Jamie’s Resignation

A Letter from our Executive Director—Jamie Hodgson

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Hello to my cherished friends, family, and colleagues:

It is with an overwhelming set of emotions that I announce my intention to step down as NECCA’s Executive Director in the weeks ahead.

Before you worry—I’d like to assure everyone that both NECCA and I are doing just fine! We are great, in fact! NECCA is weathering the current challenges with grace and strength (if I do say so myself!) and is looking forward to the fall programming complete with the largest ProTrack class to date. Classes will be following strict COVID safety protocols, but they are happening! And they will assuredly be guided with as much care, humor, joy, and expertise as they always have been thanks to some of the best coaches in the industry.

Personally, I am also doing well, and this change is bittersweet. My heart continues to belong to NECCA as much as ever, even as my focus turns a bit closer to home. Some of you already know that I have been commuting from Connecticut to Brattleboro for 16 years! Given the continued uncertainty of current events, this distance has been harder to navigate. Recently, I was offered a position at a social justice nonprofit right in my own hometown. Working towards a more equitable and just society has always been a priority for me and I am grateful to be given an opportunity to support this mission.

I have been lucky to be part of NECCA since the beginning, but serving NECCA in a leadership role for the last 3 years has been one of my greatest honors and an absolute privilege. I have had the best vantage point to see the benefits that circus and NECCA bring to so many lives. I have witnessed up close the mastery and the joy that our staff have shared and continue to share with their students. I remain in awe of the dedication and passion of our staff, students, and community. This place truly holds magic.

Imagining the road ahead for NECCA fills me with tremendous joy! I know that the next Executive Director will bring fresh energy to build on the work we have done together and expand NECCA’s possibilities. I will be soaking in every accomplishment with pride.

And, not from afar! I am happy to share that I will be jumping in to guest coach when requested. I look forward to being an enthusiastic supporter and audience member at every show and event, as well as a circus parent. My 4-year-old made me promise that she will be able to continue to take classes and attend camps as often as possible.

I am comforted by the fact that NECCA is in such a stable and solid position, the pandemic notwithstanding, that I feel confident enough to make this decision at this time. This is thanks to you, our community: our students, our donors, our Board, and our amazing staff. Your steadfast support has been so crucial to NECCA’s success. Thank you for the privilege of trusting me in this role. Thank you for being my second family. I can’t wait to see you all again at future events and to catch up in person!

Wishing you happiness and health,
Jamie

A Note from the Board of Directors:

We are so delighted for Jamie and so grateful for all that she has done for NECCA, both over the last three years as Executive Director, and for the thirteen years before that. While we are sad to see her go, we are so thrilled that she is moving on to such a wonderful opportunity closer to her home and family.

We want you all to know that we will soon be announcing an interim Executive Director who will lead NECCA while the Board engages in a lengthier Executive Director search. Similar to our last search, the ED Search committee will have Board, Staff and Student representation, a composition which has proven to yield excellent results in the search process.

We on the Board are so grateful to each and every one of you for the support that you have given NECCA over these many years, and during this challenging pandemic time. As Jamie says, “This place truly holds magic,” and that magic is because of you.

Thank you,
Elizabeth Wohl
President of NECCA’s Board of Directors