Well, as most of my readership likely knows, my dad is right up there among my favorite people on the planet. My bosses and co-workers could tell you how many times I reference my dad's intelligence, wisdom, and insight on any given day. It's a lot more that once. Believe me.
Today my dad announced that MS has forced him to retire. In my previous post that mentioned his health, that was his diagnosis. While I am angry and sad that my dad has MS, the doctors first thought it was a brain tumor. And I will take MS over a brain tumor any day. I need my dad, and his mind is clear as ever, and much more brilliant than mine.
He announced that he will be done as CEO of Sons of Norway as on July 31, 2009, and this is what the International President had to say:
Dear International Board and District Presidents,
It is with a great deal of regret that I must inform you that John Lund had decided to retire. John feels that his MS is preventing him from performing his duties as CEO to meet the high standards that he has set for himself. John is the type of person who if he can't give a task 110% then he feels he is not doing his job. The job and the energy that it requires has taken a toll on his health. We have indeed been extremely fortunate to have John as our CEO for the past 9 years and before that as Legal Counsel. His leadership skills, his people skills, his wealth of knowledge about Sons of Norway and Norwegian Community, and his great sense of humor will be missed by us all. We retired folks welcome him to our ranks and know he will enjoy retirement as much as we do! John's last day in the office will be July 31, 2009.
John has told me that he will only be a phone call away to answer questions and serve as an advisor for the Interim CEO and the new CEO when that position is filled. I have already put John's number in my speed dial!
I have appointed Eivind as Interim CEO in accordance with the Succession Plan that was updated during our Spring Board Meeting in April. Appropriate agreements are being drawn up.
I am appointing the Executive Committee as the Search Committee for a new CEO. The Executive Committee with Legal Counsel held a teleconference on June 11, 2009. I will be keeping you posted every step of the way.
If you have any question feel free to give me a call.
International President
Sons of Norway
I am sad to see my dad leave a job he was so good at, but these days his energy is limited, and I am thrilled for my Johan that he gets to aprovechar (Spanish for take advantage of/enjoy) more of his Ba-pa's energy in the form of kisses, hugs, walks, and playing.
And I am pretty sure I need to sign up for an MS walkathon. That's a goal for 2010.
2 comments:
I'm sad/happy to hear about your dad's retirement. Sad that he "has" to retire, but happy that he will have more time to spend with you and Johan. And I will totally do a walkathon with you. We are good walkers. :)
i may walk too-in my scooter. it will be a good time this 'retirement'- good but way different. about a week to go and it feels sad and happy. thanks for thinking i am not mushy headed in my thinking. let me know if you detect that, my dad became mushy headed (more liberal) after he retired. dad
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