Dear CORE Family,

I’d like to share the news that I will be transitioning from my position as Chief Business Officer of CORE to rejoining the Board of Directors. I have been with the organization since day one in 2010 – as a volunteer, a donor, then on the Board, to my most recent role as the Chief Business Officer. These last 14 years have given me the breadth and width to see CORE grow and evolve to where it is now – the rapid, gritty, heart-led organization this world so needs right now.

Although I will no longer be part of the executive team, my commitment to CORE remains unchanged. And in fact, I look forward to supporting in a stronger way, growing our Board capacity to reflect the organization we are today, promoting excellent Board governance of our systems and setting up CORE for future success.

As I reflect on my time as CBO, I am so proud to have had the opportunity to participate in the evolution of this extraordinary organization. In our professional lives, not many of us get to work with a team of such courageous, inspired and caring people.  Every day I had the chance to interact with a community that selflessly dedicated themselves to support those in need in the most vulnerable parts of our world. You all inspire me daily and serve as a beacon of hope in our troubled world. Your work has never been more important.

I want to express particular gratitude to Sean Penn, Ann Lee and Jerome Lebleu for their trust and confidence and allowing me to participate in CORE’s incredible mission. In the last four years, I have been inspired by Sean’s unwavering commitment to the mission of CORE, and I am also so proud of the great leaders that my colleagues Ann and Jerome have become. CORE is in great hands. The best days are ahead. 

I can’t thank all of you enough for your friendship, learnings and inspiration and I look forward to supporting the vital work of CORE for years to come as a renewed Board member.

Matt O’Connell