BY DONNA HAYNES
LARSO Member

https://ladailypost.com/life-after-50-crisis-of-leadership/

Thank you for your thoughtful and candid reflections on leadership, and for raising important concerns about how organizations in our community can thrive—or, at times, struggle. While I fully agree that good leadership should be grounded in humility, empathy, and a willingness to do the work alongside others, I must address something that is troubling in your message. Specifically, I feel that your comments, though well-intentioned, have inadvertently insulted the many dedicated business owners and nonprofit leaders in Los Alamos, including our own.

Jacci Gruninger, the current LARSO Executive Director, as you may know, has been a transformative leader for this organization and for the broader community. From the moment she stepped into her role as Executive Director, she demonstrated exactly the kind of leadership you describe—leading by example, with heart and a clear vision for the future. She didn’t just sit at the top of the ladder; she rolled up her sleeves, built relationships with our community, and made sure that everyone—from staff to members—felt valued and heard. She has proven time and again that a good leader doesn’t shy away from the hard work; they dive in and do what needs to be done, even when it’s not glamorous.

Under Jacci’s leadership, this organization has grown and flourished in ways that were previously unimaginable. From increasing participation in our programs to securing substantial funding for infrastructure improvements, her hands-on leadership has strengthened both the organization and the community it serves. Her tireless commitment to ensuring that our centers are welcoming, safe, and modern spaces for everyone is a testament to her dedication. Not once has she failed to meet a deadline or neglected her responsibilities—traits that set her apart as a true professional in her field.

In your message, you rightly call for kindness and fairness in leadership. But in pointing out the flaws in some organizational leadership, your words seem to undermine the efforts of those working diligently to build our community, including Jacci. I’ve seen firsthand how Jacci, and many other local leaders, have led with kindness, vision, and perseverance—often going above and beyond what’s required. To imply that a leader who might not meet an impossible or misjudged standard is somehow failing to serve the community doesn’t do justice to the hard work and dedication that so many business owners and nonprofit leaders, like Jacci, put in every day.

I understand your desire to address the crises in leadership you’ve witnessed in some places, but I would encourage a more balanced view—one that acknowledges the incredible contributions of leaders like Jacci, who has been a beacon of inspiration for this organization and this community. The issue of leadership is complex, and while challenges do exist, let’s not lose sight of the positive impact that strong leaders like Jacci have had, and continue to have, in making Los Alamos a better place for all of us.

Jacci’s leadership has not only raised the bar for this organization but has set a powerful example of what true leadership can look like in our community. The values you advocate for—humility, dedication, kindness—are ones that Jacci exemplifies every day. And for that, we owe her our gratitude and respect.

So, while I appreciate the dialogue you’ve started, I would ask that we also take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the good work happening in our community, particularly by those leaders who have made a lasting, positive impact. Jacci has certainly done that, and her contributions will continue to be felt long after her tenure here. Let’s honor that leadership, as it truly deserves.

Please join me in recognizing Jacci Gruninger, our incredible Executive Director, and the many other leaders in our community who work tirelessly to make Los Alamos thrive.