From John Reilly, Board Chair
Radnor Educational Foundation

It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the REF Board of Trustees announces Dr. Meg Haist’s departure as Director of the Radnor Educational Foundation effective summer, 2018. Since joining the organization in February 2014, Meg has had a profound effect on REF, improving us as an organization and encouraging each one of us as we have worked together for the benefit of the students of the RTSD.

Over the next several weeks, we will be conducting a search to find the new Radnor Educational Foundation Director. During this period, it will be our priority to find the best individual to lead our growing organization, building on the progress made during Meg’s tenure with REF. We will share the job announcement soon and ask for your help in identifying a candidate who can help the Radnor Educational Foundation continue along our successful trajectory.

Meg and her husband Steve will be relocating to the Cincinnati area in August, andMeg has agreed to assist between now and her departure to transition to the new director. I personally was sad to hear Meg’s news, but at the same time I am excited for her, Steve, and their family as they set about to write the next chapter of their story. Her commitment to REF, our school district, its students, and each one of us will remain with us as her legacy.

The public is invited to say farewell to Meg and to meet our new trustees at the annual public meeting of the Radnor Educational Foundation at 7:00pm, Thursday, May 24th in theLarge Group Instruction room at Radnor Middle School. Please stay tuned for more news on that meeting and our search for a new Director.

From Meg Haist, Director
Radnor Educational Foundation

After four-and-a-half years with the Radnor Educational Foundation, I recently submitted my resignation to the board in order to take advantage of a career opportunity for my husband, Steve. Leaving my position as Director is decidedly bittersweet; the relationships I’ve developed with REF trustees, Radnor district administrators and staff, teachers, and students, and the chance to work with the many passionate parents, volunteers and donors who sincerely believe in our work have made my experience deeply rewarding. During my time with REF, we’ve grown not only in the number of friends and donors we count among our family, and as a result in the amount we are able to award in grants each year, but also in the depth and breadth of our reach. We’ve continued to fund key educational enrichment programs including STEM, literacy, and cultural and performing arts, adding critical new initiatives that foster student development, including leadership and social and emotional wellness programs. I’m immensely proud to have been part of this evolution.

The people serving on the board at the time of my hiring were clear from the beginning that they wanted to develop as a workingvolunteer board, and I can unequivocally state that we have achieved this goal. With strong board leadership in place, including President John Reilly, treasurer Steve Bevenour, secretary Ava Aljian, and grants chair Brian Pugh (slated to serve as Vice President starting on July 1st with our new year), I know I am leaving the organization in excellent hands, and presenting the new Director with a capable team of talented individuals. My friend and colleague, foundation administrator Theji Brennan, will be invaluable to the person serving in my role.

Finally, the decision to leave did not come easily. During our decade in the area, both Steve and Ihave been faithfully upheld in our endeavors, and have made lifetime friendships. Steve was presented with an opportunity to culminate his career in academic medicine by leading a new regional medical school, and though I regret his acceptance of the position means we will be leaving Pennsylvania, I’m excited and proud to champion his work. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all who have been so supportive of the organization and of me personally during my time with the Radnor Educational Foundation. Without you, REF would not be as strong and vibrant as it is. I’m honored to have been a part of the foundation, and will watch with much excitement and anticipation as you continue to fund possibilities, build futures, and enrich our community.