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On a warm east coast day, I walked into a scene that many in the field relish – the sight of 100+ people from at least ten different arts and culture organizations diving into their missions with full enthusiasm and ready – really ready – for what would emerge. This was the backdrop of my first extended visit with Richard Evans. From that moment, I knew that not only would Alaska benefit but so would all of us at Foraker.
Oh gosh, was that so true. Richard made many visits to Alaska – presenting at two Leadership Summits and working very intensely with arts groups from all parts of the state to inspire deep and meaningful civic practice work. He also spent a lot of time with the Foraker team – helping us dig deeper, think differently, and engage in our work in new ways. He introduced us to Jamie Gamble, a recent Leadership Summit presenter, who taught us about the importance of process-based evaluation in the VUCA age. He taught us to embrace the Cynfin framework and the gift of how to navigate complex challenges starting with “small experiments with radical intent.” And, he was our friend.
We are so saddened by Richard’s passing this week. We will miss him in this work and in this life, and we will carry his teaching into every conversation we are honored to have with each of you. Our hearts are with Melissa Dibble, Richard’s wife and partner whom we truly adore, his family, and the EMCArts family. Thank you for sharing Richard with so many – he did so much good in the world.
-Laurie
Photo credit: Dennis McMillian took this photo in Denali National Park on a trip with Melissa and his wife Stephanie. True friends from the moment they met.