The Campbell administration's continued tinkering with the ministry of children and family development has been the cause of considerable stress amongst the sector's service providers. And, as executive director of the Federation of Child and Family Services of British Columbia for the past four years, Craig Meredith has been responsible for managing much of that stress. But, yesterday, in an email sent to federation members, Mr. Meredith announced he would be retiring.

"I have always been a project person by nature - one that loves meeting a challenge and moving on to the next one. My time with the Federation has been an incredible journey - using my skills and your support in promoting excellence in services to children, youth and families. You couldn't ask for much more," wrote Mr. Meredith.

"My wife, Alison and I have been talking about the rest of our lives and we agreed that I still enjoy the challenge but it is time for more flexibility and a return to focusing on time limited projects that I have always loved. With this in mind, I have advised the Board that I will be resigning my position as ED early in the New Year. Your Board and I are committed to making a seamless transition to your new ED."

The following is a complete copy of that letter.

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October 30, 2006

To: Federation Members & Friends
From: Craig Meredith

I am retiring...sort of

Recently I have passed two significant milestones: I am into my 61st year and the second is that I have been in the employ of the Federation for more than four years, which is a 20 year record for me. As far as the first milestone, my body may be beginning to recognize it but my mind has not.

I have always been a project person by nature - one that loves meeting a challenge and moving on to the next one. My time with the Federation has been an incredible journey – using my skills and your support in promoting excellence in services to children, youth and families. You couldn't ask for much more.

My wife, Alison and I have been talking about the rest of our lives and we agreed that I still enjoy the challenge but it is time for more flexibility and a return to focusing on time limited projects that I have always loved.

With this in mind, I have advised the Board that I will be resigning my position as ED early in the New Year. Your Board and I are committed to making a seamless transition to your new ED. We are confident that the Federation's challenges, self sustainability and reputation will attract candidates that bring superior skills and a community conscience to support the community social service sector goals of keeping kids safe and strengthening families in BC

A date has not yet been set for my final day, so it will be business as usual. My only two hopes are:

1. I can be sitting in the audience with no responsibilities at the February 2007 General Meeting in Victoria and go out for a game of pool with Shane et al.
2. I can continue to have an association with the Federation in some way. You are a truly the greatest group of people I have ever had an opportunity to work with.

And please, no final good byes until you see my backside half way out the door.

Love You! Craig