Circle of Hope, Inc. announced Monday its Executive Director, Pam Ripling, is retiring and the organization is currently seeking her replacement.

Ripling joined the Circle of Hope family in 2011 after an already impressive history of service within the Santa Clarita Valley nonprofit arena. She immediately joined the executive board as Secretary, subsequently moving to Vice-President and then President in 2015. Halfway through her presidential term, Pam assumed the role of Executive Director after the departure of former Director, Ray Tippet.

“It [the position] just sort of fell into my lap,” Ripling said. “My background as a small business owner proved invaluable to my efforts to take over and steer our organization toward the next level. I never planned on or aspired to the role, but I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to serve and to lead this incredible nonprofit. It has been an honor to work alongside so many dedicated individuals—our awesome board of directors, staff and volunteers.”

The gratitude is mutual. Circle of Hope credits Ripling with growing and strengthening the organization during her tenure. She is also recognized as one of the founders of Hope’s Haven Cancer Wellness Center, which is facilitated by Circle of Hope. “The Wellness Center wouldn’t be here without her,” claims Board President Taylor Kellstrom. “We hate that she’s going, but she deserves the break.” VP/President-Elect Alexander Hafizi agrees. “We’re really going to miss her!”

“I hate that I’m going, too,” Ripling said. “But my grandkids won’t be young forever.”

Ripling cites family time, travel and a general sense of accomplishment as her reasons for retiring on June 30th. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” she said.

Circle of Hope, now in its 15th year of, is accepting resumes. Interested parties should have nonprofit experience, preferably within the human services/health community, along with exemplary communication and corporate management skills. The ideal candidate will also have fund development experience, financial/fiscal competence, social media and publicity background, and above all, compassion for the mission of supporting those afflicted and affected by cancer.

For complete job description, please visit http://circleofhopeinc.org/hiring. Email resumes to info@circleofhopeinc.org or fax to (661) 254-5255.

Circle of Hope, Inc. is a local nonprofit that was established in 2004 and its mission is to provide emotional, educational and financial assistance, along with supportive wellness therapies to the Santa Clarita Valley cancer community.