Farewell, Betsy
Summertime at KNOM is always a bittersweet season of hellos and goodbyes, with the turnover of service terms for our full-time volunteers. But this year, we have one more “goodbye” to say: to former-volunteer-turned-staffer Betsy Brennan.
For the past 3 years, Betsy has worked at KNOM as our development data manager, a position that gave her the unique opportunity to interact with many of our supporters, either on the telephone or via mail or email. It’s but the latest way she’s put her intellect, dedication, good humor, and charm to the task in service of Western Alaska at KNOM: she also worked part-time in the KNOM business office from 2006 to 2011 and, before that, served as a KNOM volunteer from 1988 to 1990. (She’s pictured, below, from her volunteer days.)
Betsy Brennan during her volunteer service at KNOM (circa 1988-1990).
In mid-May, Betsy departed KNOM to embrace a different way of serving our rural Alaska community: as a criminal justice technician with the Alaska State Troopers in Nome. We will miss her immensely within our office but know she’ll continue to do great work in law enforcement (as well as with the Nome Board of Education, of which she is the president).
As to the legacy she leaves behind, Betsy has always brought sharp thinking, enthusiasm, and verve to her work at KNOM. She looks back on her tenure with our mission in this way:
I tend to think of time passing in terms of comparing it to my kids’ growth and age. I think about when I came back to work at KNOM part-time in 2006. My daughter was 3, and my son was 6. Now, they are 11 and 14. Where did the time fly?
It has been such a great experience working here — with wonderful, caring people. I have enjoyed speaking to donors and getting a small glimpse into their lives when they write notes and call. I have come full circle, again, now that I am leaving KNOM. I came to Nome through KNOM as a volunteer in 1988, then returned as an employee in 2006. KNOM will always hold a special place in my heart.
We know you’ll join us in wishing Betsy all the very best in the future. In concert with the donors with whom she so frequently interacted, we know that she made a great difference in the lives of so many in Western Alaska. We’ll miss you, Betsy!
I wish you God’s blessings in your new work, Betsy. We will miss not hearing from you, but know you will be making a BIG difference in your new role. With love and my prayers, Sister Joan Egan
Godspeed with your new work, Betsy! You’re such a treasure!
God Speed and hope you enjoy your new work. I really appreciate your notes thanking for my modest donations. At least you’ll be in the area:
my “bucket List” has a trip to Nome on it.Maybe we’ll meet.
Alex Gonzalez .
Peace. You will be missed! Blessings in your new endeavors. Bill
Doggone, Betsy, you were one of my last living links to KNOM. I started there in 1976, filling in for Poole when he went to volunteer orientation in Portland. For many years I subsequently stopped by on my way to bush villages. Most JVC’s have passed in one way or another. I am still with the diocese– instructor of urban deacon trainees in Fairbanks. I wish you the very, very best and know you will be an asset to whatever you do. God bless, God bless, God bless, Fr. Gerry Ornowski, MIC
I always enjoyed our afternoon banter and our mutual appreciation for whatever came in the mail (there was a special place in my heart for hand-written music requests, not gonna lie). Thanks for all your hard work Mrs. School Board President/guardian angel #2.
~Daynee
P.S. I know you are a busy woman, but please remind the new batch of volunteers to Always Wear Snow Pants.
Thank you all so much for the kind words. It has definitely been a bittersweet transition. The first day at my new job, I went out and bought a radio so I could listen to KNOM at work!
Long may the #cupcake channel reign, in your memory. Thanks for making the office such a bright and cheerful place. You are missed!
[…] board president (and former KNOM data manager) Betsy Brennan will not seek re-election for Seat C on the school board. That leaves the seat up […]