until Carol retires :(
A special announcement from Ken Malcolmson
Dear NDCC members and friends,
The day that we hoped would never come has arrived. After serving the NDCC for more than half of its existence, Carol Short has announced her intention to retire. In spite of our best attempts to convince her to stay on “forever” Carol feels this is the right time for her to transition to a slower pace and pursue some other activities that will keep her engaged in the community she loves.
As we all know, Carol has been the “face and the brains” as well as the institutional memory of the NDCC for so many years. While she has carried the title of Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, we all know that her presence has been felt in every service the NDCC provides and she has positively impacted every member, speaker, venue, partner and transaction that she has touched. We will miss her positive, upbeat and practical approach to the business of the Chamber and her signature responsiveness. I am personally indebted to Carol for her role in orienting and indoctrinating me into my role during these past 9 months as well as serving as our Interim President during the first half of 2017.
Fortunately, Carol has given us plenty of lead time to prepare for her departure. Her actual retirement date will be August 1 which will give us ample time to celebrate her career at the NDCC.
Carol and I began these discussions many months ago which has allowed us to develop a transition plan. At the same time we were having these discussions, we have fortuitously been able to identify a successor for Carol in short order. We are pleased to announce that Jeff Kitner will be assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer and will be joining the chamber staff on April 1.
Jeff is a familiar face around North Dallas. A native of the area, he graduated from St. Mark’s School, Emory University in Atlanta with a degree in Political Science, and the University Of Texas Law School. Jeff has spent the past 16 years in the litigation practice of Jackson Walker as an associate and ultimately a partner.
Jeff is involved in and passionate about Dallas quality of life initiatives including serving currently as the City Council District 11 Park Board member and President of the Board of the Friends of Northaven Trail. He is also actively involved in DISD initiatives and at Temple-Emanu-El and previously served on the Dallas Mall Area Redevelopment TIF Board (which includes Midtown).
Jeff and his wife, Miriam, live in North Dallas and have a 5-year-old daughter, Sophie, and a rescue dog, Dudley.
While it will be difficult to lose the day to day presence of an institution in our community and someone we love and respect, we are excited about the next chapter in the life of the NDCC. With a new building, a new brand and logo, a new leadership team and the implementation of a new strategic plan, it is a great time to be associated with this 64-year-old organization and its legacy of leadership. Please join me in thanking Carol for her many years of contributions to the North Dallas community and welcoming Jeff to his new role.
Best wishes,
Ken