F.O.C.U.S. Greater Syracuse, co-founded by Holstein and Judith Mower in 1997, is a citizen-driven organization that enables citizens, organizations, and government to work together to enhance the quality of life and economic future of Central New York.
F.O.C.U.S. citizen working groups have developed strategic action plans that have fostered “positive change in the arts, in our trails and waterways, for regional development and transportation, for health care, and more,” the organization said in a news release. F.O.C.U.S. also hosts educational programs throughout the year to inform citizens about government and other community issues. These include monthly F.O.C.U.S. forums and The Citizens Academy, held in partnership with University College of Syracuse University.
“It is with regret, understanding and our highest regard that we have accepted Chuckie’s letter of resignation,” Don Radke, president of the F.O.C.U.S. board of directors, said in the release.
F.O.C.U.S. is just one of Holstein’s numerous civic accomplishments. She is a member of the board of trustees of the Lawyer’s Fund for Client Protection of the State of New York. She was also a founder of Leadership Greater Syracuse and Youth Leadership Greater Syracuse, the Syracuse Commission for Women, Meals on Wheels, and the City/County Office on Aging.
Holstein also served as chair of the board at Loretto for 13 years and spearheaded development of The Nottingham, the first retirement community in the state, per the release.
Holstein has received many local, state, and national awards for citizen trusteeship and two honorary doctoral degrees.
“I am stepping down as F.O.C.U.S.’ executive director after almost 20 years. It is time to pass F.O.C.U.S.’ important work on to a new leader and, at the age of 91, I look forward to spending time on my other national and global interests,” Holstein said in a statement. “F.O.C.U.S. is in good hands with strong and committed leadership. I leave the organization on solid ground. Citizen centered citizen engagement has been a hard concept to convey and is sometimes challenging to those who embrace it. So I give a hearty thanks to so many for the understanding and support of citizen trusteeship and its role in a democratic society, and for being part of the base upon which we have been able to build.”
F.O.C.U.S. has begun a search for a new executive director. Holstein has agreed to be available to the new executive director to “ensure a smooth transition,” the release stated.
More information on the search process and applicant information can be found on the F.O.C.U.S. website at:http://www.focussyracuse.org/execdirectorposition/
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