In my family, we talk about feeling “happysad”: the conflicting, simultaneous emotions of joy and sadness we often have. This description feels particularly apt today, since I’m heading into my last week as the IGDA and IGDA Foundation’s Executive Director.

Almost two years ago, I was given one of the biggest opportunities of my career-to lead the IGDA through developing and implementing a new mission and renewing its commitment to the global game development community. Over the past year and a half, with the support of the IGDA’s Board of Directors, our dedicated staff, and volunteers around the world, we’ve expanded to 111 Chapters on six continents, with 53 Studio Affiliates, and 36 Special Interest Groups, all more than at any other time in the IGDA’s history.

Most important to me, however, has been the opportunity to support game developers at every stage in their career through the introduction of new and improved IGDA member benefits, whether it’s equipment discounts from Dell, research from the leading game intelligence provider, or more than $5,000 in discounts on events and services.

So while I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished, I’m also happysad. I have a new opportunity to help game developers in a different way that I simply can’t pass up, so I’m stepping down as the IGDA’s Executive Director, effective 14 April. I’ll be taking a one-year Board of Directors role with the IGDA to assist in a smooth transition, and Lucien Parsons, the IGDA’s Chairperson, will act as the interim Executive Director until the role is filled. I’m looking forward to helping the new Executive Director build on the successes of the past year and support the global game development community even more, and I’m confident that with the guidance of the IGDA’s Board, its Staff, and our volunteer leaders, the new Executive Director will lead the IGDA through its twenty-fifth year and into a very bright future.

I’m also excited to share that our new Board member, Marta Daglow, is leading the search for a new Executive Director for the IGDA. You can read more about the role here, and submit yourself for consideration (or ask questions about the role) at EDsearch [at] igda [dot] org.

To the IGDA’s members, volunteer leaders, affiliates, partners, and sponsors around the world, and to the global game development community, thank you for an amazing experience. I wish you all the very best, and look forward to working with you in the future.