I think I like that idea and will give it more thought. Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Robert Miller
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2015 5:39 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Linda,
In one of my earlier post I did say not all lighthouses are bad and as you well
know you and a couple other board members did try to get the board to
understand Barbara’s problems and met a brick wall so what makes you think
that is going to change. Norene tried to talk to the executive committee at her
home and in 15 minutes she gets a call from Barbara says a lot to me. I might
also say you don’t know what people are doing behind the seens. For example I
can assure you that Robert Doyle is aware of what is going on. The only way
problems like this are going to be solved will most likely take some negotiation
between DBS and FAASB. Perhaps DBS needs to set guidelines for lighthouse
boards.
Robert
From: lynda jones <mailto:lyndajones2414@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2015 5:13 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Chip:
One way we might help in getting changes made to either the job announcement or
getting the Lighthouse to divide the duties and powers is to speak civilly.
Beating up people because they are sighted will get us nowhere. Making blanket
statements about groups and organizations is the blind equivalent of racism.
Every member agency of FAASB is not bad. Some aren't good; some are terrible;
and some are very good. I know this for a fact, because I've either worked at
or with many of them for nineteen years. The real problem is not with FAASB.
That's all I'll say about that online.
I repeat: we need to become part of the solution, not just rant ourselves. Now,
I'm going to really make some people mad. How many people reading these e-mails
tried to do anything to change the situation at the Lighthouse during the past
five years? How many people tried to find even one person with power who might
be able to help bring light on what was happening? If we want to do something
now, then we need a group to sit down and develop a strategy to present to the
Lighthouse Board of Directors regarding the administrative structure of the
agency. The Board has been wounded pretty heavily, and now might be the time
they will listen. We need to develop a plan to put pressure on the DBS
administration to put teeth into their contract negotiations with the CRP's.
_____
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Chip and Allie Orange
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 4:49 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hi Linda,
While there is a lot of truth in your remarks about us needing to stop
rehashing the mistakes of the past, I still think it’s appropriate and useful
to continue to discuss any perceived shortcomings of the job
announcement/search, in hopes that we’ll influence a better outcome by doing
so. Therefore, I don’t think the topic need be put to rest here just yet as
far as it goes.
Chip
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
lynda jones
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 4:44 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
I suspect some of you will not agree with my comments and some may even call me
an Uncle Tom. My parents were both sighted, and I think many people would say
they did a good job helping me to become a successful, independent blind
person. I had no blind teachers during 20 years of education. There is an issue
here, but that’s another topic for another time. A few teachers were
insensitive and a couple even cruel at times, but in 20 years, 98% of them were
understanding, accommodating, and even some of the best members of my cheering
section.
After returning to university at the ripe old age of 40 to study vision rehab,
I had three professional mentors; all three of them are sighted. While teaching
at FSU, I had outstanding visually impaired and sighted students. If I were
newly blinded, there are just as many sighted graduates as blind graduates that
I would trust with my rehabilitation. The only thing a sighted person cannot
provide is the empathy that comes with being blind yourself. One of my
mentor’s, remember she is sighted, once said to me, “You have the potential of
being the best teacher in the world.” (She wasn’t bragging on me.) She
continued, “If you develop outstanding teaching skills, then you will be the
best, because you can relate to your clients as a blind person in a way a
sighted person never can.” She also said, “Being blind doesn’t make you a good
teacher. In fact, if you are not a good teacher, then you may cause more harm
than good.” I’ve never forgotten those words.
What the Lighthouse needs is a Director with both good administrative skills
and a knowledge of blindness. We need not think back too far to the last time
DBS had a blind Director to know that just being blind doesn’t make you a good
director or a good role model. I might add some of you were her biggest
supporters. I was not and she knew that.
