Dear Friend,

Ten years ago was an exciting time in my life. Our son was in college, our daughter was heading to kindergarten and I was embarking on a new career, launching an organization that would conduct budget and tax analysis with the goal of informing policy decisions in the state capitol. A decade later, as we have approached the milestone that is OpenSky’s tenth anniversary, I have spent considerable time reflecting on what we have been able to accomplish as an organization thanks to the incredible contributions of our staff, board and generous supporters.

This reflection has left me with an overwhelming sense of pride in the progress we have made as well as a deep feeling of gratitude for all of those who played a part in helping us become a preeminent voice in Nebraska’s policy debates.

Our work has contributed to a more robust discussion about the likely impact of various tax policy changes. We have helped stop regressive tax policies that would have harmed low- and middle-income Nebraskans and we have helped protect key investments in schools, health care and other state services that provide opportunities to so many Nebraskans.

This time of reflection also allowed me to realize that the time has come for our organization to welcome fresh leadership and ideas to move OpenSky into the next decade and beyond, and so today I am announcing that I am stepping back from my position as OpenSky’s Executive Director. This will enable a new leader to build on what we have accomplished and guide our amazing team to new heights in the years to come.

My passion and commitment to OpenSky’s work and mission to improve opportunities for every Nebraskan remains as strong as ever, and in that spirit, I plan to stay with the organization in some capacity to help ensure our new leader has a smooth and successful transition.

We have engaged Zelle, an executive search firm from Lincoln, to help lead a national search for our next Executive Director. We will share more information about that process soon.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as the Founding Executive Director of OpenSky Policy Institute. It has been an incredible honor to watch our organization influence vital policy debates in ways that truly benefit every Nebraskan, to see our staff grow in size and talent, and to engage with supporters from across the state and nation. Moving forward, it will continue to be an honor to do all I can to help this incredible organization, and the people who make it what it is, move on to even greater success in the future.

I want to take this opportunity to personally thank all who have supported me and guided me in my time as OpenSky’s Executive Director and at various other points in my career. Your thoughts, words and actions have meant more to me than I can express and please know that I will continue to seek your support and counsel long into the future.

Sincerely,

Renee Fry
Executive Director