Dear Members of the IONS Community,

Thirty-five years have passed since I founded the Institute of Noetic Sciences—and a remarkable period it has been. Throughout that time, we have been blessed with dedicated staff and visionary leadership while the mission and organization of IONS continued to evolve. During the life of the Institute there have been only five presidents; each leadership team perfectly suited the era in which it served.

And so it is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of President James O'Dea, who will be leaving us to pursue his core passions in other international arenas. IONS accomplished many milestones during his tenure. We now own our 200-acre campus outright; our publications and research are more respected and have greater societal impact than ever; and our Shift in Action website is a leader in its field. I could go on and on. We will miss James's leadership, fierce passion, and heart-warming personal presence, and we wish him every success in his future work in the world.

As IONS moves forward into a new phase of its evolution, I am filled with eagerness, curiosity, and positive anticipation for what our future holds. As we have done in the past, I am confident that the Institute will attract the leadership appropriate to the challenges and opportunities that lay before us.

I'd like to close by quoting from James's resignation announcement, which I feel speaks for us all:

"It has been my privilege to serve you . . . we will remain closely connected in the great work that we share in common, which is nothing less than the transformation of limited and divisive consciousness, and a shift to what sages have referred to as the emergence of the new humanity. The hallmark of the new humanity will be its capacity to heal, to forgive, and to deepen the bonds of friendship and love. I offer a deep blessing that IONS flourish as a place where love prevails."

May it come to pass.

Blessings,
Edgar Mitchell