Passing the Torch: Join Brian & Amy for a Special Conversation

A personal note from GRQC leadership: Since GRQC and PEN started collaborating in July, 2024, we've been able to bring GRQC members and friends 41 PEN webinars - in addition to the monthly GRQC Performance Excellence Forums. During this time, it has been our great pleasure and privilege to work with PEN President Brian Lassiter. Brian is leaving PEN to become the President of the National Alliance of Baldrige Organizations, and PEN has identified Amy Czechowicz as his successor. On behalf of GRQC's members and friends, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to Brian for his leadership and his enthusiastic collaboration with GRQC, and we invite you to join Brian and Amy for a very special webinar marking this transition.

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Change moments matter — for people, for organizations, and for communities of learning and practice. On April 9, you’re invited to join a special digital session as the Performance Excellence Network marks an important milestone: the leadership handoff from long‑time CEO Brian Lassiter to incoming CEO Amy Czechowicz.

Anchored in the theme “Passing the Torch: Leadership, Legacy & the Future of PEN,” this session blends learning, storytelling, humor, neuroscience, and genuine connection. Together, Brian and Amy will explore the insights and experiences that have shaped PEN’s past — and its future.

This session also builds on the succession planning conversations Brian has led over the past year, bringing those Baldrige‑aligned principles to life through this real-time leadership transition.

You’ll hear about:

• Brian’s reflections on two decades of advancing excellence across MN, ND, and SD

• Amy’s early perspectives and her vision for supporting members in 2026 and beyond

• What leadership transitions teach us about culture, continuity, and resilience

• The importance of rituals, belonging, and shared purpose (yes — there will be a little brain science!)

• What remains steadfast in PEN’s mission — and what opportunities lie ahead

And because this is a PEN session, you can expect high engagement: live chat prompts, moments of reflection, and opportunities to add your voice as we co‑create PEN’s next chapter.

Help us celebrate Brian!

Whether you can attend or not, take 10 seconds to add a word or phrase to our pre‑event Mentimeter word cloud honoring Brian’s impact.

We’ll reveal the results live during the session.

Share your word here.

JOIN US FOR THIS VERY SPECIAL PERFORMANCE EXCELLENCE NETWORK (PEN) WEBINAR

Date: Thursday, April 9

Time:  9:00 - 10:00 am (ET)

Location:  On-line, via Zoom

Cost:  Free to GRQC members and non-members

Registration:  Click below to register.  Note:  Registration may not work with Internet Explorer; please use a currently supported browser.

Can’t make it live but interested in the content?  Register anyway: all registered attendees get a link to the recording after the session!

Please direct any questions to events@grqc.org.