We have had a time of venting and that’s been cathartic for all of us, but it’s
time to quit rehashing what we can’t undo; reopening wounds that need to heal;
pointing our fingers at people who can’t help that they are sighted; and start
talking as much about how we can become part of the solution. What can we do as
the blindness community to help the Lighthouse recover? It is the only agency
around here providing services. We need a plan so we can become the hands and
feet that will help restore LBB to what it once was or even make it better!
Lynda
_____
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Robert Miller
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2015 11:27 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hi Robin,
Thanks for your input but considering what the lighthouse does and the fact
that the majority of it’s funding is provided by the Division
of Blind services to provide rehab, indipendant living and mobility services to
it’s clients and a verry small percentage of the lighthouse funds come from in
house fund raising it is my opinion that the type of board you are talking
about is not what the lighthouse needs. Unless you just knew, based on the job
announcement, you wouldn’t know that the lighthouse deals with blind clients.
Fund raising and grant writing should not be used as a mission. The mission
should be to provide a high level of services to the citizans of Florida it
serves. For many years these services were provided with out such non profit
agencies and things were much better. This situation only started when FAASB
decided that sighted people new best what blind people needed and they could
make a bundle if they could direct state rehab dollars in to there greedy
hands, which they have managed to do. just like most non profits. How many
times have you read in the paper where directors who are governed by simular
boards get charged for embezzlement or fixing the books.
According to Florida law, when the state contracts out vital services to non
profits such as the lighthouse, there must be a major benefit based on cost
savings and a backup contingency plan if the non profit fails to provide the
services under there contract. How can it be more cost affective to provide
services when you have much more overhead in providing facilities ect. The
only way I know you can do that is to diminish the level and quality of the
service. This type of system has resulted in less blind people being employed
and reduced the level and quality of training needed to obtain employment and
independent living skills. not to mention throwing in nasty politics
unaccountability and unqualified staff in to the mix. Newly blinded people
don’t need that crap along with the other problems they are dealing with.
I am not saying that some of the lighthouses are not doing a good job but
Lighthouse of the Big bend isn’t one of them. I am not just saying this my self
but have heard it from many people who have received services.
Robert
From: Robin McDougall <mailto:robin.mcdougall@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2015 8:51 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hello all
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, currently in private practice as a
psychotherapist. I am writing this e mail in hopes my perspective will help to
clarify a few points and make the upcoming transition at the Lighthouse more
palatable for the blind community.
Prior to working in private practice, I worked in the not for profit community
for almost 20 years. For thirteen of those years, I was the Program Director in
an agency which served low income people with health care needs.
I am reading what you have written here, and I am comparing it to my
experiences both as a subordinate and a supervisor. I am also comparing it to
my experiences both serving on boards and working with boards in my profession.
Some of the things about what you're complaining are simply things which are
regulated by rules and policies.
As a subordinate, there have been times when I have heartily disagreed with the
decisions my director made. However, our agency had policies and rules which
she was compelled to follow and to mete out equally between myself and all of
the other employees. There could be no special treatment and very little
variance from those policies in order for my boss to do her job. And I was
similarly restricted and required to follow policies.
Additionally, a Board is restricted from interfering with the Director as he or
she runs the agency. The primary role of the board is fund-raising and
long-term planning for an agency. As a colleague, a subordinate and someone who
has served on boards, there are many times when I have felt a board should be
involved on a more direct level with an agency. And each time, I was told those
types of activities are inappropriate for a board. This has been true at the
United Way, this is true at Florida State University, and this is been true
when I have worked with boards in the private nonprofit community.
It is my understanding it is inappropriate for a board member to have personal
relationships with people in an agency where that board member serves.
I also believe in order to provide mental health services a person must meet
certain state requirements both educationally and with training. This opinion
is derived from my own experience of psychotherapy and covering liability (both
in private practice and when serving on a board). I believe a Board member who
offers mental health counseling to staff of the agency that Board serves opens
the Board up to liability. There two roles should be separated, and a provider
can do one or the other, but not both in the same agency.
