WGR Executive Director Emily Bardach Transitioning to New Role
Friday, October 15, 2021
(2 Comments)
Posted by: WGR
Members of the WGR,
It is with mixed emotions that I let you know I will be transitioning out of my longtime role as Executive Director of WGR to that of Strategic Advisor, in order to pursue new opportunities within our management company. I have been a part of the WGR leadership team for over two decades and I am grateful for the friendships I have made, the skills I have gained and the impact I have made for women in our field, alongside all of you.
I began my career with WGR in 1999 when they were looking to outsource the annual meeting. The organization had 500 members and a stand-alone office on Vermont Avenue in Washington, DC. My company at the time quickly won the bid to manage the event and moved to full-service management within the year. I started as the Associate Director and after 6 months, the board requested I be promoted to Executive Director, my first of many experiences of women advancing women! I was honored and empowered - and dove in. Twenty-two years later I am so proud of what we have accomplished. The state of WGR is stronger than ever with 1200 members, a growing staff and dedicated sponsor partners. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to manage one of the most respected professional networking organizations in Washington and I am excited to see what’s next!
WGR is a true reflection of the women who have stepped up and volunteered their time to give back and grow professionally. I want to take a moment to thank all of the leaders I have worked with including the 14 presidents I have had the opportunity to partner with over the years: Phyllis Hughes, Anne Esposito, Kelly Bobek, Trinita Brown, Peggy Tighe, Lauren Beck, Liz Reicherts, LeeAnn Petersen, Katie Vlietstra Wonnenberg, Meredith Shue, Katie Schubert, Suzanne Swink and Kate Shenk. Thank you for your trust and guidance and for all of the lessons along the way.
This organization would not be where it is today without our incredible staff. I have learned so much from these young women and they have supported me professionally and personally in ways I could not have imagined. A heartfelt thank you (and standing ovation) to my right-hand woman of eight years, Laura Ransone, who is also wrapping up her role at WGR this fall to pursue new opportunities; and congratulations to Erin Roosa who will be taking on new responsibilities as we look to expand the WGR team. I am thrilled to announce that Jen Brydges, will be taking over as Executive Director on November 1 and WGR could not be in better hands. Jen is a creative, passionate and empathetic leader, and an overall great fit for WGR.
Most importantly, I want to thank all of you for making such an impact on my life and career. I am so fortunate to have grown up in a community of supportive, professional, and fun women who trusted me and were willing to take some risks along the way. I grew into a leader at WGR and gained skills I will carry for the rest of my life and pass on to others.
I hope to have the opportunity to connect with many of you at the PWIA Conference next week - 240 registered and counting. Don’t forget to register!
Emily Bardach
PS - There are so many people and organizations I would like to thank and I hope I have the opportunity to do so in person sometime soon – but there a few that cannot go unrecognized: LeeAnn Petersen for being my partner and biggest fan; Judy Schneider for her candid advice and mentoring, Jacki Ball for her friendship and love of strategic planning, Anne Collier for always picking up the phone, Kate Belinski for keeping me out of trouble, the ladies of State and Federal Communications for always saying “yes” and Bloomberg Government for teaching me the value of a great partnership.
Emily your impact is forever embedded in our memory and on our hearts. You've made the difference for the growth and expansion and layered IMPACT of WGR. We'll never let you go! Ha! See you soon!
Wishing you MUCH success and happiness as you transition into the 'next chapter of Emily'. Thank you for your guidance, support, and partnership over the past few decades. Your leadership has touched so many young women in our industry. I hope you feel the love and accomplishment that lies in your wake. Can't wait to see what else you make your mark on in the months ahead! Sherry Whitworth
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