Imagining Together What’s Possible
This past July 10 marked the latest milestone in CAMP Rehoboth’s 32-year history: Kim Leisey stepped into the role of Executive Director. After thoughtful planning and conducting a nationwide search, Kim was selected because she has the skills CAMP Rehoboth needs to continue providing life-affirming services to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Sussex County and beyond.
In preparing for the search, the board recognized not only that the demographics of our area have changed, but that those needing our services range in age from seniors to elementary school. This is on top of the physical and legal attacks that threaten constitutional rights and personal safety. We also know CAMP Rehoboth cannot be everything to all people so partnerships with external stakeholders are vital to the breadth of service offerings.
During the interview process, we learned about Kim’s experience and quickly saw she was the right candidate for the right time. This paragraph from her bio says it best: “Whether it is teaching safety and self-protection skills, founding the LGBT faculty staff association at UMBC, designing and renovating University facilities, facilitating community development, providing health programs and services, supporting older adults in the later stages of life, or advocating for those who are marginalized and vulnerable, Kim strives to be real and thoughtful in her relationships with others. Humor and fun are a must!”
Throughout my career as a consultant, I have helped clients prepare and navigate change in the midst of a strategic planning process similar to CAMP Rehoboth’s. When a new executive director joins an organization, it can have a positive impact on the strategic planning process.
Here are several ways in which the arrival of a new executive director can affect strategic planning:
1. Vision and Direction: The new executive director will bring their own vision, priorities, and leadership style to the organization. This can lead to a shift in the overall direction and goals of the organization, which will impact the strategic planning process. The new executive director may have different ideas about the organization’s mission, strategic objectives, target audience, or desired outcomes, requiring a reassessment of the existing strategic plan.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: The new executive director will likely want to engage with key stakeholders, such as board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and community members, to gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities. This increased stakeholder engagement can result in a more inclusive and collaborative strategic planning process, incorporating diverse perspectives and insights.
3. Organizational Assessment: The arrival of a new executive director often prompts a comprehensive assessment of the organization’s internal and external environment. This assessment may involve reviewing the current strategic plan, evaluating the organization’s performance, analyzing market trends, conducting a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis, and identifying areas for improvement. The findings from this assessment will shape the strategic planning process and inform the development of a revised or updated plan.
4. Team Dynamics and Culture: A new executive director can bring changes to the organizational culture and team dynamics. They may introduce new values, practices, or structures that affect how the strategic planning process is conducted. For example, they might encourage greater collaboration, foster innovation, or promote a more participatory decision-making approach. These cultural shifts can influence how the organization sets goals, formulates strategies, and implements the strategic plan.
5. Implementation Strategies: The new executive director may introduce fresh ideas and innovative approaches to achieve the organization’s strategic objectives. They might advocate for new initiatives, programs, or partnerships that require adjustments to the existing strategic plan. The strategic planning process will need to accommodate these changes and incorporate the executive director’s strategies into the overall plan.
6. Communication and Transparency: A new executive director often prioritizes effective communication and transparency as they seek to build trust and establish their leadership. They may encourage regular updates on the strategic planning process, seek input from stakeholders, and provide clear channels for feedback. This emphasis on communication ensures that the strategic plan reflects the aspirations and expectations of various stakeholders and promotes a sense of ownership and commitment.
In the coming weeks, I encourage you to visit CAMP Rehoboth and welcome Kim. Share your story with her; let her know the reason(s) why you chose to live in or visit the Nation’s Summer Capital. While change can be scary, it is also an opportunity to stop, reflect, and think about what’s possible. I look forward to working with Kim, the board, staff, and everyone in the community as we chart an inclusive course together. ▼
Wesley Combs is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.