Summer Search: Celebrating Kevin Gay by Lorelei

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 04:48:52 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 04:49:23 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 04:50:03 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 04:51:59 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 05:04:33 UTC

An honor

2016-02-05 17:15:41 UTC

Kevin, I've been so fortunate to have learned from you over the past two years. Thanks for being patient, trusting, and wise. I'm better because of you.
- Will

2016-02-05 17:39:01 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 17:41:51 UTC

Kevin, you will be dearly missed!

2016-02-05 19:20:38 UTC

Dear Kevin, How to thank you enough for your seven years of selfless service to Summer Search? I will not attempt to do it justice but let me highlight a few of my favorite things about you: 1) You're always committed to the mission. Your question is always about how do we do better by more kids. 2) You dedicate yourself fully - I know well how many long nights and weekends you've worked to ensure our finance team provides excellent support to the entire organization. Remember the night we were in the office past midnight with no dinner? How could we forget! 3) You show up. Running marathons for kids, opening your home for Summer Search staff, always keeping your hometown Philly close to your heart. 4) You and Mona babysat Olive!! Truly above and beyond. 5) You keep us all well fed on Kind bars. :) 6) Kevin, you bring subtle humor and graciousness to every interaction. Remember your hilarious tagteams with Brad at the annual meeting? Who knew financial presentations could be so funny. I will not forget. Thank you x7 and more for ALL you give to Summer Search, our team, and our young people. Your eternal friend and fan, Amy

Everyone loves you.

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 20:30:45 UTC

Kevin, you're most easy going, humble, hard working, gracious, and gallant CFO I've ever met. I guess that's what it took to be among your headstrong and fearless female SMT counterparts. =) It will be no easy feat to find someone who will fits quite as well. You will be dearly missed - so don't go far! Always, Lorelei

Our 'nice' quotient is going waaaay down.

2016-02-05 21:11:58 UTC

Kevin,
You are one of the most generous and gracious people I have known. I'm going to miss you and your good humor which we've come to count on -- especially in SMT meetings! Thank you (and Mona) for your support -- you are a class act. Be well and stay close!

-- Liz Hurst.

Goodness personified

lgibson8 — 2016-02-05 22:54:37 UTC

Look at your smile….Kevin, you are goodness personified!! Thank you for being a steward, leader, cheerleader and donor to Summer Search. You transformed how we did business. And you loved Summer Search and the mission and our students. Love to you Kevin — I will forever be grateful to you for our shared values!!!!! Katherine

Thank-you Kevin!

2016-02-05 23:04:18 UTC

I have enjoyed working with you, and also seeing you and Mona up in Healdsburg, where Dinna and I hope to continue to see you. Good luck in your future endeavors!
Fred Eisenhart

Kevin,

2016-02-05 23:47:12 UTC

Thanks for all of you hard work and dedication to Summer Search and our students. I've always appreciate your kindness and warmth and you will definitely be missed! -Moneek

We'll miss you, Kevin!

2016-02-06 01:21:51 UTC

Wish you could stick around for a little while longer, but life has set some other amazing plans for you. Wish you heartfelt good luck for your future.
Carmen R.

2016-02-06 20:42:13 UTC

Kevin-
Thank you for your years of service and many contributions to summer serach and its culture. I have enjoyed working with and getting to know you. Best of luck.
Jon Pruzan

Thank you!

2016-02-08 15:04:27 UTC

Kevin, you have been such a delight to work with! You have truly broken the CFO mold as perhaps the most thoughtful, good-natured, and caring CFO that the world has ever known. SS was blessed to have you for so long! Thank you for teaching me the world of SS finance as I became Finance Chair, and for being such a joy to partner with over the years. I sincerely appreciate your effort, and will miss collaborating with you in the future. You leave very large, very warm, and very funny shoes....we'll be lucky if we can come close to filling them! All best, Brad

K 2.0 - always awesome, always inspiring...

