July 7, 2011

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

After 27 years, I have decided the time is right to leave Comprehensive Health Education Foundation. I will be leaving at the end of this month but will continue to serve as an advisor to C.H.E.F. through the end of the year. This has been a thoughtful and considered decision that coincides with knowing our Board and Management Team are strong, and there is a clear path forward for the organization.

I am extremely proud of all the work that C.H.E.F. has accomplished during my long career with the organization. Together we have been able to provide health curricula to millions of children around the world, and positively affect public policy in substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and public housing. We have also provided learning opportunities for seniors, received acknowledgement from the philanthropic and foundation community for our work, and helped other nonprofits around the country deliver their services more effectively and build capacity to better achieve their goals. More recently, we’ve managed a period of significant transition while reinventing C.H.E.F. for the 21st century, adding our talents and expertise to reducing health inequities in our region and nationally.

With all that we have accomplished, I remain most proud of the people with whom I have had the great opportunity to work. They include dedicated staff, Board, consultants, and countless people and organizations who have been our partners, all of whom have invested time, enthusiasm, and remarkable skills to make a significant difference by bringing health to the forefront of the national agenda. We have done it all as a team.

As I prepare to depart the organization, I am confident that C.H.E.F.’s highly capable leadership and staff will seize this new opportunity with enthusiasm, passion, and commitment. The Board will be working with the Management Team to ensure this period of transition and change is also a period of continued progress. During this time, a decision has been made not to hire a replacement for me in the near term.

C.H.E.F. has been a very large part of my life, and is part of who I am as a person. I will always cherish the great work we have done together, and truly appreciate having had the honor and privilege to make such meaningful contributions to the mission of the organization and to the field of health.

I know that you will join me in wishing everyone at C.H.E.F. a very bright and productive future, and hope you will continue to support the important work they do.

My career at C.H.E.F. has been a tremendous journey, and I am thankful for your many years of guidance, collaboration, support, and friendship. As for the future, I am currently considering several exciting opportunities, but plan to spend some time with my family in the coming weeks before I begin the next exciting chapter in my life.

I look forward to staying in touch with you.
With all best wishes,

Larry Clark
President/Chief Executive Officer
Comprehensive Health Education Foundation