It sounds like the Board has met its obligation to the Lighthouse and that the
advertisement of the position of Director meets ADA requirements by indication
someone with a disability is preferred. I don't think an agency can indicate a
position is required to be filled by a person with a disability, in large part
because the agency is also governed by its funding sources and must meet state
and Federal guidelines.
Twice I have been in staff in an agency when the Director resigned. First those
Directors discussed their plans with the Board, and later we (the staff) were
informed. In neither case, did that Director tell us her personal reasons for
departing, nor was an announcement made to the clients and community our agency
served.
The same applies when I left my position as a Program Director. My reasons were
my own and personal. There is an appropriate, professional boundary that
enables those of us who are employed to draw a line between our personal lives
and those for whom we work and serve.
I agree, the net could be cast wider, and the job posted where people who are a
part of the blind community would have an opportunity to apply. This specific
request seems sensible to me, and perhaps the position can be posted again.
The remainder of your complaints do not seem reasonable to me based on my
experiences as a psychotherapist, a board member, as a subordinate in my
workplace at times and as a director in my career.
Sincerely
Robin McDougall, LCSW
The Healing Center
847 E Park Avenue
Tallahassee, FL 32301
On Sep 3, 2015, at 5:30 AM, Robert Miller <robertmiller2201@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
<mailto:robertmiller2201@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> > wrote:
That’s because there hands were tied
From: Norine Labitzke <mailto:norine@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 10:27 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Most did almost nothing. Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of lynda jones
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 8:18 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
As far as I know the Board membership has remained committed to the bylaws
percentages of blind and sighted. I can say that the blind people on the Board
have been just as silent about what has gone on as the sighted members, and
perhaps even more so. I know there were a couple of blind people appointed to
the Board two years ago or so who said they were going to try and do something
to change the atmosphere at the Lighthouse. I don't know if they got scared or
got drawn into the crowd and weren't brave enough to stand alone. Believe me,
the entire staff has been affected. The entire Board knew much of what was
going on and they did nothing.
Lynda
_____
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2015 5:52 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
I believe the answer is “yes” and my experience was it was adhered to. Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Laurie Davis
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2015 8:37 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Hi, Norine,
I would like to know if there is a requirement that a certain percentage of
Board members be visually impaired. If so, is this policy being adhered to or
ignored?
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2015 11:43 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Chip, thank you so much for this opportunity to state my perspectives, and make
others aware of them. Also for your gentle reminder of how remiss I was
regarding openly discussing these issues on this and other forums, and how
important this can be to this and so many other fields. At the time, I felt
alone, insignificant, rejected by those of importance, and thus wrongly kept my
mouth shut.
All this happened a few years ago. It was related to many accumulating issues
in my opinion.
I never doubted Barbara was an excellent asset as a fund raiser/organizer for
Lighthouse. I became increasingly aware of her deficits in understanding and
managing professional staff; I never held this against her as this was not a
background she presented to us, and I made this clear in written notes
presented at the meeting referred to below. I think, but am not sure, those
notes, relate my recommendation for separate positions of Director of Fund
Raising, and Director of Staff and professional development (I sure hope so as
that would have been intended).
As a professional (ARNP with ongoing years of experience in mental health I
volunteered my services to staff and clients of Lighthouse of the Big Bend, for
many years, and prior to my accepting any position on the Board, primarily to
listen and be supportive (but challenging when necessary). Thus I became aware
first hand, over months and years, of what clients, and especially, staff ,
perceived to be, and seemed to me to an accumulating record of unfairness and
intimidation to them, Barbara’s power issues, inability to understand, and
manage their professional issues and concerns.
I do not remember the exact precipitating issue, (I am sure it remains
accessible but buried deep in my archived files). I, as President, called an
urgent Board meeting which took place at my house. Much to my shock and
surprise, the Board members immediately dismissed my serious concerns
evidencing 100% support of Barbara. At that meeting I was told, in no
uncertain terms, that my being available, on a volunteer basis, as a mental
health professional to “listen” to staff issues and clients was a conflict of
interest with being President and on the Board, and I would have to choose
which I would do, but it could not be both.
