To Oliver and Keegan -- I hear you guys loud and clear, and I am very aware that the trauma of the last few months has taken this kind of toll. Although there is of course much I don't know, I have been talking with a number of staff, board, etc. for many months now about this. So to whatever degree it's possible to empathize without "being there," I do.
However, I'm not trying to push things forward at a pace that's comfortable *for me*, I'm trying to focus on things that will impact *what it's possible to do*.
The prospect of a drawn-out, even multi-year search for the next long-term Executive Director is not a good one. The way the organization rebuilds itself and sets expectations will have a huge impact on that. The impact on fund-raising will be felt, as well; high-profile contention around a grant is being discussed throughout the philanthropy world, and will impact the way individual donors respond to banners, as well.
I am confident that the Board is already turning its attention to issues like these. Many things need to be done whenever an executive director leaves an organization, and there are many reasons to attend to them in a timely fashion -- without rushing through and making bad decisions.
Individual Trustees have expressed interest and gratitude for the ideas under discussion, and I appreciate knowing that they are considering input. This list may not be the best way to reach the board, but it's a good place to see whether there is consensus around certain ideas.
That's what I'm trying to do. I know that forging ahead while exhausted sucks, and I am not trying to push anybody faster than they want to go. But I also think that this moment for careful deliberation shouldn't be missed; some of the opportunities will pass by very quickly if nothing is done.
-Pete [[User:Peteforsyth]]