In what has been perhaps the worst-kept secret of my recent professional life, the big news alluded to in my previous posts is that I was a finalist for the Executive Director position with the Arizona Sexual Assault Network.

As you have probably guessed by now, dear reader, I was not offered the position. It apparently came down to my need to remain in Tucson for other personal and professional obligations. In a slightly flattering softening of the blow, the board chair did compliment me extensively and I was left with the impression that I would have been hired hands-down if I had been willing to move to the Great State of Maricopa. Another slight softening of the blow was that they did not hire the other candidate either (who does reside in Phoenix). The board is apparently going to take some time to assess itself and the needs of the organization.

I'm trying very hard to not come off as bitter. I am disappointed, natch. AZSAN is, after all, a statewide organization. I was willing to commute and spend a few days each week in their Phoenix office. And with the board intending to direct the next ED to focus on building a donor base, it was likely that I would be traveling around the state anyway. Again, statewide organization.

Needless to say, it's disappointing news for me. It would have been a huge step up and I really feel I could have led that organization to profound success. Their loss, right? Right?

So with that, and with the AZSAN board chair's encouragement of me to keep applying for similar positions, I'm announcing my intention to apply for the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault President/CEO position. It's where I work now as Communications Director. I know they won't even grant me an interview, but it's important for me to keep my board focused on remembering that the chief executive must know about sexual violence inside and out, in addition to having strong business skills.

To those who knew what was going on and supported me, thank you. To those who knew what was going on but not officially, thanks for seeing through my thin veil and still supporting me. I may be down, but I'm certainly not out!

See? I'm not ALWAYS negative, even when I have good reason to be...