Even without Sarah Goodrich leading the way, Schoharie Area Long Term development will continue its mission.
Ms. Goodrich announced Friday that she’s stepping down April 20 as SALT’s executive director. (See related story in this week’s T-J.)
But the organization that led flood recovery and now focuses strongly on community development “is in good hands,” Ms. Goodrich said.
Georgia Van Dyke and Pat Clancy, co-chairs of SALT’s board of directors, will lead in conjunction with Jerrine Corallo and Sarah Roberts, two part-time paid employees.
In an interview Friday, Ms. Clancy and Ms. Van Dyke outlined SALT’s work that will continue:
•Emergency preparedness, developed in post-Irene work. “In this, we stand up to any health issue and emergency,” Ms. Clancy said.
•Helping Schoharie County with blighted properties. “SALT built its reputation working on blighted properties,” Ms. Clancy said.
•Economic development. “Sarah got SALT more involved with the Chamber of Commerce and development,” Ms. Van Dyke said.
•Community revitalization, including Ms. Corallo’s current work in Central Bridge.
“It all falls under the long-range plan of community development,” Ms. Goodrich said.
Ms. Corallo will continue as SALT’s project director, Ms. Roberts will handle marketing, and both will do grant-writing.
“They’ll tie it altogether,” Ms. Van Dyke said. “We have two paid employees and the rest of us––the board––will step up.”
They’re confident board members are varied and talented: David Cox from Cooperative Extension, Lynn Macan from education, Cobleskill Regional Hospital’s Dr. Roy Korn, Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball and others.
“Each one of them brings special skills and a willingness to use them,” Ms.
Goodrich said.
Besides economic development and other thrusts, SALT serves another purpose, Ms. Clancy and Ms. Goodrich agreed, and that’s psychological support.
The organization’s character is built on helping others, and residents draw comfort from that.
“A lot of people still remember Irene, and if it ever happens again, they know we’re willing to stand up,” Ms. Clancy said.
And with Irene recovery almost complete, SALT will continue its broader goals of community and economic development, the co-chairs said.
“We still wave that flag of hope,” Ms. Goodrich added. “Keep focused on the possibilities. It’s worth the effort.”
And although she’s retiring as executive director, Ms. Goodrich will continue to volunteer, she said.
“It’s very hard to drop it and leave it all behind,” she said.