On February 16, 2008 our colleague and dear friend Dee Hahn-Rollins passed away following a recurrence of breast cancer.  She was 67.

Dee joined TRG in 1988 and for 20 years served as a senior trainer, facilitator, organizational development consultant, and executive coach for a variety of clients including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), the World Bank, the State Department, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Heifer International, Wilkes University, the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, and many others.  Dee was well-known as an extraordinarily talented trainer and facilitator who designed and implemented highly experiential and innovative workshops and conferences for clients in the U.S. and throughout the world. 

In addition to her work with clients, Dee played a key role as a staff member, owner, and leader within Training Resources Group.  She served on the firm’s Board of Directors for over 10 years and was the Board Chair for three of those years.  She also served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and mentored several of our staff members over the years.  Dee brought to TRG a passion for community, a passion for learning, and a passion for excellence in meeting the needs of the client. She was also one of our finest entrepreneurs.

In 2007, Dee conducted what she described as one of the most meaningful events of her consulting career.  Along with a TRG colleague, and on behalf of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), Dee designed and facilitated a global conference entitled:  Successful Women, Successful Science: Repairing the Leaking Pipeline of Women Agricultural Scientists in Africa.  It was held at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Study and Conference Center in Italy.  This work embodied Dee’s commitment to African development, to mentoring and empowering women, and to building connections among people doing the most important work in the world.

Dee brought boundless energy and enthusiasm to every project she took on.  Here is an example of how she touched the lives of those fortunate enough to know and work with her:

"It was the first time I had met Dee face to face, but I did not feel this way. I felt like finally seeing someone who had always been in my heart, someone I could admire without being distant, someone who would take nothing for granted and yet in her subtle way, expect so much of everybody, in fact, teasing out all you have to give."

Dee was an active parishioner and volunteer for many years at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Capitol Hill.  She is survived by her husband, the Rev. Alfred W. Rollins, children, Stacey Hann-Ruff , Gina K. Hann, and Njoki Njoroge Njehu, her grand-daughter, Adaline, age 3, her godsons Eric Brumburgh and Andrei Zaitsev, and innumerable friends and colleagues throughout the world.

 

Dee was a woman of grace, substance, and impeccable style.  She has left an indelible imprint on our lives. We will miss her dearly and always carry her in our hearts.