2016-02-08 15:20:36 UTC

Dearest Kevin,
From the moment I interviewed with you for my new role at Summer Search, I knew you had it going on! I am so grateful for the time we shared together - your leadership, committment, and TRUE passion for our students has always inspired and energized me. We are indebted for your gift of time and talent here, and I hope that we will not be strangers in this next chapter. Promise me you'll always call if in my neck of the woods again - and I'll promise you to always have a good Cuban restaurant for us to enjoy together! I'm going to count on it!
Your fan always,
Sandra

Superman of Finance!

2016-02-08 18:09:44 UTC

Dear Kevin:
Oh, no! That's what I said to myself when I heard you were leaving Summer Search. You are one of the kindest people I have ever met and smartest! Summer Search is in such a good place because of your guidance. I will miss your thoughtful nature and good humor. I hope we run into each other in Healdsburg. I don't want to lose touch with you. Thank you x 7 for everything you have done for SS and me!
Love,
Melanie

Kevin,

2016-02-08 19:00:10 UTC

There are so many reasons I wll never forget our last National Staff retreat, but our short interaction is one of my fondest memores. I had just started at Summer Search that June and was nervous as a new Mentor. On the first morning, I walked into a room full of unfamiliar and seemingly seasoned Summer Search Staff. I felt increasingly more nervous and overwhelmed as I took each step into that room. It didnt help that I was one of the few black males in the room. You broke my hesitant steps when you came up to me, said hello, and introduced yourself. For me this moment meant so much as a lot of internal tension broke as we chatted for those few moments. It was and always is great to see great people in leadership, especially males of color in a field that is lacking and in need of more. Thank you for being you and thank you for that moment and thank you for your many years of work here at Summer Search.
Best of luck,
Curtis Yancy

lgibson8 — 2016-02-08 19:00:44 UTC

I Never Taught You How to Tweet!

2016-02-09 00:41:49 UTC

Seriously though Kevin, thank you for all you have done for Summer Search. Good luck in your next adventure!!

Brendan

lgibson8 — 2016-02-09 01:00:56 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-09 01:01:51 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-09 01:03:17 UTC

lgibson8 — 2016-02-09 01:05:44 UTC

Fun Facts about Kevin Gay

lgibson8 — 2016-02-09 01:09:34 UTC

He’s from: Philly.

Odd talent: He DJ'ed at college parties way back when.

On any given day off he would prefer to: Go for a bike ride.

He loves: the impact Summer Search has on kids futures.

3 Things most people don’t know about Kevin: 1) He collects contemporary art prints and drawings. 2) He’s the first in his family to attend college. 3) His favorite musician is Bruce Springsteen.
One thing about his job he would like everyone to understand: The financial planning process can be creative and help us serve more students.

He is proud of: Our ability to serve more students and improve how we deliver those services despite the financial downturn.

The best thing about his job at SS: Working with smart, dedicated amazing people who are changing lives.

One word to describe Kevin: Happy.

DJ K2 in the house!

2016-02-09 02:38:08 UTC

Summer Search is going to be a whole lot less dapper without you around, DJ Kool Kev! I've always admired your grace under pressure and you've inspired so many of us with your humble leadership, sense of humor and unwavering commitment to justice and doing right by our students. (It's the Libra in you!) Please keep in touch and know what an extraordinary impact you've made on this very special organization. Your friend and admirer, Guadalupe

Nice fez!

2016-02-09 02:52:07 UTC

The Men of Summer Search perform K-Ci & JoJo's "All My Life" at the 2014 Staff Retreat

"All My Life... I've prayed for someone like you..."

lgibson8 — 2016-02-09 08:21:02 UTC

Karaoke performance at the Summer Search 2014 Staff Retreat = A Must Watch.

You will always be an important member of the Summer Search family!

2016-02-09 16:52:51 UTC

Kevin, you and Mona have been extraordinary leaders of and champions of our mission. You have led in a way that always puts our students, alumni and values first, and have inspired me and so many others along the way. Pictured below you see one of the many alumni whose lives Summer Search has impacted, Gabby, as a direct result of your profound commitment to our organization. The first in her family to graduate high school and college, Gabby is now serving families in need through her professional work at non-profit organizations and is growing her own thriving family at home. Tom and I are also so grateful for the friendship we've built with you and Mona and for your kind support for our family. Thank you x 7 from our families to yours Kevin and already looking forward to our next dinner! With gratitude, admiration and love, Emily

Be More Like Kevin!

