Paul Shay Resigining as Executive Director of FIRST

[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.