The Hollister-based Community Foundation for San Benito County board recently announced that President and CEO Gary Byrne has been granted a three-month sabbatical. Byrne said he will be taking a “chance of a lifetime” extended trip to his native country of Ireland.
Byrne, who has been with the Community Foundation for 14 years, said he is pleased to have an opportunity to take time away from work and to be able to spend more with his family. When asked about his upcoming sabbatical, he told BenitoLink, “I feel humbled that my board has given me this great opportunity and look forward to time away for personal renewal.”
A sabbatical means literally a “ceasing.” It is a rest from work, or a break, often lasting from two months to a year, according to the Wikipedia definition. It is most common in the academic world and can go as long as two years.
The Community Foundation for San Benito County’s staff will continue with “operations as usual.” According to the Community Foundation, clients, friends and members of the public may continue to contact any of the following team members for assistance:
Stephanie Hicks (Director of Development and Outreach)
Email: shicks@cffsbc.org
Curt Mead (Director of Operations and Grants)
Email: cmead@cffsbc.org
Raul Ceja (Digital Media Specialist)
Email: rceja@cffsbc.org
Sharlene Van Rooy (Communications Coordinator)
Email: svanrooy@cffbsc.org
Rebecca Blaettler (Office Manager)
Email: rblaettler@cffsbc.org