The Life of an Interim Executive Director
The phone rings and Don Johnson tells us about the opportunity for a possible interim position opening. “Could I submit your names?” We get excited and our first question is “where?” We feel like “missionaries” being called to serve in mysterious new lands and go on new adventures. For us those new lands have included Illinois, North Dakota, and two separate Minnesota camps. One thing they all have in common has been their understanding of their mission in Christ. Their passion, loyalty, and commitment to their faith community at camp is remarkable.
While hospitality is always in the forefront at our arrival, warming up and getting used to new face(s) or our routine of operating, creates some apprehension. Within a week we are being accepted into their family team. Upon our departure a comment we hear is “we didn’t feel we needed an interim, but we’re glad the board agreed to approach LOM for Don’s advice.”
We get busy with staff input into updating financial management and policies, personnel updates, tending to all buildings and equipment, welcoming visitors, volunteers, bishops, rostered leaders, providers, plus sampling tastes of the camp cuisine. Recommendations are made to the board such as new policy approvals, creating a sustainability committee, the creation of a succession policy, and other considerations.
Our commitment to transparency and honest objectivity relieves the anxiety of staff and board during our tenure with them. Board members have said, “We need an objective eye to help us discern the person we want to call or direction we want to go.” We happily agree and begin to transition with the new director with the sharing of essential operations, data, and insight into the life of the camp. We can spend from a day to two weeks assuring they understand the uniqueness of the camp they will serve.
Time flies and we find that we have fallen in love and adopted staff and an admiration at their living and sharing the Gospel. It’s difficult to say goodbye to the camps staff that have welcomed Muslims, refugees from around the world, and that interesting and exciting Scandinavian world of Minnesota.
Thank you to LOMC, Red Willow, Luther Crest, and Pathways for allowing us to walk with you during your time of transition. –Carolyn and Jerry Fritsch