In today’s blog, I say farewell to the SERDP and ESTCP family. My last day as Director was March 18. After nearly 15 years with the programs, I have decided it is time to move on. My time here has been quite a journey – from part time program manager with the nascent Unexploded Ordnance program area as it was launched in 2001 to Deputy Director and finally Acting Director. During this time, SERDP and ESTCP have supported exciting work (in so many areas I dare not try to list them) with satisfying and even incredible outcomes. At the same time, government has become more difficult, making it hard to concentrate on what is so important and satisfying about this job.

Mostly, how you feel about a job is all about the people. And here I have had the privilege to work with amazing people. The distinguished scientists and engineers on our Scientific Advisory Board have provided wise advice and kept us focused on technical excellence. Our Technical Committees have generously shared their expertise and experience. And our investigators have moved entire fields in environment and energy research forward, in many cases transforming the state of the practice and having impacts that go far beyond DoD. And they have taught me so much – it can be humbling indeed to listen to an IPR or SAB presentation. Most important have been our immediate staff, who are smart, creative, energetic leaders in their fields, and make it a pleasure to come to work every day.

It is bittersweet to leave the programs that have been such a big part of my life for so many years. But I am looking forward to a summer of running, gardening, and catching up on family life. Then I will find a new adventure in the fall.

Cheers!

Anne