I had volunteered my professional services to staff and clients for many years
in the past, prior to being on the board. I always made this known to the
Board, and it never previously seemed to be an issue, or a block to my Board
involvement (actually seemed to be recognized and appreciate).
Thus (as I felt forced at that meeting and with 20/20 hindsight have not
changed my opinion) made the decision to resign as President. Everyone left my
house. I was in the process of writing an email to Barbara to inform her of my
decision, but within less than fifteen minutes of board members leaving,
received a curt call from Barbara acknowledging my decision. The rest is
“silent history”. I have heard little or nothing since then from any of them.
I apologize for not informing TABI, FASBE, DBS or anyone else of these events.
At the time, I felt and believed the Board to be correct and representative,
and my concerns to be irrelevant and of no value or importance or significance
to anyone, especially to the Board, or to Lighthouse. I now believe and
understand otherwise. Also now, with 20/20 hindsight, I strongly believe two
things:
#1 This organization has progressed to the point where it would benefit from
the services of paid, short term (maximum four years board members) with some
pre-determined qualifications.
#2 As many others have stated, and I believe was bottom line to my resignation
issues, Barbara’s position needs to be replaced by two separate individuals
with separate and distinct responsibilities – one for fund raising, and one for
staff development.
#3 I realize with my resignation from the Board, I have chosen to not keep up
with issues at Lighthouse. In some ways I regret this; in many ways, perhaps
excuses, I understand and accept my decision of removal, as I hope many of you
will also; like so many life decisions, perhaps it was not a best one, but it
did seem appropriate at the time and circumstances. I continue to care deeply
for Lighthouse and always will as I daily remember I am here, where I am,
because of the services Lighthouse, and especially Jeanine, Evelyn, Jim Breen,
and Chip, and so many others made available to me.
#4 This is not an excuse; it is real. I will always thank Barbara for all
she did for Lighthouse of the Big Bend. She definitely brought us from near
extinction to way beyond survival mode. She did everything and more her
resume, and our reasons for hearing her for her position expected.
#5 In my opinion, the biggest fault lies with the board. Although it is made
up of excellent, good, dedicated, and well intentioned/ committed people, it is
time for a total change and probably oversight and direction from an
independent source.
Thank you for this opportunity to express my personal opinions. Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Chip and Allie Orange
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 6:59 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Norine,
This is the first I’ve heard you resigned as president, so let me ask, did you
post anything here about it?
I am still interested in hearing why you felt you had to resign; as I said,
it’s a community organization, so why not get the community involved.
Chip
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 9:53 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
All this is news to me. I just wish more people had asked or evidenced
interest when I resigned as President of the Board a few years ago; may or may
not be relevant then or now. Even then the “board” seemed oblivious, and that
appears not to have changed. It is also interesting, although I may be wrong
and do not pretend to keep in touch, with the concerns and issues of the blind
community, and the staff of Lighthouse of the Big Bend. I do believe in many
ways Barbara did a good job, but I also believe the “board” turned a “blind
eye” to what could have been expected of her position, and hope this does not
continue.
Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Robert Miller
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 6:21 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Apparently around August 17th Barbar Ross director of the Lighthouse of the big
bend resigned with no announcement or reason given to the blind community it
services. To add more insult to injury the job announcement has already been
posted and closed on August 24th. As far as we can tell the job announcement
wasn’t posted on any blindness organization web sites. I have posted a copy of
the job discription below, which to me is very disturbing since blind or
visually impaired is not mentioned once. In the discription where disability is
mentioned they are prefered and not requirements. From the discription it is
very apparent that the board is looking for a money maker not someone who gives
a damn about blind people or there needs. It is pretty scary to have a director
responsibal for the hiring and directing of employees that has no idea what to
look for in who they hire. Since The lighthouse of the Big Bend is a FAASBY
member, I am afraid this is the case with many other member agencies and this
is exactly why the state of Florida is doing a major disservice to it’s blind
citizans.
