CEO Update: Preparing for the Next Evolution
Dear friends of EXP,
I write to you today to make you aware of a change forthcoming at EXP. After 16 years of growing this organization, first as a member of the Board of Directors and now 13 years as chief executive, I have made the decision to depart from my role as CEO. I have loved this job and take great pride in all we have accomplished together.
I will continue in my position until a new CEO comes on board, and I am 100% committed to ensuring a smooth executive transition and successful onboarding. The Board of Directors has formed a search committee and our Chair Telebah Woods will share details on their progress shortly.
It has been thrilling to work with all of you to evolve this organization from a small staff of five serving four schools to a winning team of 21 supporting 8,200 students across 13 schools in five districts throughout greater Southern California.
In 2010, I took on responsibility for building on a decade of dedication that our Founder Carol Rowen, former Port of Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner, had poured into EXP, then known as International Trade Education Programs, Inc. (ITEP). I did so with unbounded enthusiasm and a bit of trepidation, not having come from the maritime industry. Today, I am truly proud that we have been able to preserve Carol’s original vision of introducing harbor area high school students to career opportunities in international trade, transportation, and logistics, while also broadening our mission and programs to prepare more students and young adults for success in school, career and life as EXP – the opportunity engine®.
Guided by an outstanding board and led by a strong team of dedicated professionals, EXP has flourished to become a well-established and respected partner in career education and workforce development and is well-positioned for its next evolution as an organization.
Thank you for your support of EXP and for trusting me to steer our opportunity engine to its current pole position in the race. EXP is in good hands, and I am looking forward to exploring new challenges for myself that will enable me to continue to create positive impact in the communities I care deeply for.
You can count on me to continue cheering alongside you all as the team drives on to new and greater victories.
Amy Grat
P.S. ITEP/EXP alums, know that wherever I am, you can always call upon me for support as a proud member of your network...your net worth!