Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) executive director, has announced her resignation to the board and staff effective Monday, July 6. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather)
Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, Cherokee Preservation Foundation (CPF) executive director, has announced her resignation to the board and staff effective Monday, July 6.
Throughout the last two and one-half years with the Foundation, Clapsaddle has helped continue the CPF mission to improve the quality of life for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), including cultural preservation, economic development and job creation and environmental sustainability.
An EBCI tribal member, Clapsaddle will return to the classroom as a teacher at Swain County High School and continue her creative writing.
“Speaking for all the board and the staff, we are of course very disappointed to learn of Annette’s decision to move on,” said Luke D. Hyde, chairman of CPF’s board. “Annette brought her intelligence and skill set to the position and served the CPF well. We are sad she is leaving, but happy she is going back to teaching and inspiring our young people.”
Since 2000, the CPF has made almost 900 grants totaling over $71.5 million to EBCI and regional projects and programs. With matches in funding or in-kind resources, its total contribution to the region has amounted to nearly $176 million.
“I feel fortunate to have worked with such a strong organization to serve my community and western North Carolina,” Clapsaddle said. “I am tremendously grateful for the support I received in this role. It has been a difficult decision for me to accept a new post. However, I find that my passion still lies with the education of young people and service within our schools.”
Hyde will lead a transition committee, and insures a smooth transition as they begin a national search for a new executive director. “The board and staff are developing steps to move forward and begin the necessary steps to find a replacement,” said Hyde.
– Cherokee Preservation Foundation
