board of Directors. We have
had incredible champions of our work serve on this Board. From 2015-2023, Raj Perumal served our
organization, mostly recently as Board Chair. Raj had significant influence over how we see technology and
information systems and helped us build our Technology Department. Todd Nadeau served from 2017-2023
and had a lasting impact on our Human Resources approach. He selflessly consulted on many difficult
problems, always leading us to a stronger organization. Both Raj and Todd are missed, but know they always
have a home at Turning Leaf.
New room at the Board table has been filled with Cat Ross, Rebecca Chartrand, and Shashi Goel. We
welcome you! And many thanks to our existing Board Members: Cassie Allen (Treasurer), Gail Sarkany, Todd
Boldt, Kristen Gibson, and Femi Ogunrinde (Board President and Chair). Under this incredible leadership,
Turning Leaf will continue to grow, refine and impact.
I invite you to read on. I believe what you see on the pages of this annual report will impact you. It may even
make you curious about being part of the life-changing work we’re doing. There’s room for you here. Join us.
With gratitude,
Barkley J. Engel, M.A.
Founder and CEO
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