Written by Frank Merrick, Director FIRST Robotics Competition
One of the many things I love about FIRST is its seasonality. There’s something natural and comforting about being able to look at a calendar and have an idea of not just what the weather may be like outside (if you live in a place like New England) but what’s going on in FIRST Robotics Competition. And the rhythm of a period of hard work followed by a time to rest and recover is good for the soul, I think.
Jobs also have their seasons - a time for starting and for ending. I’ve been thinking of this, and how it relates to my work at FIRST, for a long time. In May of 2019, I told Chris Rake (then VP of Programs) and Don Bossi (then President) that my window for retirement was three to five years. Three years from May 2019 is May 2022, and I’ve decided that’s when I’m going to retire.
I love FIRST, the teams, the volunteers, the supporters, the staff, and the folks we have in the field, and always will! There was no specific event that made me pick the earlier time in my window rather than a later time. But the truth is, I’m starting to feel a bit worn out. You all deserve a program director with the energy to keep pushing us forward and my battery is close to the blinking light stage. This is the time for my season as director to come to an end, and that’s OK!
I believe that FIRST Robotics Competition has a bright future and that my departure will not affect that. This will be a disruption, but the kind that can bring incredibly positive things! FIRST will start a search for my replacement a few months or so before I leave.
I have been unbelievably privileged and fortunate to be director of FIRST Robotics Competition. FIRST has brought me my highest of highs and given me true lifelong friends. I will never forget it. Also, I am not going anywhere! I am planning to continue to participate in FIRST, by visiting events and maybe volunteering. As Dean says, “there is no exit strategy in FIRST” and he’s right!
To say that this is saddening is an understatement. For my entire involvement in FIRST (since 2016, which may seem like a short while, is now a paltry 6 years!) Frank has regularly and consistently been someone at HQ who cared, said he cared, and tried to make changes that helped teams. From regular blogs, to questions at events, and generally being responsive when stuff went less than ideally, not once did I ever see or hear of him being less than overwhelmingly empathetic.
He got us more transparency, more communication, and more candor. While we’ve had team advocates before, Frank was always a team advocate in his role. I wish him a happy retirement, hope he stays safe, and hope HQ can find someone to fill his shoes well.
I have a lot of words for this, and I’m not sure really what to say. Frank is gonna be missed deeply, and I hope whoever his successor is FIRST does their due diligence to replace him. Thanks for the years Frank!
Someone out there is about to inherit an incredibly complex, demanding, and unique job at a time in our world and in this organization that is unprecedented and challenging, and they don’t even know it yet. God bless and good luck to that person.
I don’t think it is an understatement to say that most of us here deeply care about FIRST’s organizational future, and have concerns about it with Frank’s retirement (congrats!). We can only hope that the next Frank will be as caring and in tune with the teams and volunteers of FRC as him.
For those who were around to know about the crazy S*** show that Frank inherited he has always been the calm, steady arm that FRC has needed. Frank is much more of a listener and will let those speak their mind as he holds a calm demeanor especially for the many fiery and passionate mentors that have had many choice words when upset about an experience they have had. As others have said, just like finding a replacement for Don (even more so) it’s a very tall order to fill to find the right replacement.
Congrats on the retirement Frank! (We all know you read Chief Delphi). I’ve only ever known the program during your time as director and I will thoroughly miss your leadership!
To say that Frank is the man is a massive understatement. His time as director certainly hasn’t been easy but it surely has made the program better all around. Let’s make this a season to remember. Love you Frank!
I found this nice little blast from the past that I think yall would love.
I appreciate the writing here and the theme about the seasons. Couldn’t agree more, something very poetic about it.
Appreciate all Frank has done. Even when he’s made decisions I didn’t personally dig I always respected him and what he stood for, and knew he didn’t take those big decisions lightly. Great champion for the teams and particularly for the kids. Gonna miss him!
Where I’ve come to expect inaction and chickens— excuses from certain leadership groups in life, I’ve seen actual change and responsiveness from FRC leadership with Frank in charge. I respect the hell out of that.
