I was very fortunate to have work with Jody for ten years ... even more fortunate to know him as a friend.
When me and my family moved to Chicago 13 years ago, it was a big change for us. I was in my mid 40s and we just had our third child. We left family and lifelong friends. Moving to Chicago to establish a NPR corporate sponsorship team was a challenge. It was a blessing that Jody entered my life.
It was wonderful to see how excited he was to work at NPR and how quickly he flourished. But the real pay off was establishing a deep friendship with him.
It seemed we talked about everything ... music, check. Drums, oh yeah! Politics, at length. Books, sports, history, comedy, etc., etc. We had so many thoughtful conversations along with plenty of silliness. And Jody was there for me when I needed support professionally and personally.
Sally, Avery and Jackson, you have a wonderful father and husband. I will always cherish the time we enjoyed together.
Frank, you were a life-changing boss/mentor to Jody. He could not have asked for a better team, a better company and a better career. I will always appreciate you bringing him on to your team.