2016-02-09 20:10:37 UTC

I vividly remember that Erin Lasky used to say “we should all be more like Kevin.” How true!!! Kevin, you have been a leader not just of our Finance Team but of our Summer Search staff and Board teams overall. You are a model of our SS values and, whether leading us through another flawless audit, running alongside students (and working hard not to show them up with your speed :)) and running the Boston Marathon in support of students, or being an ambassador (and generous donor!) at events, you embody what it means to truly believe and invest in our mission. Your excellence, kindness, humor, curiosity, generosity, humbleness, dedication and incredibly hard work have made Summer Search better and have inspired all of us around you to be better. Although it’s very hard to imagine the SS staff without you, you will always be part of the SS Family and I hope you know that you’re leaving a big and lasting legacy. I know that I for one will do my best to continually “be more like Kevin!”

With gratitude, respect and love,

Kait

Glory Days!

2016-02-09 20:36:32 UTC

Kevin, you have given so much heart and soul to Summer Search in your tenure here. You have led with a generous spirit, kind and connecting eyes, and an openness to learning and improving our organization. And you changed us - your impact on Summer Search is deep and long term. The seven years you have dedicated to Summer Search have certainly been Glory Days! So, in homage to you, and your love for The Boss, I will leave this here for you to enjoy. With gratitude and love, Mia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQpW9XRiyM

Seattle's Favorite Luncheon Guest!

2016-02-09 20:58:13 UTC

Kevin, for 7 years, without fail, you attended our annual luncheon and were one of our biggest cheerleaders. I will miss your warm smile, your laugh and your ongoing support of all things financial in Seattle. I will never forget the Annual Meeting in 2011 in NYC when you responded to a question about the finance department with "Four Perfect audits People! What more do you want from me??". :) Thank you for your heart, your commitment and your many years given to Summer Search. Don't think you can slip away or anything! Once a Summer Searcher, always a Summer Searcher. xo Deidre
(Here you are at the 2010 Seattle Luncheon with Nigel and Angel

Dear Mr. Impact

2016-02-09 21:00:08 UTC

Kevin, Thank you for the ENORMOUS impact you have had on Summer Search, it's students, staff, supporters and me personally (!). I have watched you lead Summer Search's efforts in Finance, Audit, and Investment from the Stone Age to the 21st century. You have made a big difference for Summer Search. I am grateful! Good luck in your future endeavors. I look forward to staying in touch and seeing you at future Summer Search events!
Jim Milligan

Commitment & heart

2016-02-10 02:18:24 UTC

I am immensely grateful for all you have done and continue to do for Summer Search. You have been a leader by stewarding our team and board (and auditors!) through so much growth and change - including our growing students numbers, team (and budget!).

Your commitment to our values and students - especially in Philly - and willingness to dig in to help has made a mark on me – thank you times seven and please stay in touch!

With much gratitude, Amanda Sayre

Summer Search to the Core

2016-02-10 21:39:39 UTC

Kevin - when I think of Summer Search, I think of you. You've been a rock at the organization through so much change and growth. I've always admired the genuine warmth, care and intention you've brought to every interaction I've witnessed. You'll be missed! Love, Eliza

Philly's Favorite Guy

2016-02-11 14:08:25 UTC

Kevin, For so many years you have fought so hard, alongside me and the Philly team, for the young people of your hometown of Philadelphia, because you know how much these students and this town need a transformative program like Summer Search. You are a mentor and an inspiration to us all, and I look to you as a beautiful example of what can happen when one learns to effortless balance career, family and philanthropy. This is not goodbye. You know we're not going to let our favorite Philly guy go that easily. Because you have given our students wings. Love, Amanda Jefferson

I <3 Kevin and a "Box of Rocks"

2016-02-11 15:54:23 UTC

Kevin --
In NYC, our team always talked about making t-shirts that read "I <3 Kevin". After countless early morning and late night requests for proposal budget help, finance committee edits, or a random donor request, you ALWAYS made time time to help us be successful. One of my favorite moments with you Kevin was in the post-event chaos when (as always) you were helping us to clean up and pitching in to make sure everything went smoothly. You went to pick up a box and the direct quote was, "Man, this is heavy!! What is this -- a box of rocks?" Yes. Yes it was. Hilarious. Still one of the most quoted moments in SS NYC history.
You'll be missed so much but I hope you know how big of an impact that you've had on the organization. You've also had a huge impact on me personally - both with your kindness and your willingness to teach, mentor and your consistently supportive and collaborative way of operating. Thank you Kevin and good luck!
With love and respect,
Megan

Fun times at the 2014 Staff Retreat!

