It is an honor and a privilege to address the CIRI shareholders in my first president’s message. To be selected for this position from a field of such strong finalists is an honor in and of itself. I appreciate the confidence that the Board has shown in my selection. I have pledged to the Board and I pledge to you that I will work hard to fulfill my new responsibilities in a way that brings honor to CIRI. To all of you who have reached out to me and extended your best wishes, thank you.

I am no stranger to CIRI and its mission having served in several management positions in the past. While the Board may have recently restated CIRI’s mission to put more focus on clarity and precision, I know that CIRI’s mission to improve the lives of its shareholders has always been at the core of our work. Please be assured that I am re-joining the workforce at CIRI knowing what an important role CIRI plays in the lives of our shareholders.

I take the helm of a strong company that is well positioned for future growth. Obviously, there will be challenges ahead of us. We strive to make well informed business judgments, but there is no guarantee that all of our investments will be trouble-free. We are prepared to face issues head on as they arise. With focus and hard work, I am confident that CIRI will move ahead.

Many people have asked me: What do you intend to do at CIRI? To this I have answered that my first task is to listen. The “listening first” rule is often used by this country’s most effective executives. To get under way at CIRI, I have formulated a 100-day plan, which includes, among other things, a lot of listening. I am interviewing people on the CIRI staff, seeking to get their views of opportunities and challenges. I am meeting with the leaders of all of CIRI’s non-profit affiliates. I am meeting with CIRI’s business partners. I am meeting with business leaders and political leaders. And, of course, I will be meeting with and listening to the Board as we delve together into our
five-year plan, formulating our vision for CIRI’s future.

Over the coming months and years, I will be writing to you often, informing you of the progress we are making and the challenges that we are facing. I am eager to share with you the developing vision for CIRI that will come from working together with the Board of Directors. I trust that you are as excited as I am about CIRI’s future.