“As many of you know, Marlene submitted her retirement paperwork six months ago.”
The room listened carefully.
“At that time, our board faced a difficult decision.”
Roy suddenly looked less comfortable.
“The company was preparing a major transition.”
Mr. Whitaker paused.
“We needed someone experienced to guide it.”
Several board members exchanged knowing smiles.
Then Mr. Whitaker turned toward me.
“Marlene declined three separate offers to postpone retirement.”
I blinked.
Most people in the room didn’t know that.
Roy certainly didn’t.
He had never cared enough to ask.
Mr. Whitaker opened the folder.
“So the board decided on another approach.”
