A Message from Uriah
Hello Folks,
Uriah here. I wanted to reach out and let you all know that, after much reflection, I have decided to step down as the Executive Director of The Collaborative.
Memories from Main St.
You have all in some way supported the organization during my time as director and I want to take this opportunity to thank you. It's been a privilege to serve the community of Warren and help bring the arts to the folks for the last 8 years. But it’s time for me to move on.
I’m incredibly proud of where The Collaborative is today and I am confident that I’m leaving the organization in great shape. We’ve certainly come a long way since Adam, Jeff and I sat around a whiskey bottle imagining what something like The Collaborative could do. I worked as a volunteer for the first three years because I knew it had the potential to become something special - to really make a difference in the community and help artists thrive.
So, it’s with bittersweet reverence that I say goodbye.
As one of the founders, it is important for me to leave knowing The Collaborative remains in capable hands. Starting in November, Sally Turner, our Boards’ Chair will take over as Executive Director. I have full confidence in her ability to continue the important work that we have started.
Many of you may already know her, and for those of you who don’t, you soon will.
Sally has been a member of the Board at The Collaborative since 2019. She has been the Board Chair for the last three years and has immersed herself in the Warren community as both a champion for the arts and as a member of the Warren Arts and Cultural Commission, where she serves as Secretary.
The Board of Directors unanimously supports her candidacy and offers this statement about the transition:
The Board of Directors of The Collaborative unanimously support Sally Turner’s candidacy as the next Executive Director of The Collaborative as of November 2023 following Founder and Executive Director Uriah Donnelly’s departure. The Board offers this decision in recognition of Uriah’s incomparable service and contributions to The Collaborative which has served as a cultural touchstone for Warren and the East Bay over these past eight years. The Board also recognizes Sally’s steadfast commitment to The Collaborative as partner to the Board and Uriah Donnelly as Executive Director and has confidence that Sally’s longtime leadership will serve the organization well during this transition and forge a solid path forward for the coming years for The Collaborative
Sally’s Warren roots go back many generations. Once upon a time, she owned and operated a media company here in town, and was one of the early folks helping to organize the Warren Holiday Festival, where she continues as an active volunteer.
Welcome Sally!
Photo by Janet Moscarello Photography
She’s spent close to the last decade as the Development Director at The Steel Yard and has over 25 years of non-profit leadership experience. In her own words, ‘This is the right time, and the right place, to put my experience and heart into an organization and a town that I dearly love. It will be my privilege to serve The Collaborative as its next Executive Director and help it grow in a way that serves our arts community ever broadly.’
She goes on to say, ‘We have a small and dedicated team here whose work never ceases to amaze me. I’m excited to join this team, and don’t worry, Uriah promises to remain within reach!’
Sally and I are both excited for this new chapter in the Collaborative’s journey!
Cheers,
Uriah
