April 17, 2026
Dear Eden Families,
I am writing to follow up on Mike Decker’s announcement that he plans to retire in two years.
While his departure is bittersweet, I want to personally reassure you that our top priorities remain the care and well-being of your loved ones as well as the stability of Eden as an organization.
The Board has adopted a comprehensive multi-year Strategic Plan, and Mike’s presence over the next two years ensures that the key initiatives within that plan are fully realized, especially those centered on enhancing our services and long-term sustainability. This period allows us to complete our current goals while meticulously preparing for the future of Eden.
To lead this transition, I have asked Michelle Watts, Board Member, to chair a Search Committee tasked with finding a leader who shares our values and commitment to Eden’s
mission. Michelle has significant professional experience in executive recruitment, and under her guidance, the committee will conduct a nationwide search to ensure our next CEO is uniquely qualified to provide the high-quality care we all expect of Eden.
We view you as our most important partners in this endeavor. We want to hear your perspectives on the qualities we should look for in our next leader. We’ll share more information about how you can get involved during our Membership Meeting on April 21.
In the meantime, if you have any immediate questions, please feel free to contact me directly at charlettegray@gmail.com.
We are grateful for the trust you place in us every day and look forward to navigating this transition together.
Sincerely,
Charlette Hayes Gray
Chair of the Board
Eden Autism Services