Legacy Endowment's program officer retires

FALLBROOK – Well known programs officer Jan Pichel is retiring after eight years with Legacy Endowment, The Community Foundation.

Pichel leaves behind kind words for those with whom she worked, "I am grateful for the staff and volunteers of our nonprofit organizations, whose dedication and contributions have made Fallbrook, Bonsall, San Diego North County and beyond a better place to live. Every day, these organizations and people save lives and shape our future. I am equally grateful to our donors for their immense generosity and their faith in Legacy and our grantees."

Reflecting on her time with Legacy, Pichel noted, "...no one could have had a better, more satisfying job. It has been a joy collaborating with the people who represent so many wonderful organizations, my office staff, and the board of directors, past and present. I have witnessed how all of what we do, blended together with the disciplines of long-term investing, makes such a tremendous difference for so many."

Jean Larsen, executive director of the foundation, announced Pichel's retirement decision to the Board of Directors after the 2021 year-end, noting, "... it is with a gracious heart that we announce the retirement of our programs officer, Jan Pichel, who has steadfastly embodied our mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter. Her passion for all things Legacy-related has created an environment of growth, especially during the past two years when we responded to new challenges around COVID and activating our Community Fund to provide emergency grants. Jan's management of Legacy's grant and scholarship processes has consistently moved us forward with positive changes. It is a bittersweet moment as we are incredibly happy for her, but also know we will truly miss her."

Board members, nonprofit representatives, and colleagues at the foundation all express praise for Pichel for her long-time commitment and contributions to the organization. Current board chair, Rachel Mason, summed up her thoughts about Pichel most perfectly, "Jan is a one-of-a-kind individual with a heart as big as her laughter, a deep passion to constantly pursue improvement and change, who always selflessly worked for the cause, not for the applause."

As for future plans, Pichel plans to spend her retirement traveling with her husband, Wayne, as well as her family, and developing her latest acquisition, a Peruvian Paso horse, who is in training to show. She plans to stay engaged with Legacy and her other charitable interests. No one who knows Pichel and her "service to others" heart would expect anything else.

For more information about Legacy Endowment Community Foundation, call 760-941-8646 or visit Legacyendowment.org.

Submitted by Legacy Endowment Community Foundation.