A Message About the Future of AOK
Dear AOK Family, Supporters, and Community,
It is with a bittersweet mix of excitement and sadness that I announce my intention to step down as the Executive Director of All Our Kids, Inc., within the next 6-12 months.
In December of 2015, craving a connection with others who understood the journey my family and I were experiencing as foster parents, I started a little Facebook group. Almost ten years later, with the help of so many, we have a thriving and supportive community of Western Massachusetts foster and adoptive families and an organization that brings us together and helps us navigate the ups and downs as a Village should.
The last ten years I have spent creating, growing, and stewarding AOK have been defining and fulfilling, and I will forever appreciate the honor of having been a part of AOK. It has truly been a vision and dream come true, made so particularly by you - the many families and children we’ve embraced and supported along the way, and the people and businesses who have made this work possible.
As AOK has grown, so have my personal and family obligations. It has become increasingly more difficult to devote sufficient time and attention so as to perform well in all these life spheres simultaneously. Stepping away from AOK will give me additional space to care for myself and my family, pursue other interests, and begin a new professional chapter.
I also believe it is healthy and good for organizations to experience mindful changes in leadership, bring in new perspectives and ideas, and remain well-connected to their respective professional landscapes. AOK is in a strong place, with capable staff, a dedicated board, and solid support from our community. AOK’s Board of Directors will be searching for our next ED over the coming months, and I will remain onboard for a time to ensure a smooth transition once that person joins us. I have no doubt that the next Executive Director will be able to take the helm and lead the way to an even brighter future for All Our Kids.
Not only am I excited and optimistic about the future of AOK, but I’m heartened to know that as an adoptive parent in Western MA, my family will always be part of the AOK Family.
Our Board, staff, and I are here to answer any questions you have as we make this transition in leadership, and I thank you in advance for your commitment to our community and your support of our collective efforts.
With admiration and appreciation,
Marianna Litovich
Founder and Executive Director
All Our Kids, Inc.
Dear AOK Community,
Marianna Litovich recently shared with us her decision to step down as Executive Director of All Our Kids (AOK) within the next year. We are filled with deep appreciation, reflecting on her incredible impact, while planning for a smooth transition and a bright future for the organization.
Marianna has dedicated so much of her life and energy to building this community, and we are grateful. Her impact is evident in both big and small ways—from the strength of our programs to the thoughtful ways AOK honors the experiences and commitments of foster families. While we’ll miss her leadership, we are confident this next step is what Marianna needs and deserves.
This moment marks a significant milestone for AOK. As our organization continues to mature and solidify its presence in the lives of foster and adoptive families across Western Massachusetts, we’re excited to begin the search for our next executive director.
The Board of Directors will soon launch this search, and our nine-member board is committed to a thoughtful and extended transition that ensures continuity and positions AOK for long-term success. Our process will center around foster and adoptive families and prioritize strong relationships—with funders, staff, our board, and of course, our families.
In the coming weeks, we’ll share more about opportunities to celebrate and thank Marianna for her extraordinary service, as well as updates on our search process.
Feel free to review the job description.
Thank you for your continued support as our community grows and evolves.
With gratitude,
Kerri Bergendahl
Chair, Board of Directors
Guy O’Donnell
Chair, Transition Committee
Board of Directors,
All Our Kids, Inc.