Executive Director Allison Kelley Announces Retirement

RWA Executive Director Allison Kelley has officially announced she will retire by the end of 2019, after 25 years at the organization. The Board of Directors has established a search committee for Allison's successor and will keep the membership informed of developments. Please read on for a personal statement from Allison about her time at RWA.

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“I know that all good things must come to an end and I've had an incredible ride. I just want to end it on the right note.” --Alonzo Mourning

As many of you may have heard, I plan to retire by the end of 2019. The decision to retire is all mine, and I targeted 2019 as my last year to work about four years ago. It’s hard to decide when to go when you are in good health and not 100% sure how you will fill your time after you retire, but I know it’s in RWA’s and my best interests to take my leave by planned exit strategy. I definitely want to end on the right note.

This fall will mark my 25th anniversary with RWA. My husband and I will embark on our first trip to Germany and eastern Europe, and we are already getting excited about the trip. After spending so many years balancing personal obligations with two demanding careers, he and I look forward to spending more time focused on family and friends. 

This job has been both wonderful and, at times, almost too difficult.  I can honestly say I have never been bored. I can also honestly say that I have never enjoyed a full week of uninterrupted vacation. The 24/7 demands of the job can be exhausting. My hope is for this to change for my successor.

Early in my career as an association manager, I was introduced to Peter Drucker’s philosophy of servant leadership, and I made it a personal goal to follow its tenets.  I am confident in the knowledge that I have been a good steward of RWA’s reputation and resources, and I hope the members feel the same. I leave behind a staff that is highly capable and a treasury with substantial reserves. RWA is not only viable but one of the most respected writers organizations in the world. RWA will forever be in my thoughts and in my heart. I wish the organization and its members many more years of success. I will sincerely miss working with such intelligent and dedicated individuals. I know many of us will remain friends.