March 10, 2021 Dear SOUL RYEDERS Community, It is with widespread emotions that I am writing to share my decision to transition from my role as Executive Director of SOUL RYEDERS at the end of this month. I am pleased to announce that Heidi Kitlas, whom many of you know and admire, will become the interim Executive Director. My enthusiasm for SOUL RYEDERS remains as strong, if not stronger, than it has been since starting the organization’s first team for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in 2007. I feel fortunate to have been able to serve as Executive Director in a volunteer capacity and am eager to continue my involvement, albeit in a more traditional volunteer role. While I will be stepping back from my daily responsibilities, I will remain an active and engaged Board member, Giving Circle member, strategic advisor and will support our clients in a myriad of ways, while freeing up time to pursue additional philanthropic and personal interests. Heidi joined the SOUL RYEDERS Leadership Team in 2016 as our Director of Development and has played a key role in our evolution over the past five years. She has extensive experience in non-profit management, with the knowledge, expertise, compassion and commitment necessary to succeed in her new role. Similar to SOUL RYEDERS’ organic growth, this transition feels like a natural step. We have an exceptionally dedicated, experienced, and cohesive Leadership Team and Board who will continue to grow the organization and deepen its commitment to supporting those in the New York Tri-State area who are impacted by any type of cancer. Thanks to our judicious fiscal management, SOUL RYEDERS stands on strong financial footing and is well positioned for sustainable growth during the organization’s next chapter. Having pivoted quickly and effectively to virtual programming at the onset of the pandemic, we are working meticulously on integrating our learnings and developing our post-pandemic plans. Since sharing my decision with the Board in early December, we have been working diligently on a transition plan and are pleased with how smoothly it is proceeding. I am confident the process will continue in this way as our incredible Leadership Team, the driving force behind our daily operations, collaborates like a very high-functioning family! Heidi and I have similar leadership styles and I am committed to being accessible indefinitely. While my professional background is as a nurse practitioner, I grew into the role of Executive Director with the support of an abundance of mentors and collaborators along the way. I owe a debt of gratitude to every person who has helped shape SOUL RYEDERS into what it is today and want to wholeheartedly thank our community of volunteers, donors and colleagues who have played a pivotal role in the organization’s success. I have been fueled and inspired by our clients and caregivers and feel fortunate to have cultivated meaningful and enduring relationships with so many of them. My passion is for helping others and easing stress during challenging times. It has been an honor to support those impacted by cancer and I feel privileged that clients and caregivers have welcomed me into their lives during such a vulnerable time. During my next chapter, I am eager to continue to serve others while broadening my impact. In particular, I plan to help those who are struggling amidst our deepening mental health crisis. My goal over the past several years has been to pass the SOUL RYEDERS torch once I was confident about the long-term sustainability of the organization and its ability to fulfill our vision of ensuring that everyone we serve feels supported during their cancer experience. The hard work, commitment and unwavering dedication of so many makes me feel abundantly confident that Heidi, our Leadership Team, Board and countless volunteers will carry the torch to a whole new level! With sincere gratitude, Sandy | 
