Paul Shay Resigining as Executive Director of FIRST

[Ricky Q.]

Posted on www.usfirst.org today

http://www.usfirst.org/about/news/ANN050503.htm


TO: The FIRST Community,
FROM: John Abele, FIRST Chairman of the Board


I would, first, like to offer my genuine thanks for another successful FIRST season. The recent FIRST Championship in Atlanta was our largest ever, and a direct result of your commitment. Our volunteers, teams, mentors, sponsors, and staff have helped FIRST continue to grow and develop.

For any rapidly growing organization, change is essential and inevitable. FIRST is no exception. With that in mind, I am writing to tell you about an important organizational change. Paul Shay, FIRST Executive Director has tendered his resignation, effective June 1, 2005. Given, the outlook for the organization’s future, Paul has decided FIRST would be better served by a new Executive Director.

In the interim, until a new Executive Director is named, Bob Tuttle, a member of the FIRST National Board of Directors and its current Treasurer, will serve as the Interim Executive Director of FIRST. Steve Chism, FIRST's Senior Director of Programs, will be responsible for day-to-day coordination of FIRST's activities on a full-time basis, reporting to Bob. Although Bob's involvement will be part-time, he will be readily accessible to Steve and other FIRST staff.

Paul’s tireless efforts and commitment to the goals of FIRST have led to the continued growth of The FIRST Robotics Competition, and FIRST LEGO League. Under his initiative, an inaugural FIRST Vex Challenge demonstration tournament and a pilot Junior FIRST LEGO League were just successfully completed. The Board of Directors and all FIRST supporters thank Paul for his significant contribution.

[Conor Ryan]

didn't see this coming. I'd like to Thank Paul for everything that he has done for me and the entire FIRST community, It wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for people like him. Also good luck to Bob Tuttle, being the head of FIRST is a big task and it can be tough, so Thanks also to all the volunteers and alike we all apreciate it.

[sanddrag]

I wonder what happened to make him think he is not the best person for the job. And what is the "outlook for the future"?

EDIT: And by no means do I imply that we should speculate the answers to these questions.

I'm not too familiar with Paul Shay or any of the higherups for that matter but this program continues to grow and continues to be more successful so I would have to infer that they all are definitely doing a great job.

[Julia Magoolia]

I actually had the chance to speak with Paul Shay a few times... It's amazing how much he's done for the FIRST community!
I really didn't expect him to resign... I hope that he stays involved in FIRST as best he can, and that he is successful in all future projects!

[IMDWalrus]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

I wonder what happened to make him think he is not the best person for the job. And what is the "outlook for the future"?

It could just be how FIRST is still growing, adding more teams and the Vex program to an already huge list of LEGO League and FRC teams and competitions. Maybe it's the fact that FIRST is moving into other areas, such as retail (selling the Vex kits through Radio Shack). It could also be something we don't know about, something that might not come out for months or years if it ever does.

But those are just ideas, and I know I can't be the only one who's had those thoughts.

Here's hoping that whoever replaces Paul can do as much for FIRST as Mr. Shay has...

Originally Posted by IMDWalrus

It could also be something we don't know about, something that might not come out for months or years if it ever does.

But those are just ideas, and I know I can't be the only one who's had those thoughts.

Another case of how it might be helpful if FIRST actually told us more. I mean, we are finally their customers (yeah, I know there have been arguments about this before). Maybe if FIRST was publicly traded on the stock market

But regardless, I have met Mr. Shay, and I want to thank him for running FIRST well, and hope his successor takes FIRST to even greater heights.

[Rich Kressly]

I too will miss Paul Shay. I believe he was a great leader for FIRST. However, out of respect for the situation, speculating on why he chose to move on in a public forum may not be the best idea, especially when we don't have all of or even accurate information. In this case FIRST "owes" us no more information. As a matter of fact, their quick response in finding an interim replacement, and desire to inform all of us so quickly is to be commended.

If you'd like to wish Mr. Shay good luck or thank him for his time here, that would be fantastic, but let's not turn this into a public discussion about his decision and motives because that amounts to trying to throw darts blindfolded. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Shay, you'd know the profound respect he holds (and will continue to hold) for all FIRST participants and staff. Let's demonstrate the same in return.

[Jverdon]

Thank you for all the hard work, time, and effert you have put into FIRST. We the students greatly apreciat what you have done through the FIRST community and wish you the best of luck with what ever your plans are for the future. From Team Fusion 364 Thank you for everything.

[tiffany34990]

I hope he has fun wherever he may be going!! FIRST shall miss Mr. Shay for sure being such a great role model. I'm sure whom is filling in his place is just as great of course. Everyone in FIRST continue to amaze me. Sooooo many great people to meet and greet!

[DCA Fan]

This comes as a shock to me, but I wish Paul the best wherever he ends up. Hopefully we can still see him at competitions, he certainly has done a lot for FIRST.

[ahecht]

Originally Posted by IMDWalrus

Maybe it's the fact that FIRST is moving into other areas, such as retail (selling the Vex kits through Radio Shack).

That was more IFI (or IOI) than FIRST. FIRST is not moving into retail.

[Stephen Kowski]

Originally Posted by IMDWalrus

It could also be something we don't know about, something that might not come out for months or years if it ever does.

Something we would be better off not speculating or guessing about....

[wheeler]

Mr. Shay on behalf of Team #1002 and Atlanta I would like to thank you for all that you have done for FIRST. As an organization FIRST has moved into the mainstream and for that we are ever grateful. We wish you the best of luck as you embark on the next life journey and as you know once a FIRSTer always a FIRSTer, so we hope to see you at future events.
Thank you again.

[shyra1353]

Wow .. did not see this coming. I never met Mr. Shay, but I thank him for all the hard work he has put in to FIRST and wish him all the best in the future.

[Erin Rapacki]

I have had the opportunity to talk to Paul Shay on numerous occasions and I respect and admire all that he has done for FIRST in the past two years. I understand his motive to move on, and I thank him for his hard work and dedication during this transitional period. I believe that whoever takes his place will have similar skills, abilites, and ambition to carry FIRST another step into the future.