In LGBT community center Wingspan's weekly e-mail newsletter—hitting e-mail boxes this evening—executive director Kent Burbank announced he's stepping down:

Here are the first three paragraphs of his statement:

After lengthy personal reflection, I have decided to step down as Executive Director of Wingspan. I feel that it is time for me to explore new challenges and opportunities. I also believe that it is time for Wingspan to have new leadership. I will continue to serve as Wingspan’s Executive Director for a while longer during the transition. This will allow Wingspan to finalize its strategic planning process and conduct a thorough and careful search for a new Executive Director.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Wingspan and the community, and I feel blessed by the many wonderful experiences Wingspan has afforded me. I have so enjoyed working with the LGBT and allied communities and have such warm feelings about my time at Wingspan. I know that news of my departure will come as a surprise to many people; please know that I wish it were possible to tell everyone personally. I am not leaving Tucson and I have no immediate plans.

As I mentioned, I will be staying on at Wingspan for a while longer and then will begin looking for other employment. The Wingspan Board and I will be working on a plan that ensures a smooth transition and continuity in leadership. We promise to keep the community informed about that process as it unfolds.

Full disclosure: Kent's a friend of mine, and I had no idea this was coming.

Anyway, now you know.