For nearly 30 years, I have been blessed with incredible support from people who shared my dream of providing free speech, language, and learning services to children. Since 1996, your generosity, encouragement, and partnership have made it possible to serve countless children and families. For that, I offer my heartfelt thanks.
Today, I am excited to announce the beginning of a new chapter in my life. On August 20, 2026, I will retire. As planned, Encourage will conclude its mission after expending all remaining resources and funding during July and August.
As I look ahead to retirement, my next chapter is already filling with adventure and opportunity: riding my bike in some long-dreamed-of locations, exploring my ancestral roots in Scotland, England, and the eastern United States, attending the many events and milestones in the lives of my nine grandchildren, SCUBA diving wrecks and reefs that remain on my bucket list, raising cattle, gardening, and enjoying long walks with my wife and dog.
While I am looking forward to these new experiences, I will always treasure the relationships, memories, and purpose that have defined my career. Thank you for your trust, friendship, support, and for sharing this remarkable journey with me