Subject: USGLC Board Update
From: "Liz.Schrayer" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:07:12 -0400

To:       USGLC Board of Directors
From:   Liz Schrayer, President
Re:       Personnel Update
Date:   October 15, 2014

I am finally back at work full-time and I want to thank you for your kind notes and support while I was out of the office.  My husband is doing well, and while he still has a few long months of treatment ahead of him, the doctors anticipate a full recovery.  We feel very fortunate and I am particularly touched by the incredible support of the Board and the amazing leadership of my USGLC colleagues who stepped in during my absence and led the organization with great strength and skill.

I have already been on the road, and I am pleased to report that the USGLC is strong and vibrant around the country. In the past three weeks we have held major events in Atlanta with Senator Isakson, in Arizona with Senator McCain, and in New Hampshire yesterday with Senator Ayotte.  These events were all superb and I will send you a brief update under a separate email about each of them.

This note is to update you on a few quick personnel issues.

w  New Public Affairs Department & Director.   In order to maximize the power of our Communications and Program teams, I have combined these two divisions into one new department, renamed as the Public Affairs Department. The current staff is thrilled with the synergy and opportunities this merger has and will create.   The department will be led by our new Public Affairs Director, Lynne Weil who replaces Richard Parker.  I have known Lynne for some time and I am thrilled she will be taking on this exciting new vision and task. Lynne, a former journalist, is fabulous and has worked for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, USAID, the State Department and most recently at the Broadcasting Board of Governors as their Director of Communications and External Affairs.  Lynne will be on board by mid-November and you can read the full press release here.

w  Executive Director Search. As you know, Korn Ferry is supporting our effort in vetting candidates.  Beginning this week, I will be interviewing several candidates and I am hopeful to have someone on board by the end of the year.  As a reminder, the new Executive Director who will serve as the day-to-day manager of the organization, allowing me to spend more time on overall strategy, fundraising and public outreach.  I will keep you posted as this search continues.

w  Beth Boyd to take Leave.  Unfortunately, Beth's health issues have continued for a major part of this year. With her physician's advice, she has decided to take an extended leave of absence for her recovery.  I am currently interviewing candidates to fill her prior position overseeing our Development, Finance, and Administrative operations and I am hopeful she will be able to return later this year as my Chief of Staff.

w  Other Gates-Funded Hires. We are on-track in expanding our field and communications teams funded by the new Gates grant.  We have just hired an exciting new Veterans Outreach Director and Outreach Associate, and are about to make several offers for other positions.

In a small organization, adding 30% new staff can be transformational, but also challenging.  I have put a great deal of thought and care into this process, starting with a focus on rebuilding the Field staff and now redesigning our Public Affairs operation.  So far the feedback has been extremely positive, with new energy and enthusiasm across the staff.

There is more to come, and as I rollout these changes, I am confident we will end the year with an even more empowered and talented team of professionals to tackle the growing challenges facing the USGLC.  Keep sending me your candidates for positions at all levels!