Little Eden CEO to step down
“It is quite an emotional time for me. There is some sadness but I am mainly excited and joyful at the same time.”
After 22 years as CEO of Little Eden Society, Lucy Slaviero (65) has decided that she will retire from the society at the end of August.
The position of CEO will be filled by operations manager Xelda Rohrbeck.
“As CEO the society has been my baby,” said Lucy.
“It is quite an emotional time for me. There is some sadness but I am mainly excited and joyful at the same time,” Lucy said. She has confidence in Xelda’s ability and experience.
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Xelda said she is proud and excited to have been entrusted with the opportunity to take over the reins.
“Lucy has been an inspiration to me over the years and I have learned much from her.”
“When I took over the society from my father, Danny Hyams, he saw that I was young, strong, a visionary and a leader,” said Lucy.
“I see those same characteristics in Xelda.”
Xelda, who has been with the society for the past 10 years, has worked closely with Lucy and has a good understanding of her responsibilities.
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“The society will now be run by a young mind who will bring new ideas,” she said.
“In order for the society to grow I can’t hold onto my position, I have no trepidation.”
Lucy said changes need to be made to ensure that the society is around in 50 years’ time.
She said she has been preparing the staff and herself for some time to ensure a smooth transition.
Lucy who has been a part of Little Eden since she was 14 years old said during her time as CEO she achieved many goals.
Her greatest personal achievement was the development of the Little Eden Society Elvira Rota Village in Bapsfontein.
“We transformed it from a farm to a village community setting .”
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“Residents at the village now have access to having fun outdoors and learning more about nature and the environment. ”
Although Lucy is retiring as CEO she will not leave the society entirely.
She will still play a role in the society as its honorary lifetime president.
Lucy said she will spend her free time with her family and playing a greater role in the life of her soon to be born grandchild.
Lucy thanked the community, her family and God for the support she received over the years.
“Without the support and faith in God, this job would’ve been much harder.”
