Where Does the Time Go?

by Susan Hines, LEED Green Assoc., Director, Stewardship and External Affairs 

A few days ago, GA Executive Director Steve Meima acknowledged my January 2014 hire date in a staff email. “Where does the time go?” he asked. I replied that I didn’t know where it went but it took my dark brown hair with it.

You know what? I don’t mind a bit. My silver hair compliments my new title: Grandma Hines. My grays also color coordinate with a career change. On April 1, 2025 I will officially become A Retired Person.

I look back at my years at the GA with satisfaction. I’ve worked with good people both on staff and in the gypsum industry. I’ve learned so much about manufacturing, recycling, green building, and codes and standards to name just areas of expanded knowledge. I’ve produced more than 20 issues of this newsletter, contributed many articles to industry magazines, and fought the good fight to ensure that the fire resistance gypsum panels contribute to the built environment is understood and acknowledged.

But despite an enjoyable tenure here at the GA, I’m ready for a change. Time is precious because it is so fleeting and uncertain. I want to use my time differently—not at my desk, but in the garden and down in my basement “sewing dungeon.”  Of course, I want to spend as much time as possible with family members, old and new.

Leaving is easier because this newsletter and my other responsibilities will be in excellent hands. Brooke Fishel, the GA’s new director of stewardship and external affairs, has significant experience in residential and commercial construction.  She worked in public relations and industry communications for the National Association of Home Builders and comes to the GA from the Northern California Allied Trades, where she spent nearly ten years as Director of Labor Relations and Communications. She joined us in early December and works well with our small team. Please join me in welcoming Brooke who can be reached at bfishel@gypsum.org or by calling 301-277-8746.