Dear colleagues and fellow members of PRSA Georgia,
To say that Denise Grant is irreplaceable is an understatement. She took a part-time job with PRSA Georgia in 1983 when her twins were born so that she could keep working and stay connected. Thirty- five years later, she is our COO and the heartbeat of our organization.
It is most certainly bittersweet that I share with you that Denise has announced she will be retiring at the end of 2019. She has given the organization that she has poured her heart and life into more than a year and a half’s notice so that the leadership of our chapter has time to identify the right solution to ensure we remain the second largest chapter in the nation. She wouldn’t have it any other way.
While we selfishly wish we could keep Denise forever, we are so happy for all the plans she has ahead to spend time with her growing family. Her “little” twins are all grown up and having little ones of their own – she couldn’t be more proud of granddaughter Beatrice, and is eagerly expecting a second grandchild to arrive in October. Jim has an amazing opportunity with work to travel more, and as you know, that is something they both greatly enjoy doing together, having just returned from the Middle East. As our “Den Mother”, Denise has always put every one of us before herself. So, while I’m confident you share in the sorrow of having such a great leader, mentor and friend step down from her role, it makes me happy to know her sole focus is spending time with her family and continuing to see the world with her love.
To use Denise’s words: “Don’t worry, we’ll find a spot for you!” We have already started talking with her about what’s next and how we will continue to keep her a part of the organization. In fact, we think the newly created role of Chapter Historian would be just perfect for someone who knows every little detail about our organization.
Please join me in congratulating Denise on her much deserved retirement at the end of 2019. We wouldn’t be the chapter we are today without her.
All the best,
Karlie Lahm, APR
President
PRSA Georgia Chapter
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