2016-02-11 21:33:06 UTC

Summer Search 20th Anniversary

2016-02-11 21:46:01 UTC

It has been a privilege

2016-02-12 01:12:10 UTC

Dear Kevin,

It has been an honor and a privilege to work with you these past seven years. You have been a shining exemplar of smart, compassionate, and thoughtful leadership, and you have been an important role model for us all. The accomplishments and legacy that you leave behind are tremendous -- such as quickly professionalizing our financial operations, overseeing clean audits with no management letters, and providing impeccable support to staff across the network -- to name just a few. Throughout it all, you have always kept our students and our mission front and center.

I have appreciated your sense of humor, your kindness, your wisdom, your generosity of spirit, and the way in which you embody our values at every turn. We are all better as individuals, as a team, and as an organization because of you. Summer Search will not be the same without you, and you leave behind some very big shoes to fill.

With great admiration always,

Janice

Always at the ready....

2016-02-12 03:28:34 UTC

Kevin -
I have so appreciated the chance to partner with these last several years! Your willingness to respond to any request - no matter how big or small (or early on PST!) - made all of our work easier. I'll also never forget your finance update with Brad S. at your first annual meeting when you said you had a secret plan to steal our highly talented staff and put us to work at a for-profit because of all the money we could make!!! That was when I learned you are as funny as you are smart and kind. :) :) :)

I hope you leave Summer Search carrying with you the thousands of lives you have touched - staff, board members, student and alumni - and feeling incredibly proud.

With gratitude and love,
Liz M

Cycling new roads in the future!

2016-02-16 05:01:21 UTC

Kevin,
I cannot thank you enough for your endless kindness, support, partnership and triage across all aspects of the budgeting and financial management of the San Francisco site and, more recently, our Bay Area site. You have been so generous with your time, patience, involvement with our regional Board members, and training of our staff. Whether attending every regional Board meeting during my tenure, or attending staff meetings to help us develop our collective financial management muscle, you have ALWAYS shown up for me and our team. Thank you, thank you.

Among the many memories I have of our work together, I will always be impressed by the swift activation you led us through during our program integration in the Bay Area last fall. You and Will were "ground zero" during a pivotal and important moment for our Bay Area program and entire organization. I could not have asked for more kind and supportive teammates than in you two. Again, thank you.

I look forward to a new chapter of friendship, one that hopefully includes cycling in wine country (!). Sending my very best wishes, love and cheers to you, Kevin.

All my best always,
Lindsay Hower

#HighFive

2016-02-18 01:02:56 UTC

Dear Kevin,

I will miss your team spirit so much. Whether it was dropping by my desk to give a high five or sending a quick email, you were ALWAYS quick to offer support and a kind word (with a big smile!) about the work that marketing was doing. It’s the small gestures that meant the most. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and encouragement. I wish you nothing but the best! And remember: once a Summer Searcher, always a Summer Searcher….so this is so long, but not goodbye!

All the best,

Sonia

A Philly Thank You!

2016-02-19 23:03:04 UTC

Dear Kevin,

As you know, in Philly, we tend to say thank you with food: cheesesteaks, cannolis, soft pretzels, but I thought that I would try to express my gratitude in words. Thank you for being such a tremendous part of Summer Search's leadership and helping us to soar to amazing new heights organizationally. During this, my first year at Summer Search, I have appreciated your advice and support in all matters financial. Also a special thank you for your and Mona's continual commitment to our Philly Summer Searchers who, as you know, face unique challenges in our gritty city! Looking forward to sending you a photo of our next Summer Searcher who is also a Villanovan, too! Thank you!!

All my best (and Go 'Nova!),
Michelle