Director and Assistant Director Retire from IEECE

After joining Palm Beach State College in 2005 and serving eight years as the leader of the Institute, Dr. Grace Kolbe bid farewell on July 31 to embark on the next chapter of her life — retirement.

Reflecting on her tenure, Kolbe shared:
“I never expected to be at the Institute for more than a year; but one year moved into the next and the next and the next…Now well over a decade later I find myself just leaving the job I thought I would take for a moment. Yes, the work was challenging and the mission fulfilling; but really it was my staff, my colleagues and my funder that held me here in my seat, and I am grateful to each and every one of them for providing such an awarding experience that has added so much meaning to my life as an educator. Education really does matter, and I look forward to hearing about all the great things to come from the work of our Institute and the support of our partners and the Children’s Services Council.”

Dr. Grace Kolbe

Darcy Russo, who joined Palm Beach State College in 2001 and has served as assistant director of IEECE for eight years, retired in June.

Of her experience, Russo said:
“Combining the expertise of the community’s early childhood professionals and the support of the Children’s Service Council, the county was primed to create a collaborative think tank, and great initiatives were developed to benefit teachers, children and families. This work continues today!

It truly has been an amazing journey, and all who traveled with us became the best they could be and had a direct impact on the quality of education and interactions young children receive each day in Palm Beach County.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with each of you over the years and wish you all peace and happiness.”   

Darcy Russo