Published in the December 25, 2013-January 7, 2014 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Out with the old, in with the new. It’s the cliché of the last week of the year, every year. But it gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the changes of leadership for Morgan Hill in the past 365 days … and consider how we can make the most of developing our community’s leadership in the next 365 days.
Early in 2013, Steve Rymer replaced Ed Tewes as the city manager. Rymer has brought a new energy to our city government, building a team of staff members who have been developing new ideas and projects to improve life in our community — especially with the 2035 General Plan Update initiative to see what direction the city wants to head in the next several decades.
At the Morgan Hill Unified School District, Superintendent Wes Smith stepped down in June to move his family to Sacramento and become the executive director for the Association of California School Administrators. Steve Betando, who started at the Morgan Hill Unified School District in charge of human resources, took on the role of interim superintendent and has brought his intelligence and creativity to leading the district.
At the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, Christine Guisiana stepped down as CEO/President and Morgan Hill businessman John Horner took up the reigns. He and Chamber Board Chairman Rich Firato have revitalized the Chamber this year with new ideas as well as engaging members and volunteers to be more proactive in building the local economy and education systems.
So what new leadership might the year 2014 harbor in Morgan Hill and the South Valley? We don’t have a crystal ball to prognosticate for the new year what individuals will come and go. But here at Morgan Hill Life we would like to see the growth of more leadership qualities among our residents to see our already high quality of life keep improving for all the people in our community. That’s why we encourage all our readers to make a 2014 resolution to give back to our town and get involved with some cause or project that benefits Morgan Hill. Many of our residents take pride in our town enough to give of their time and talents working for many worthy nonprofit organizations. These people make a difference in adding more enjoyment for everyone in experiencing Morgan Hill.
If you have not been involved in community-building activities, you’ll find that there are a number of groups you can volunteer with and build your own leadership skills. There are many significant benefits to getting involved with the various groups in Morgan Hill that will enhance your life. Volunteering helps you connect with other people and allows you to build your network of friends and social contacts. It can also help you advance your career by teaching you valuable job skills as well as management ability.
Volunteering your time and talent is also healthy for your mind and body, increasing self-confidence, combating depression and helping you to stay physically healthy. In 2014, we challenge you to be a local leader and bring more fun and fulfillment to your life by finding ways to engage yourself with one of the many worthy causes we have here in Morgan Hill.
