Dear Advocates, Supporters, and Friends,
When I stepped into the role of Executive Director of CASA at Monterey County in May of 2020, the world was holding its breath. But for children and youth in foster care, life didn’t pause. Their needs were urgent and real, and I was honored to join an organization that meets those needs with unwavering advocacy, care, and commitment. I am extremely proud of the work our organization has accomplished since that time: launching the Juvenile Justice program, strengthening our presence in South County, growing our budget by over 40%, and deepening our local chapter’s relationship with the statewide California CASA organization.
Today, I’m sharing some personal news: I’ll be retiring at the end of 2025. This decision has come after much reflection, and it’s not easy-CASA has become and will remain a meaningful part of my life. But I feel deeply grateful to be leaving at a time when the organization is strong, stable, and ready for its next chapter.
The Board of Directors is leading the search for the next Executive Director in partnership with Cook Silverman Search, www.cooksilverman.com. I’m part of this process, along with Board Chair Danny Little, incoming Chair Juliet Del Rosario, and former Executive Director and Board member Siobhan Greene. We’re committed to finding a leader who shares CASA’s values and vision for the future and to a well-supported onboarding process for a new leader.
Every day, I am inspired by the heart of CASA – our CASA volunteers, the staff who lead with expertise and compassion, and the Board of Directors, community leaders who offer guidance and support. Together, we’ve grown through challenging times, always putting children, youth, and families first.
While the search is underway, the team and I continue to work together with full force. We will expand services for youth in the juvenile justice system and deepen our connections with community partners throughout the county. Through our advocacy at the state level, we will continue to raise our voices for policies that put children and youth first. And we will remember that just a few weeks ago, we celebrated CASA’s 30th anniversary – a joyful reminder of how far we’ve come and how many lives have been impacted by CASA, both children and the advocates who serve them.
CASA of Monterey County is thriving thanks to all of you. Your support, generosity, and belief in CASA have made a difference to me, our team, and, most importantly, the children and youth we serve.
Please feel free to reach out to me personally if you have any questions: [email protected]. We invite talented and capable candidates to apply through Cook Silverman’s search at www.cooksilverman.com.
With heartfelt thanks,
Beth Wilbur
Executive Director
