So Long For Now

Over the past five years, I have walked through the door here at GTECH approximately 1,300 times. This Friday will be the last time I do so. I am leaving the organization to become the Manager of Corporate Relations at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, an opportunity with a long-standing partner of GTECH that I couldn’t pass up. While I am so excited about this next chapter, I will miss everything and everyone here at GTECH. There wasn’t a day that I walked through the door here and didn’t learn something new; something new about a community, something new about my work, something new about my team, and especially, something new about myself.

You all may not know this story, but I actually tried to leave GTECH two months after I started here. I began my journey here as a graduate intern not really knowing what I wanted to do professionally and still trying to figure out how to fit into a field I admittedly knew little about. After a handful of weeks here, I decided that maybe it wasn’t the best fit for me. I typed up a letter of resignation and handed it to Evaine. Instead of immediately accepting it, I was surprised when she asked, “Well, what can we do to have you stay?” This single question would change my life and lead me down a path for the next 5 years full of lessons and experiences that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

GTECH is an incredible organization with a team whose passion for the work that they do is unrivaled. Collaboration at GTECH is key and without the team, the impact of what we do day-in and day-out would have been far less. I am grateful for each of the current team members and wanted to take a moment to reflect, so without further adieu and in no particular order:

Evaine: Thank you for planting a seed. Your mentorship, guidance, and advice has allowed me to grow my career to heights I never believed would be possible when I began my journey.

Ian: Thank you for your humor. Your presence in the office is always positive and uplifting. I will miss our matching pastel polo days and 4:00(ish) happy hours.

Lydia: Thank you for your patience. Working with you has been a privilege and no matter the situation we found ourselves in, your due diligence always found a solution (or two).

Tacumba: Thank you for your perspective. Your voice is one that will always be appreciated. Your ability to connect with residents and communities adds so much to your work.

Kevin: Thank you for your foresight. Thanks for always keeping the ship afloat. Your work behind the scenes has allowed the organization to be what it is today.

Anna: Thank you for keeping me organized. Managing communications (especially social media) here at GTECH can be like herding cats. You are both persistent and kind, something that is hard to achieve.

Tom: Thank you for your tranquility. In a field that has its fair share of crazy days, your calm, and steady approach is something that should never be taken for granted.

Ariam:  Thank you for keeping me focused. Your laser-like attention to detail and immaculate spread sheets should be something we all strive for.

Gavin: Thank you for your passion. Your accomplishments have made 20 hours a week at GTECH seem like 40. The creativity that you show in your work demonstrates your commitment to those we serve.

Rachel: Thank you for your empathy. Your ability to connect with folks, especially youth, is a true asset for both yourself and the team.

Shequaya: Thank you for keeping it real. Your advice and perspectives are always straight forward and to the point, an approach that is refreshing and honest.

And to all of my other colleagues, partners, and Ambassadors that I have worked with, thank you. Thank you for being a part of my journey and giving me something to be grateful for each and every day. Most importantly, thank you for your friendship. It is something I will never forget.

If you’d like to keep in touch, please reach out to me at jamesasnow@gmail.com.