I urge all of you to contact the board and express your dismay and demand that
they re-write there job discription and repost the job announcement in places
that might give them a chance to find an aplicant that is qualified to
adequately provide quality services for our community.
Robert
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend, a local nonprofit in the Tallahassee area is
seeking an Executive Director. This salaried position will pay between $50,000
- $70,000 annually, depending upon experience, and comes with excellent
benefits such as annual, sick and holiday paid leave, health insurance, life
insurance, and retirement benefits.
The Executive Director shall be directed by the Board to include but not be
limited to the following:
a) To coordinate between the Board and staff respecting all business of the
nonprofit agency.
b) To administer and report on all fiscal matters as directed by the Board.
c) To monitor and report on trends respecting the mission of the nonprofit
agency and assist the Board in setting appropriate priorities.
d) To prepare and submit to the Board an annual operating budget for their
approval.
e) To develop fund raising activities locally, statewide and nationally for
the proper operation of the nonprofit agency.
f) To maintain a written personnel manual.
g) To recruit, employ and terminate, as may be necessary, the employees of
the nonprofit agency.
h) To coordinate the services of the nonprofit agency with other programs.
i) To provide leadership and promote professional growth by participation on
committees and in training conferences which are pertinent to the mission and
operation of the nonprofit agency, with the prior approval of the Board.
Duties of the Executive Director
• Supports operations and administration of Board by advising and informing
Board members, interfacing between Board and staff and supporting Boards
evaluation of Executive Director, upholding and adhering to the policies and
bylaws of the organization, entering into contracts on behalf of the
organization with the Board of Directors approval.
• Facilitates the development and implementation of the organization’s
strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Oversees the effective design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of
programs, products and services through the recruitment and supervision of the
management team.
• Oversees creation and implementation of annual operational plan and
continuous quality improvement plan.
• Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages
organization’s resources within those budget guidelines according to current
laws and regulations. Ensure timely and accurate reporting and invoicing on
all contracts and grants.
• Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to
authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws
and regulations.
• Oversees fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying
resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to
approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records
and documentation.
• Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are
consistently presented in strong, positive image to the general public, media,
other organizations and relevant stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Executive Director Requirements
• Preferred education level: Master’s Degree with emphasis in management,
social work, human service, psychology, education, or a related field;
• Minimum ten (10) years of management experience preferably in the field of
disabilities;
• Minimum five (5) years experience in social services, preferably with
children/adults with disabilities;
• Proven supervisory and leadership skills;
• Adept at budgeting and strategic planning;
• Knowledge of grant writing experience;
• Skilled in exercising sound judgement and possesses good analytical skills;
• Capable of working with a variety of diverse and multi-cultural personalities
and leadership styles;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Clear Level 2 background check.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the
Board President at boardpresident1@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:boardpresident1@xxxxxxxxx>
by August 24, 2015. Thank you.
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Chip and Allie Orange
Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 6:59 AM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Norine,
This is the first I’ve heard you resigned as president, so let me ask, did you
post anything here about it?
I am still interested in hearing why you felt you had to resign; as I said,
it’s a community organization, so why not get the community involved.
Chip
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Norine Labitzke
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 9:53 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] Re: What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
All this is news to me. I just wish more people had asked or evidenced
interest when I resigned as President of the Board a few years ago; may or may
not be relevant then or now. Even then the “board” seemed oblivious, and that
appears not to have changed. It is also interesting, although I may be wrong
and do not pretend to keep in touch, with the concerns and issues of the blind
community, and the staff of Lighthouse of the Big Bend. I do believe in many
ways Barbara did a good job, but I also believe the “board” turned a “blind
eye” to what could have been expected of her position, and hope this does not
continue.
