Letter from the Outgoing and Incoming Board Presidents

Assemble didn't just survive a second year of the COVID pandemic, it grew and matured, and the same was true for the board of directors. As programs and outreach began to rebound from 2020, we developed a bold vision for our future, deepened relationships with our community, and doubled down on our commitment to Assemble staff.

Working and meeting remotely, the board supported Assemble on multiple fronts. We launched and effectively completed a strategic planning process that sets an ambitious and bold vision and plan for Assemble's next five years.

We continued in our role as a working board, collaborating with staff to stage the Pandemic MakerDate—a sold out event. We made supporting Assemble staff a priority, developing a budget that takes steps toward compensating staff more equitably. And we made progress toward unburdening Assemble's director, Nina, by engaging a third-party accountant and bookkeeper as well as an HR consultant.

The board also made progress toward becoming a significant source of financial support for Assemble, setting and reaching a new annual fundraising target. We helped secure funding for our Ramp Up fellows program, taking a significant step towards our goal to develop a formal teaching center for artists. We also continued to evolve as an organization by establishing a new Governance Committee and modernizing our bylaws.

We grew in meaningful ways during yet another challenging year, and we know we'll continue that growth in 2022 and beyond. It's an honor and a delight to support Assemble, its director, its staff, and its incredible community, and we're looking forward to the road ahead with high hopes and confidence.

Sincerely,

Brett Fulesday and Samantha Levinson, Outgoing Board Presidents

Kara Rubio, Current Board President