November 22, 2021
Dear Miriam Community,
It is one of the greatest privileges of my life to be appointed the next executive leader of the Miriam organization. I appreciate Miriam’s philanthropic history of changing the trajectory of children’s lives. Early on in the interview process, it was clear to me how deeply the mission resonates with the Board of Trustees, the caring and knowledgeable staff, the talented administrators, and the committed volunteers and staff at the Switching Post. I believe my experience is not uncommon to anyone stepping foot into the Miriam organization; there is a positive energy that comes from child-centered programming and a belief that every person matters. Throughout the interview process whether it was via Zoom or in person, I was captivated by “Miriam Magic” and the tremendous service Miriam provides to so many, allowing children access to programming and services they need to be successful in school and in life. I am thrilled to lead Miriam into its new chapter.
Also impressive to me is the sincere desire of the Board of Trustees to look at the programming through the eyes of an educator to ensure the unification of all of the parts of “Miriam Magic.” There are so many wonderful things happening to help children reach their potential in each of the facets of Miriam. I am excited to be a part of this incredible organization with the opportunity to enhance and celebrate Miriam’s time-honored programming, to develop new avenues for serving children and families who have complex learning needs, and to continue to have Miriam be a beacon of information and hope for families and their children in the St. Louis region and beyond.
Thank you to Andy Greenberg, the Search Committee, Bill Florent, and the Miriam community for the warm, thoughtful welcome my husband Eliot, my son Owen and I received while visiting Miriam and St. Louis. We are quite taken with the beautiful parks, architecture, frozen custard, and many amenities that St. Louis offers. Our favorite part of Miriam is the kind and friendly people! Even though our house is over 13 hours away, we couldn’t have felt more at home. Each of us left St. Louis that weekend hoping to be able to return. My daughters can’t wait to see what we are so excited about!
I am looking forward to joining the Miriam organization to continue to enhance and change the lives of children and their families.
With every good wish,
Meg Bamford
