“After 25 years at the helm of this wonderful organization, I have decided this is the year for me to retire,” Lenna Kottke said in her letter to employees. “I’ve far exceeded the average tenure for an executive director, and I’m ready to spend more time exploring other aspects of life than work … although I could not have asked for more meaningful work to do for the last quarter century.”
A six-member Search Committee convened by the nonprofit’s Board of Directors has been working since January, developing an actionable search and selection process to name Via’s new CEO. With an experienced leadership team committed to supporting the Search Committee, Via is well-positioned to transition smoothly to this next step in its history.
The Search Committee plans to launch its nationwide search for candidates in early May.
Lenna’s visionary leadership has enabled the organization to grow from a small nonprofit called Special Transit, with one program and a $750,000 budget, to Via Mobility Services, with a $17 million annual budget operating on an innovative social enterprise business model.
Under Lenna’s capable direction, Via has become Boulder County’s leader in mobility options, serving as a one-call resource for individuals and their families dealing with mobility challenges. Via has expanded to provide on-demand transportation (paratransit), travel training, mobility options information and referral services, as well as community transit offerings including the HOP, Call-n-Ride and Access-a-Ride transportation services.
Also during her successful tenure, Lenna guided the organization as it planned for and raised more than $11.5M to build its award-winning, sustainable facility on 63rd Street in Boulder. Completed in 2011, the 36,000 square foot facility is designed to serve the community – and Via’s mission – for years to come.