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Dear CBI Community:

We are writing to share significant news: Our Executive Director Emily Kieval submitted her resignation to the CBI Board, effective October 31.  Please see her announcement to the community below.

First and foremost, we want to express our immense gratitude to Emily for all she has given to CBI over these last 5 years.  She has made an extraordinary and lasting impact on our community and we look forward to the opportunity to honor and celebrate her.  We are so grateful! 

At the same time, we also know this is a lot to process, especially coming on the heels of other recent changes that have happened and are still happening.  So yes, this is a big time for CBI! And we certainly have what it takes to not only rise to the challenge, but to create opportunity from it - because that is what we do.  In this instance, we want to share a few broad strokes regarding our next steps. 

We will:
-- create a search committee, which will start by reviewing the executive director job description in the context of the organizational structure as a whole; 
-- work closely with Emily, starting now and for the next 3 months, to create as smooth a transition as possible;
-- communicate with staff, ensuring stability during this time, and integrating their feedback into the review and hiring process; and
-- communicate with the community (you!), both keeping you informed and creating opportunities for your feedback 

For now, as this work gets underway, we want to focus on our gratitude for Emily and our confidence in the future of CBI.  We look forward to shaping our path forward together, grounded in the strength and commitment of our amazing community.   

We are here for your questions or thoughts.  Please feel free to reach out to Barbara Black at barbarablack413@gmail.com or Pamela Schwartz at pschwartz77@gmail.com. We will be in touch by the end of the month with additional updates.  But again, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you all a good and restful end of summer.

B'shalom,
Barbara Black and Pamela Schwartz, Co-Presidents
on behalf of the CBI Board of Directors

Message from Emily:

Dear CBI Community,

As I mark my fifth anniversary as your Executive Director, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared. It is in this spirit of reflection that I write to you to share that I will be transitioning out of my position at CBI after the High Holy Days.

Reflecting on the past five years, we have navigated numerous challenges, including the abrupt transition to remote and then hybrid programming during the pandemic and reopening during a period of significant community growth. We also have faced unexpected leadership transitions, which we have navigated with resilience and adaptability. We have purchased and renovated the water building, developed a campus vision statement, and moved into the initial stages of a capital campaign that will transform the campus for generations to come. We have worked tirelessly to refine our internal and external systems, address budget challenges, expand our fundraising capacity, engage new demographics, and further build and define our "big tent" in the post-October 7 world. 

I hold deep care for each staff member, board member, and our entire CBI community. I have confidence in the dedicated staff and volunteers who have been the backbone of our organization's stability and progress. Your continued commitment will ensure a smooth transition and maintain the stability of our beloved community during this time and for years to come.

As I look forward to a period of rest and time with my family, I am optimistic about the future of CBI. My hope is that my departure will create space for fresh ideas and innovation, helping CBI embrace the opportunities ahead.

Thank you for the honor of serving this vibrant and dynamic community. I am immensely grateful for the experiences and growth we've shared.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Emily