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The position of Executive Director is an isolating and demanding one. The staff comes to them with problems; the Board comes to them with problems; the clients come to them with problems. The organizations they serve tend to be chronically over-challenged and chronically under-funded.
It is also the case that, nationwide and in McDowell County, there just aren't many people out there with the skills to handle all the various constituencies, and the willingness to work for the (relatively) low pay, and put up with all that comes their way. There is a great need to nurture the ones in place, and bring along new leaders who can assist McDowell County's current ED's, and eventually replace them.
For this reason a Flex-E Grant was awarded to focus on “Leadership: A Renewable Resource” for McDowell County. The following leaders of non-profit organizations were chosen to participate: Kathie Whitt, FACES, Reverend Hilda Kennedy, Premier Park, Franki Patton, BCPIA, Jennifer Orren, Rural Health Advisory Council, Sharon Walden, SAFE and Cathy Rose, SHED.
The program consisted of coaching calls provided by consultant Dr. David Schenck and three workshops. The goals of the program were to: Expand McDowell's leadership base, strengthen individual leadership skills and develop more effective community organization. Additional focus was given to staff relations, personnel issues, staff development, board relations, fundraising and burn out prevention.
After completion of the project many participants commented what a benefit the meetings and interaction between the Directors had been. One of the most beneficial parts of the workshops was the reflection of how the two floods had affected their jobs and service to the people of McDowell County.
The Flex-E funds were provided by the West Virginia Development Office, Appalachian Regional Commission and the Benedum Foundation.
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