Attempting to orchestrate a proper sendoff to someone who has had such an impact on so many lives, an industry, and the OWA organization in particular, was truly challenging. Flowers, parties, balloons, those are all very typical ways to celebrate someone's retirement. However, if there is anything that Christie Walker is not, it's a cliché. So in an effort to wish her the very best in retirement and to thank her for her many years of service, there is only one proper thing to say:
"Christie, take a hike!"
Being a nature lover at heart and a true adventurer, we hope you have many journeys that will take you to new heights as you enjoy the next phase in your life. Below are some words that we wanted to share with our membership and with Christie to celebrate her amazing contributions.
"I met Christie when I joined the OWA in 2009, but I really got to know Christie when I became a board member. Her "reign" moved the board and the OWA to new heights with the return of the Champagne Breakfast and the VEW Panel Luncheon. Her enthusiasm and devotion for the OWA is infectious. This spirit carries through to her personal life, too. No is not the solution with Christie, but figuring out "how to do it" is! Being with Christie has taught me to embrace the fun around me and not to sweat the small stuff. I have had the pleasure to observe, when Christie talks with you, it's all about you! I am honored to call her my friend."
"Christie is so many things . . . leader, teacher, creative thinker, accomplished, and a true visionary! I've had the pleasure of working together with her on a few of the OWA committee's and board of directors. She has been an instrumental leader with great focus on the growth of this great organization. Thank you for your dedication and belief in the OWA!"
"Christie has been a mentor for me on so many levels, and likely without her even knowing it. She eased my transition into the manufacturing side of the industry and taught me so much about not only writing, and editorial aspects of this business, but gave me great encouragement along the way. I have been extremely lucky to get to work closely with Christie both in my field of work, and the OWA. She is fun, warm, genuine, and I will greatly miss her and always be grateful for the role she played in my career."
"Christie, a talented writer with a great sense of humor has been committed to the success of the OWA since the very beginning, and has worked tirelessly on the events which have now become staples at the Vision Expo shows. She is always up for supporting and mentoring other women, and is known for having a friendly ear for listening. She is a "take action" kind of person, and has helped so many engage in their own success. Christie is a lifelong friend and comrade who never fails to make me laugh when we are together, in fact, a smile always finds its way to my face when I think of her and all the times we shared. A favorite memory of mine is when the OWA had just started and our food budget was $250. We took a cab to the grocery store in Vegas with 2 empty suitcases, and loaded them up with cheese, salami, crackers, grapes, wine, napkins, paper plates, and plastic wine glasses which we had to sneak back into the Venetian where we held our first "big" meeting in a tiny one-bedroom suite. We had a speaker and about 30-35 people jammed into that little room back in 1998 where we sat on the bed, the floor or hugged the walls. We laughed so hard walking past security "innocently" making our way to that room. It is a great memory and we've had so many great laughs as we worked together to build the OWA into the amazing organization it is today. Christie is a true friend and trustworthy colleague who will be missed by so many. She has definitely earned her stripes AND her retirement."
"I've known Christie for 8 years and greatly enjoyed working closely with her during her OWA leadership roles. She is authentic, thoughtful and kind, and she has this immense curiosity as well as the widest variety of interests, passions, talents and skills I've ever observed in one person! Christie owns her personal power and doesn't hold back when confronted with new challenges and opportunities. My life is solidly richer for knowing her. For Christie's next act, I wish her even more sparkly, interesting experiences than she ever dreamed possible!"
"Christie is the consummate advocate! Almost 20 years later, she is as committed to advancing the leadership role of women in the optical industry as she was the day Christie and the founding members started the OWA. She inspires us with her ability to connect with professional women of all ages, in all stages of their career; leading the way to help them to expand their reach in the industry. Christie loves to say she's a worker bee . . . she's a leader that guides through her actions. Thank you Christie! We're going to miss you and will always recognize you as a leading woman of the industry."
"From the time I met Christie many years ago until this very minute, I've always been struck by what a singular presence she is. She embraces life (personal and professional) with the same tone, asking, 'What do we want to accomplish here? How can we get it done? And, let's have some fun!' She's the free spirit that is also always grounded. She is warm and compassionate, thoughtful and articulate. She's a natural leader who inspires others along. From the first moments of the OWA, she has been smart, fierce, capable and true. Love you, Christie. We will all miss you and wish you only the best."
"Christie brought her own incredible energy and diversity of interests to the OWA. She's responsible for a lot of that energy you feel at OWA events now. She may be leaving optical, but Christie is not one to really retire!"
"I joined the OWA BOD under Christie's leadership. I'd known Christie from the Industry, but this was my first opportunity to work with her directly. Christie is a leader! I have enjoyed her sense of humor, talent for discernment, objectiveness, generosity, kindness, and genuine belief in the OWA. I am proud to call her a friend."
"Christie is one of those people you absolutely gravitate to. Her down-to-earth attitude along with her industry knowledge has been very influential to the OWA. All the best to her."
"When I think of Christie it reminds me of the amazing human being that she is. One of the founding mothers of the OWA. She has seen many changes in our industry over the years, and she gracefully has always been at the forefront of it all. It has been my honor to know her and the passion she has shown us all. Cheers my friend to you on your new journey. You will be greatly missed!"
"As a founding member of the OWA, Christie Walker has dedicated years of leadership and inspiration to women in the optical industry. On behalf of the association, we thank Christie for her tireless service and contributions to the OWA and the industry we support."
Back to: September 2016 : September 2016 Newsletter