Letter from the Board

Dear Community,

Last evening the SHCA Board accepted with regret Marie Maguire’s resignation effective January 23, 2010. It is her plan to pursue an out of state educational opportunity which has just recently become available.

Since Marie’s arrival a little less than two years ago, there have been significant changes for the better throughout the Center. All these changes have been based on her underlying vision for the Center, and its potential enhancement for the benefit of the members, supporters, and the community at large. This vision was put forth in an energetic manner which reflected her take charge attitude, initiative, and high level of enthusiasm for the Center.

One of these many changes was the reorganization of the staff and the creation of the Events Coordinator position. The persons selected by Marie to fill these “down stairs” slots have proved to be not only well qualified, but have gone way beyond the call in their exuberance for carrying out the activities of the Center. Of equal note was Marie’s concerted effort to re-establish communications and rapport with other key organizations within the community and surrounding areas. This included the school system, library, Our Town Players, the City, and Foundry Hall. Efforts along these lines were not always an instant success, but Marie understood the long term possibilities which could eventually benefit many in the community. 

One other thing that has to be mentioned is the less glamorous work Marie did to tighten up the operation of the Center. This ran the gamut from creating or updating office and accounting procedures, to personnel policies. Prior to her arrival, there were numerous deficiencies in these areas. This may not sound of particular importance, but it is in fact the guide on how the entire business is to be operated. Marie did not have the benefit of many of these guides when she took over.

At this juncture, the Board wants to assure members, supporters, and the community that the Center will continue to operate at the current level of excellence. Our President has already met with the staff and has clearly stated the Board’s position on this. The Board is now finalizing the plans for operating the Center on an interim period without a full time Director. These plans will be communicated to you once they are completed.

So while we are reluctant to say “good bye” to Marie, we are also looking forward to building on her outstanding efforts to continue to grow the Center, and to expand the relevancy of the Center to the membership and the entire community. Dana Getman, our board chair says, “I am very happy for Marie that she can pursue her passion and I wish her the best of success.  I have enjoyed working with Marie.  She did a very good job for our organization”

Marie, thank you so much!

SHCA Board of Directors

P.S. Marie’s last official duty will be the reception for the upcoming 2010 Regional Juried Art Exhibit reception to be held between the hours of 5 to 7 pm on Friday, January 22^nd. This would be a wonderful opportunity to not only view the show, but to express to Marie personally your appreciation of all her efforts on our behalf, and to wish her success in her new undertaking.