A Personal Message from Rich Martinez

Dear Friends,

I’m reaching out today with heartfelt gratitude as I step into the role of interim CEO of Project Angel Heart. I’m honored to serve during this transition, having learned so much over the past several years about you, our volunteers and supporters, who make our work on behalf of neighbors in need possible, week after week.

In fact, I’ve rarely been as awed as I was last Wednesday when more than 400 of you joined us to deliver 15,000 meals, including a special holiday meal, across 2,450 square miles, just in time for Thanksgiving. Still others donated nearly $30,000 to make the special delivery possible. Our tagline is “A meal with heart gives hope.” Last Wednesday was a shining example of your tremendous heart that allows us to deliver hope to severely ill Coloradans across our state. Denver7 was with us for most of the day. If you didn’t see it before, you can see one of their news stories here.

As we move forward, I wanted to share that the search for our next CEO is officially underway. We’ve partnered with Aspen Leadership Group, an esteemed executive search firm, to guide this national search process for our next visionary, dynamic leader who will carry this special organization into the future.

A dedicated search committee, comprised of seven board members—Heather Miller, Jasmine González, Brad Marzullo, Kevin Daly, Jeff Sepich, Maureen Girard, and Beth Perez—and longtime volunteer Jane Garmyn, will lead the way. The search will formally begin in early January, with the goal of welcoming our next CEO by summer.

In the meantime, Project Angel Heart’s work continues. In the coming year, we’ll prepare and deliver 815,000 meals to 5,200 Coloradans living with severe illness. This important work is only possible because of the generous support of our community—supporters like you. Thank you!

If you’re visiting or volunteering in the Denver office and kitchen, or if you’re joining us at an upcoming event, I hope you’ll stop and say, “hello.” I’d love to connect.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season and beyond.

Sincerely,

Rich Martinez
Interim CEO,
Chief Financial Officer