Sue Martin has announced she is retiring from her position as executive director of the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, effective at the end of the year.
Martin, 68, said retirement is something she has considered for the past few years and she now feels that it's the right time. She has served in the position she calls her "dream job" for 11 years and plans to remain in Marshalltown upon her retirement.
"I have a bucket list and some grandchildren I want to spend more time with," Martin said of her reasons for stepping down.
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Martin
Martin has been proud to lead the community efforts of the foundation, with one of note being the $1 million the foundation provided for the new Marshalltown Public Library.
"I'm most proud of identifying projects and programs in the community that could really use our help, and working with community leaders to make a variety of things happen," Martin said.
During her 11 years, the foundation has contributed more than $8 million to organizations, programs and projects in the Marshalltown area, including the Orpheum Theater, Iowa River Hospice Home and the Marshalltown Education Partnership.
Foundation Board President Dennis O'Toole said Martin has provided remarkable leadership through the years and has become a community leader in her own right.
"Sue has been instrumental in the fine tuning and growth of the foundation," O'Toole said.
This past year, Martin has been spearheading the third grade reading initiative along with Arlene McAtee, which looks to improve the reading proficiency of area students.
The effort has led to Marshalltown being selected a finalist for the All-America City Award.
The foundation board will begin a national search for the next executive director with the help of a search firm. The goal for the start date of the new director will be Jan. 1, 2013.