Welcome Janet Spavlik to FS!
My favorite Facebook activity of late has been the "Today I'm Thankful For … " meme in which you start each day through Thanksgiving by posting something for which you're thankful. It's been an incredibly positive experience, since I've come to realize that I could do that every day through Thanksgiving 2009, 2010 and beyond and never have to mention the same thing twice. (Thank you, God, for all your tiny miracles.)
But the one status update I'm not looking forward to is the one that I posted Nov. 20: "Today, I'm thankful for the opportunity to have worked with Abny Santicola for the past five years."
Abny, who has been with the magazine since 2005, started a new job after Thanksgiving. To say that I wish her the best is one whopper of an understatement. Technically, I've been Ab's boss, but she really has been more of an editorial partner. She's worked tirelessly in helping shape the magazine, and to carry its voice and vision to our readers and out into the sector as a whole. She's been a consummate professional, and one whose name I've been proud to have printed alongside mine on the FundRaising Success masthead.
The magazine will miss her insights, her organizational skills, her ?talent. And though I know Abny and I will stay in touch, I'll sorely miss the day-to-day interaction, all the laughter, the occasional tears, the constant support and the deepening friendship that has become one of my life's greatest blessings.
All the best, Ab. May your new job bring you as much joy as you've brought to FS and to me, and congratulations on this next step along the happy path that will lead you to the great things that you no doubt are destined to achieve — both personally and professionally.