Additions to the BALLE staff and board

As our organization continues on its critical path of building local living economies, I am thrilled to announce several important and exciting additions to the BALLE team.

Michael Shuman, one of the most respected economists and talented contributors in our movement, has accepted the position of Director of Research and Public Policy effective March 31st. Yes, you read that right. Michael and BALLE officially together at last! His new role allows BALLE to confidently move forward on additional strategic priorities that the Board established at our recent annual retreat. Alissa Barron, Michael's talented associate, will also be joining our staff as Program Manager and with these outstanding additions comes the opening of BALLE's new Washington DC office.

Lauren Sockler, as some of you know, joined us in November and began her full-time role in San Francisco in January as BALLE's office manager and my assistant. Her contributions have already been felt and we look forward to her expanding work with our networks.

We are also fortunate to have two new volunteers contributing significantly to our work: Jessica McGowan-Vanderbeck joins us this week for a spring internship focusing on fundraising and event support, and Chid Liberty, as a BALLE Fellow, has started in on financial systems assessment and development. Read more about Lauren, Jessica, and Chid on our staff page.

These are rather remarkable times for our organization and our movement. We are grateful to have these talented individuals contributing to our mission and look forward to rolling up our collective sleeves as we help build a new economy that works for all. Please join me in welcoming them to the BALLE family.

With deep appreciation,

Doug Hammond
Executive Director

As the new Chair of the BALLE board, I am pleased to announce the addition of five new board members. An extensive interview process produced an excellent combination of network leaders and entrepreneurs who bring vision and skill to their new positions on the board. Please join me in welcoming Baye Adofo-Wilson, Matt Bauer, Jamila Payne, Guillermo Quiroga, and Sandy Wiggins.

Five members of the board - Merrian Fuller, Michelle Long, Paul Saginaw, Ellen Shepard, and I - were re-elected to second three-year terms this fall, and Don Shaffer, Derrell Ness, Chris Morrow, and David Korten continue to serve their terms, with Paul confirmed as Vice-Chair, Derrell as Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair, Ellen as Secretary and Governance Chair, and Don as Chair of the Development Committee. Our board retreat in January had the new board working together for the first time, and resulted in an expanded mission and strategic priorities for BALLE, which we are looking forward to sharing with you at the annual conference in May. See you in Denver!

BALLE Best,

Judy Wicks
Chair, Board of Directors, Business Alliance for Local Living Economies