It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since I accepted the offer from the Ignite Board of Directors to become your Executive Director. Together, we have achieved a great deal over these 10 years:
- The gala committee has successfully organized a gala every year (except during Covid).
- We have established a strong, trusting relationship with Eldora’s leadership.
- We have solid working relationships with the Denver and Cheyenne Veterans Administration.
- We are developing a new relationship with Craig Hospital and maintaining long-term partnerships with many other groups, such as Colorado Center for the Blind, Temple Grandin School, the Expand program in Boulder County, Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation Opportunities, and many more.
- We have navigated our growing pains together with grace and adaptability.
Our biggest accomplishment to date has been successfully opening our new home. Together, we developed a vision, did the work, and raised the funds necessary to bring this vision to fruition. The new building is beyond amazing, and with our long-term agreement with Eldora (and a great relationship), the incoming Executive Director will inherit an amazing organization. As Kevin Sheehan said to me at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, “Our building now reflects the quality of our program,” and I wholeheartedly agree.
In recent years, I have worked with the Board and staff to create a succession plan for senior leadership. Most of that plan has already been implemented and has worked out wonderfully. The final phase of this transition includes my retirement, which will take place this year. This is an exciting time to be at Ignite. If I were a few years younger, you wouldn’t be able to get me to leave! I am looking forward to spending more time with my grandson and family, traveling with my horses around the western U.S., and exploring what else the world has to offer.
I didn’t fully understand what I was saying “yes” to when David Levin offered me this position, but I could never have imagined it would be this magical. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, and I have each of you to thank. I will remain in my current role until a new leader is identified and on board. Over the past few months, I have been working with the Board to create a recruitment plan for the new Executive Director. I will stay involved throughout the transition. Ignite, along with its people and community, means so much to me.
I have often said this throughout my time at Ignite: We truly have the best volunteers, athletes, staff, and relationships in the industry. Our current program leaders are doing an excellent job with operations, and our Board prioritizes Ignite’s best interests and mission as they plan for the upcoming search. Our volunteer staff has excelled this season, and I believe we are on track for our most successful season yet.
Each of you contributes to this organization with your unique insights, experiences, and heart. That is what makes Ignite special, and for that, I thank you. I know that when the new Executive Director is hired, you will extend the same warm welcome to them that you gave me.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns. We will keep you updated on the progress of this transition.
From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for each of you and the support you have shared with me along the way. I am excited to see how the future of Ignite unfolds and what it brings to our community.
With gratitude,
Carol Nickell
Executive Director of Ignite Adaptive Sports
“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”
— Fred Rogers