The board of directors for Lund announced that President and Chief Executive Officer Patricia Coates will step down as leader of the organization in June.
Coates’ tenure has stretched the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic and has positioned the agency to continue to provide essential services to Vermont families for many years to come. In her time, Coates led the integration of programs to better meet client needs, transformation of data use through a new electronic health record system, strengthened partnerships and significantly improved finances.
“Lund exists solely to serve the families who depend on us for adoption services; mental health and substance use disorder treatment; child care; and other family services. It has been an honor to lead this organization and its dedicated staff,” said Coates. “It is heartening to know Lund is in a stronger place. I believe it is the right time for a new leader to support continued, forward progress for this critical agency.”
Board chair Christine Oliver called Coates a "unique and talented leader who can see possibility, even in the most challenging times.
"She has transformed services, positioned Lund well financially and protected services during the pandemic," Oliver added. "She has been an outstanding president for Lund, and we will miss her.”
Coates will lead the organization through the transition until a new leader is selected. The board plans a search, which will begin in the coming weeks.