To the Ackerman Community,
On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our thanks to Martha Fling, who is stepping down as CEO at the end of her term and to express our appreciation for her dedication to and passion for Ackerman. As a former board chair, she assumed the role as CEO on short notice at a difficult time for Ackerman and kept the Institute functioning and effective during the COVID months and since. We would all like to wish her well as she turns her attention to other projects dear to her heart.
I am pleased to announce that Lois Braverman, our former President and CEO, has agreed to return on an interim basis until such time as we find a new chief executive. Additionally, I am also pleased that Deborah Werner, a member of the board, has agreed to partner with Lois as the board’s representative to assist with the transition.
As we embark on the search for new leadership, we are committed to finding a successor to Martha who can build upon her work and legacy. A search committee is being formed, and we will engage with the executive search firm, Phillips Oppenheim, to identify candidates who possess the skills and vision necessary to continue to guide Ackerman into the future successfully. I look forward to all members of the Ackerman community committing themselves to work diligently to ensure a seamless transition.
Dear Ackerman Community,
After four years, I have chosen to step down from my position as President and CEO, effective February 2nd, 2024. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for this incredible experience and for your contributions to the Ackerman Institute for the Family.
As many of you will remember, I responded to the urgency of filling the role completely unaware, as we all were, of the impending pandemic that was growing at the same time. There was a moment where we could close for an indefinite period or persevere. Our incredible employees chose to meet the challenge, and I am so proud of their teamwork, strategic thinking, dedication, and unwavering commitment to creating an online Ackerman community for all. We grew Ackerman’s reputation and impact beyond the walls of 936 Broadway to train mental health professionals in other states and countries and to provide therapy to families who needed greater flexibility in access. We strove to leave no one behind in meeting the needs of our trainees, adjunct faculty, families, projects, centers, donors, agencies, and other institutions. The drive to bring technology to Ackerman on many levels while never forgetting the need for human connection produced innovative methods, including replicating the venerable one-way mirror experience online. New training certifications developed, and we have much more to follow. Moreover, we strove to diversify our leadership, faculty, and trainees, and as a result, we are a stronger, more inclusive institute, sharing and embracing different experiences and perspectives.
As the leader of this long-esteemed Institute, (and as former Board Chair and member of the Board of Directors since 2011) my passion for our mission is unwavering and I have truly been inspired and motivated by all of you who have been so instrumental in shaping the Ackerman organization’s culture and values. Together, we have grown both as an organization and as individuals. I look forward to seeing further success in the future.
As we embark on the transition to new leadership, we are committed to finding a successor who can build upon my work and legacy. A thorough search for a new CEO will be conducted, and we will work diligently to ensure a seamless transition. A search committee is being formed, and we will engage with an executive search firm, Phillips Oppenheim to identify candidates who possess the skills and vision necessary to continue to guide Ackerman into the future successfully.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission, and for supporting my leadership. Together we will ensure a smooth and successful transition and a thriving future for Ackerman. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors!