Norine
From: tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
[mailto:tabi-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Robert Miller
Sent: Monday, August 31, 2015 6:21 PM
To: tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [tabi] What is the lighthouse of the big bend trying to hide
Apparently around August 17th Barbar Ross director of the Lighthouse of the big
bend resigned with no announcement or reason given to the blind community it
services. To add more insult to injury the job announcement has already been
posted and closed on August 24th. As far as we can tell the job announcement
wasn’t posted on any blindness organization web sites. I have posted a copy of
the job discription below, which to me is very disturbing since blind or
visually impaired is not mentioned once. In the discription where disability is
mentioned they are prefered and not requirements. From the discription it is
very apparent that the board is looking for a money maker not someone who gives
a damn about blind people or there needs. It is pretty scary to have a director
responsibal for the hiring and directing of employees that has no idea what to
look for in who they hire. Since The lighthouse of the Big Bend is a FAASBY
member, I am afraid this is the case with many other member agencies and this
is exactly why the state of Florida is doing a major disservice to it’s blind
citizans.
I urge all of you to contact the board and express your dismay and demand that
they re-write there job discription and repost the job announcement in places
that might give them a chance to find an aplicant that is qualified to
adequately provide quality services for our community.
Robert
NONPROFIT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Lighthouse of the Big Bend, a local nonprofit in the Tallahassee area is
seeking an Executive Director. This salaried position will pay between $50,000
- $70,000 annually, depending upon experience, and comes with excellent
benefits such as annual, sick and holiday paid leave, health insurance, life
insurance, and retirement benefits.
The Executive Director shall be directed by the Board to include but not be
limited to the following:
a) To coordinate between the Board and staff respecting all business of the
nonprofit agency.
b) To administer and report on all fiscal matters as directed by the Board.
c) To monitor and report on trends respecting the mission of the nonprofit
agency and assist the Board in setting appropriate priorities.
d) To prepare and submit to the Board an annual operating budget for their
approval.
e) To develop fund raising activities locally, statewide and nationally for
the proper operation of the nonprofit agency.
f) To maintain a written personnel manual.
g) To recruit, employ and terminate, as may be necessary, the employees of
the nonprofit agency.
h) To coordinate the services of the nonprofit agency with other programs.
i) To provide leadership and promote professional growth by participation on
committees and in training conferences which are pertinent to the mission and
operation of the nonprofit agency, with the prior approval of the Board.
Duties of the Executive Director
• Supports operations and administration of Board by advising and informing
Board members, interfacing between Board and staff and supporting Boards
evaluation of Executive Director, upholding and adhering to the policies and
bylaws of the organization, entering into contracts on behalf of the
organization with the Board of Directors approval.
• Facilitates the development and implementation of the organization’s
strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Oversees the effective design, marketing, promotion, delivery and quality of
programs, products and services through the recruitment and supervision of the
management team.
• Oversees creation and implementation of annual operational plan and
continuous quality improvement plan.
• Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages
organization’s resources within those budget guidelines according to current
laws and regulations. Ensure timely and accurate reporting and invoicing on
all contracts and grants.
• Effectively manages the human resources of the organization according to
authorized personnel policies and procedures that fully conform to current laws
and regulations.
• Oversees fundraising planning and implementation, including identifying
resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to
approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records
and documentation.
• Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are
consistently presented in strong, positive image to the general public, media,
other organizations and relevant stakeholders.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Executive Director Requirements
• Preferred education level: Master’s Degree with emphasis in management,
social work, human service, psychology, education, or a related field;
• Minimum ten (10) years of management experience preferably in the field of
disabilities;
• Minimum five (5) years experience in social services, preferably with
children/adults with disabilities;
• Proven supervisory and leadership skills;
• Adept at budgeting and strategic planning;
• Knowledge of grant writing experience;
• Skilled in exercising sound judgement and possesses good analytical skills;
• Capable of working with a variety of diverse and multi-cultural personalities
and leadership styles;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Clear Level 2 background check.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the
Board President at boardpresident1@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:boardpresident1@xxxxxxxxx>
by August 24, 2015. Thank you.
