Message from the Co-Chairs
The end of summer always brings transition and the promise of new and exciting challenges. For some, the end of summertime’s pleasures and intensity is fraught with sadness; for others, it’s a time of relief! For OPALGA, there are many activities to look forward to in the coming months—the picnic, the house walk, Octoberfeast, and the annual meeting. In addition to these fondly anticipated events, we will be cooking up a fall stew of delicious change and new possibilities for OPALGA.
You will read this month that the OPALGA Board of Directors unanimously voted to retain a highly recommended consultant, Dr. Carol Goldbaum, to advise and guide us as we consider our readiness to take some of the next steps in the development of the organization and enter a strategic planning process. Are we ready to hire an Executive Director? How has our programming evolved, and how should it change? Dr. Goldbaum will help us all to participate in clarifying our organizational direction and in establishing a strategy for the next stages of our growth. She will meet with the Board and staff to gain a clearer view of our expectations, and she will hold a public open focus group to obtain different points of view as well as historical perspective.
Facing that unknown is as intriguing as it is daunting. With the vast diversity that we have cultivated in our “family” over the years, how will we find a purpose and direction upon which we can agree? Will we all be inspired by the outcome? Do we have the organizational strength to accomplish new goals? Will there be membership support? How can we manage changes in our funding? Where will the money come from? How will we determine our priorities and celebrate our accomplishments?
As the months of 2007 come to an end, we are also closing the leadership cycle with Co-Chair Brad Bartels, who has served so ably since 2003. As we have designed such transitions, one co-chair leaves while the other continues for another year to bridge the transition. Brad’s tireless work and thorough approach to his directorship will be sorely missed. Brad has been instrumental in leading the Board to establish the groundwork for hiring an Executive Director. A successful and productive term of service from a creative, professional, and dedicated man will come to an end.
As is also the design, several other Board positions are vacated for reelection or replacement at the end of 2007. Nominations for these open positions have been called for. Talk with your friends and colleagues about the leaders you recognize among us, and call The OPALGA Center with their names.
