A Big Good-bye, a Big Hello | Center For Life Enrichment

Issue: 2021/12 – December | Photograph By: Susan Renfro

Sandy Carlton

It’s often said that an organization is only as strong as its foundation. 

For the Center for Life Enrichment, Sandy Carlton has been that foundation for 30 years. In October, Sandy retired from her position as Executive Director. 

“As someone who loves to learn, CLE has been the perfect fit. Since its inception, the quality of presenters and courses has continued to be top notch,” she said. “The rich array of topics offers something for everyone.  It has been a pleasure working with a very dedicated board of directors over the years. The enthusiasm of the directors and staff, as well as the membership, is contagious and makes me confident that CLE will continue for many years into the future.”

Sandy has been an integral part of CLE since its inception back in 1992. She has watched CLE grow from an organization of 50 members to an organization of 500 plus memberships.  Sandy energetically kept the CLE classes organized and running.  She has earned the respect of all who have had the pleasure of interacting with her over the years. Her encouraging personality, dedication,  and selfless hard work are reflected in the success and growth CLE has experienced under her guidance as Executive Director. 

As the business backbone of the organization, Sandy has served and worked tirelessly with many Presidents and under numerous boards over the years. 

Mark Whitehead presided as President for three years and said, “Sandy Carlton’s retirement marks the completion of a long and successful time as Executive Director of The Center for Life Enrichment. I was fortunate to work with Sandy during my time as a volunteer, Board member, and President. Sandy was with CLE from the beginning and guided all of us. During my tenure when we had a small office and no classroom her knowledge and organizational skill kept 60 classes running smoothly all over Highlands. Sandy is a great friend and will be missed.” 

Former President Ed Mawyer worked closely with Sandy and commented that “CLE would not have succeeded without Sandy and her settling presence. A true joy to know and work with. A friend for life.”  

CLE’s current President Lee Garrett says, “For 30 years Sandy has been the face of CLE to our members and guests.  She has devoted countless hours to make CLE a special place for ‘life enrichment.’ Thanks, Sandy, for a job well done.”

Sandy plans to be involved at a reduced capacity as a consultant for CLE, but is eager to travel, work in her garden, read, and enjoy life with her husband Bob and their two Rottweiler dogs. 

The CLE Board unanimously appointed Fallon Hovis as CLE’s new Executive Director. CLE President Lee Garrett comments, “Fallon brings a broad array of skills to CLE, and she will do an outstanding job in her new position”

  All who have had the pleasure to interact with Sandy over the years from presenters, Board members, and volunteers realize that working with Sandy was truly an exceptional experience!