Spring is a time of reflection and renewal. In that vein, I want to share the news that I am planning to retire this year from Hospice of the Piedmont.
While I am certainly excited for the next chapter and the chance to spend more time with my family, I would not be truthful if I said I won’t miss HOP tremendously. When I started in 2016, I knew this work was important, but seeing it up close and personal has given me an entirely different understanding. We are with patients and families at their most vulnerable moments, and that’s humbling each and every day.
Reflecting on my time at HOP, I’m most proud of the work we’ve done to be able to see more patients and families that need our help, and to serve them well. That wouldn’t have been possible without generous community philanthropy, and I am deeply grateful for your loyal and generous support. Thank you.
Our Accomplishments
In addition to making major progress in the heart of our mission, we’ve also achieved some amazing milestones together. For starters, we successfully launched our Palliative Medicine program, serving the community in a new way. Additionally, we set ourselves apart from other hospices by adding full-time physicians to care for patients. We also created nursing scholarships and professional development opportunities for members of our team thanks to generous community philanthropy. And we have launched a Death Doula program. Of course, we can’t forget how we found new ways to operate during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a nonprofit organization, philanthropy truly allows us to go above and beyond, and so for all that you have done, again, thank you.
I’ve been especially proud of HOP as we’ve worked to implement the Positive Transformation Project to create a movement in our community to change the conversation around death and dying. I believe with all my heart that taking a bold stance to educate our community and connect with them in greater and more meaningful ways around death and dying is vital to the work that we do.
Our Transition Plans
It’s important for you to know that I’m not going anywhere anytime soon. While the Board of Directors has engaged a national search firm to assist with the process of finding the next CEO for Hospice of the Piedmont, these processes can take a while – and it’s worth the time to find the best for HOP. I am committed to remaining engaged and will work hard
until my very last day. Thank you for all that you have done to support Hospice of the Piedmont, and patients and families in our community, when it matters most.
Sincerely,
Ron Cottrell
President & CEO
Hospice of the Piedmont
