The appointment of a new five-person board marks a significant step in the evolution of the Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition, which began in the homes of Helen and David more than 40 years ago. Unfolding the infrastructure for bringing the Narrative Tradition to the world has been a very gradual process, from the earliest panels, through the establishment of a teacher certification program (EPTP), to the ad hoc hiring of support staff, addition of more Core Faculty, development of a website (now in its third generation), and experimentation with various organizational formats.

In 2009, Terry Saracino took over the existing legal partnership with the intention of converting it to a nonprofit organization, and in 2011 that was accomplished. For the next four years, Terry (whose real passion is teaching the Enneagram, not management) and ESNT Executive Director Mary Jo Ruccio worked hard to create a well-functioning organizational structure. They were cheered on by ESNT’s other board member (me). In 2014, with a revised curriculum, an updated website and an initial fundraising program in place, the time arrived to put this work more fully into the hands of the larger Enneagram Narrative community. A new Board of Directors was created, Terry stepped down from her role as President, and I agreed to take her place this year while the new members get acquainted with the tasks at hand.

The new board members – Donna Chase, Sheryl Cohen, Christopher Copeland and Gerry Fathauer – truly do represent this extraordinary Enneagram Narrative community. Read their bios on the ESNT website, and you’ll see what I mean. Each has been engaged with the Enneagram for many years; all have experience in the development and management of organizations; and most importantly, all have a deep commitment to bringing the wisdom of the Enneagram in the Narrative Tradition into their personal lives and out to the largest community possible. 

It is my great pleasure to be working with them to serve the Enneagram Narrative community during 2015.

Paul Strasburg, ESNT President