A Fond Farewell: A Letter From Terrell
After 15 years of dedicated service, HCM’s Managing Partner, Terrell Halaska Dunn, Ends Her Tenure at the End of the Year
A little more than 15 years ago, I set out with a couple of friends to find some kind of work that was meaningful. After serving in the federal government, meaningful was important to me.
What I did not realize was that I was setting off on a journey that would be so much more.
Three of us started HCM Strategists in a spare bedroom in my DC townhouse. It evolved into a consulting firm that has had a profound impact in both the education and health sectors. HCM started as a way to do good work. It became a gathering place for so many amazing and talented people. And in that gathering, my colleagues and I have not only done good work, but we supported an incredible array of partners and clients as they set out to change the world. Collectively, we made a significant impact on education throughout the country.
Now, I find that it is time for my next evolution, and the continued evolution of HCM. As of December 31, I will step away from my role as Managing Partner at HCM. I intend to spend the first few months of 2024 reading and reflecting, and ultimately deciding the best and highest use of my skills, identifying where I can have the most impact. Like many, I am concerned about the direction of our country and the profound challenges our rising generations face. I don’t want to prejudge my next steps but know that opportunities abound. I’ve spent my career to this point focusing on policy as the lever of change. Building and rebuilding communities on a more personal level is another avenue I hope to explore.
My departure comes at a time of strength for the organization. Under the leadership of my partner and friend, Kristin Hultquist, I am confident HCM will continue to evolve and grow as it hones its focus on reimagining our systems of higher learning to be more responsive to students’ needs. In 2024, Cindi Williams and the K-12 team will be spinning out a new organization that will continue to focus on surfacing and solving for the inequities in our public education system. Both organizations will remain committed and connected to the overall mission of HCM.
As I close out the year, I reflect on not only the memories of the time spent with my partners, colleagues and clients as we built this organization from the ground up, but also of the moments that have impacted my life outside of my work. During those 15 years, I married an amazing partner, lost a beloved parent and wonderful father-in-law. I saw friends through illnesses and lost others. I became a Texan (!) and watched the Cubs win the World Series. We all endured a global pandemic. Throughout it all, I learned and I grew as a strategist and a leader.
I remain eternally grateful and especially hopeful when I look at what we have accomplished in 15 years and what these two organizations will continue to bring to improving the quality and equity within our education system. To each of you of whom I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with throughout the years, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your partnership in making HCM Strategists the dynamic and accomplished organization it is today.
In gratitude,
Terrell
