Risk Taking by New Executive Director

1
Risk Taking by New Executive Director

• CESSE CEO Midwinter Meeting
• February 28, 2006
• by
• Dr. Bob Wolff, P.E., F. SAME

2
Summary of Actions for Discussion

• Action 1 Two weeks after arrival, met with
  National Officers at first Executive Committee
  (XC) meeting and recommended downsizing XC from
  26 to 12
• Action 2. At first Board meeting 2 months after
  arrival presented proposals to revamp Strategic
  Plan, initiate HQ sponsored education and
  training, and adopt greater centralized direction
  and profit sharing for national conference.
• Action 3. Six months after arrival, terminated
  employment of popular employee

3
Action 1 Downsized Executive Committee
4
Action 2 Major Proposals at First Board Meeting
5
Action 3 Terminated Employment of Senior Staff
Director
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Conclusions

• Actions reflect personal trait of courage and
  desire to control Board agenda
• Aggressive agenda resulted in controversy at
  Board meeting when my contract was up for renewal
  in May 2005
• Board pleased with direction of Society and its
  accomplishments in past 3 years but some not
  happy with my management style
• I only get positive feedback from
  membersnegative feedback usually goes to
  President
• Presidents have counseled to increase Board
  member participation in creating proposals for
  change
• Trying to be more collaborative with
  Boardmaintaining aggressive agenda for change
  but allowing more time for Board deliberation on
  actions and creating more Task Forces to support
  change

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Questions?