Dear Subscribers,
During the past 19 months, so many in our country and around the world have suffered and lost so much due to the pandemic. During this period, I have reflected on several things, including how I want to spend my time going forward. As many of you know, for the past 30 years I have spent my career in public policy in Washington, D.C. It was an honor of a lifetime serving as a presidential appointee at the Department of Energy where we led the administration’s effort to negotiate the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and help ensure its passage in Congress. At Conservation International, where I led the U.S. Government Policy Division, we were able, with the strategic assistance of board members like Harrison Ford, Rob Walton, Wes Bush, and Peter Seligmann, to exponentially increase funding for international conservation by highlighting its direct connection with America’s economic and national security interests. And, for the past eight months, it has been a thrill for me to write Capital Views.
The other day, I came across a video of a speech that Jimmy Valvano, the legendary basketball coach, gave in 1993. In his powerful remarks, he spoke about knowing where you started, knowing where you are, and knowing where you want to be. He also talked about the importance of keeping your dreams alive. The pandemic certainly has highlighted the fragility of life and that there is no time like the present. With all of this in mind, I have decided that the time is right for me to pursue a dream that I have had for nearly 20 years. To pursue, as Valvano said, where you want to be. To allow the time necessary to follow this dream, going forward (at least for now), Capital Views will switch to publishing occasionally.
I greatly appreciate all of you for subscribing to Capital Views and being faithful readers. I hope you will continue to read future publications.
Thank you.
Please stay safe.
Jill