Comments from CAN’s New Executive Director

Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Fred Butler, the CAN’s founding Executive Director, the CAN has made great strides towards achievement of its vision. In my mind, a tremendous resource, the CAN Network, has been developed through Fred’s guidance. Effectively leveraging the assets embodied in this network will greatly increase our community’s ability to achieve equity in opportunity for all and ultimately sustain economic vitality.

While collaboration is a very challenging process, the benefits can be substantial and rewarding at a personal, organizational and community-wide level. The vision of the CAN is an honorable, worthwhile vision. Social well-being is intrinsically tied to economic well-being. Giving every person in our community opportunities to access the resources necessary to achieve their personal aspirations ultimately contributes to their own personal growth and the growth of our local economy.

Along with being a desirable area to live and having positive demographic trends including a young, growing and diverse population, Austin is home to a relatively well-qualified, educated population. Continued investment in our community’s human capital (our residents) will be key to maintaining and achieving a vibrant economy in the future.

Recognizing the great potential that exists to affect change through the CAN, I feel deeply honored to have been selected as the CAN’s Executive Director.