Creating space for reflection and leadership development in a time of complexity

Over the past several years, the world around us has continued to shift in profound ways. Humanitarian needs are growing more complex, communities are navigating increasingly frequent and severe disasters, and the systems designed to support recovery, from public institutions to international aid structures, are changing in real time. 

In moments like these, strong organizations must remain grounded in their missions while also creating space for reflection, strategic thinking and continued leadership development. 

With that in mind, I want to share that the CDP board of directors has approved a planned sabbatical for me beginning June 22, with my return scheduled for Oct. 26. I am grateful to the board for its support and for recognizing the importance of creating intentional space for long-term thinking and focused writing during a particularly consequential period for our sector. 

This sabbatical is part of a thoughtful leadership planning process and reflects the strength and maturity of CDP as an organization. Day-to-day management and operations will continue under our existing leadership structure, with Brenda Camacho serving as acting CEO in addition to her role as chief operating officer. CDP’s leadership team remains deeply engaged in advancing our strategic priorities, supporting our partners and ensuring we continue to help philanthropy meet the needs of communities affected by disaster. 

Across the United States and globally, uncertainty continues to shape the environment in which we operate. Questions about the future of humanitarian funding, the role of government institutions, and the increasing strain on multilateral systems are no longer abstract policy discussions. They are realities affecting how communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters. At the same time, expectations for philanthropy continue to grow. 

In this environment, clarity of purpose matters. CDP’s commitment to equitable recovery, long-term community resilience and helping philanthropy respond thoughtfully and effectively to disasters remains unchanged. Our role is to ensure donors engage in ways that are informed, strategic and centered on the needs and leadership of affected communities. 

Philanthropy will increasingly be called upon to provide support through flexibility, innovation and partnership. Meeting that need requires organizations to be adaptable, collaborative and willing to think beyond immediate crises toward longer-term solutions. That work continues every day at CDP. 

I also want to acknowledge the extraordinary strength of this organization and the people who make our work possible. The dedication of our staff, the trust of our donors and grantee partners, and the leadership demonstrated across teams are what position CDP to navigate complexity with confidence and purpose. 

I look forward to returning in October and continuing this important work together. Until then, I remain deeply confident in the leadership of this organization and in the role CDP will continue to play in helping philanthropy show up for communities in meaningful and lasting ways.