A New Chapter for IEA

Elizabeth Jones to Retire as President of IEA [View online]( A Message from Betsy Dear IEA Friends, When I co-founded the Institute for Educational Advancement over 25 years ago, I had no concept of just how much impact this organization would have on students, families, and the field of gifted education. Our 25th anniversary gave me an opportunity to look back and celebrate the joys and the challenges that assisted in making IEA a strong impactful organization. As we enter a new quarter century at IEA, I feel this is a good time to step away from my current role as President. Many have said that IEA is like my baby, and in a way that is true. Building this organization that is filled with heart and a commitment to excellence is what makes us special. I could not be prouder of our accomplishments, and I am honored to have been a part of the lives of over 11,600 students. We could not have had this impact without the support of our ever-growing community. Over the years we have been fortunate to be surrounded by generous donors, volunteers, educators, families, and talented staff. All of you have meant a great deal to me personally and professionally. I shall forever be grateful. The organization is strong and has tremendous promise for the future. Our staff is incredible! These mission driven team members are committed to impacting the lives of bright young people through our core programs, Academy, CDB and Yunasa. We are fortunate to be fiscally sound. We have a dedicated board that is eager to continue the charge. We have an advisory board of exceptional individuals with a great understanding of the needs of gifted youth. The organization is in good hands, and I am comforted with that knowledge. It has been such a privilege to be a part of this amazing place and I know that you all will join me in continuing to support the children we serve. We have hired a nationally recognized search firm, Morris & Berger to support our selection committee in identifying our new President. The board has asked that I continue to be available as a Senior Advisor for the next few years to support the successful transition. I have humbly accepted. This work has fed me intellectually and personally and I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity. Thank you for being a part of our growth. As many said at our 25th anniversary celebration, we have only just begun. With gratitude and excitement for the future, Betsy A Message from IEA Board President Dear Friends of IEA, I write today with bittersweet news. After more than 25 years of incredible service, Betsy Jones has decided to begin her transition from President of IEA to Senior Advisor starting later this year. While we as a board will miss Betsy’s daily leadership of the organization, we are greatly supportive of her decision and excited for her well-deserved next phase. We are proud and grateful for the work and accomplishments she has made as Co-Founder and President of IEA and are humbled by the opportunity to shepherd and grow this organization through the next 25+ years of serving our community. Since 1998, IEA has served 11,600 gifted children with passion and dedication. Our programs touch and change lives both locally and nationally, are award-winning in their field, and unique in their approach to serving all parts of a gifted child’s being. Our research continues to influence policy nationally, and to be used by organizations across the US to advocate for gifted youth. As we journey ahead, Betsy has built an unparalleled platform on which to evolve and scale to reach even more children. She will remain deeply committed to ensuring we accomplish our mission of holistically supporting each child in our community (as noted in her letter above). I have known Betsy for 21 years since I became a Caroline D. Bradley scholar in 2002. I will personally miss Betsy’s everyday presence, and I know I am not alone. While this is a big change for the organization, IEA is blessed by talented and long-tenured IEA staff, an Advisory Board that is deeply embedded within the gifted ecosystem, and a Board of Directors composed of individuals that have known and served IEA together for decades. We have known about and planned for this day and have already been working with Betsy to set up the structures necessary for new leadership to be successful. The Board of Directors is committed to making this a smooth transition. We have hired Morris & Berger, a nationally recognized, Pasadena-based search firm that specializes in non-profits and educational institutions. They will work with the board search committee which is made up of experienced and passionate board members. Betsy will remain in her current role until the next President officially starts. We have also asked Betsy to continue to work with us as Senior Advisor to the new leadership and the organization. Please join us in wishing Betsy well in this next phase—we are deeply grateful for her inspirational leadership and her impact on the lives of thousands of students. Sincerely, Byron Lichtenstein Board Chair, Institute for Educational Advancement [Institute for Educational Advancement logo]( [Update your Email Preferences]( Institute for Educational Advancement 569 S. Marengo Ave. Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 403-8900 [www.educationaladvancement.org](