Re: DISASTER PLAN (One Giant Leap For....)

["R. Dennis Hager" <hager@aredee.com>]

I hope I am not jumping the gun here, but it wouldn't be the first time. 
What the position should be called does matter, but now it is more important 
that the position is created, well-defined and RECOGNIZED for its 
importance, just as Editor, Membership Secretary and Registrar are 
recognized. To be a little more direct, it should be a paid position.

I am told that the AIS finances are abysmal, but so are the finances of many 
businesses, government entities and individuals. In these economic times, 
there are a lot of talented individuals out there looking for work and now 
it the time to create and fill this position. (Actually, it should have 
happened 20 years ago, but it's still not too late.) The long term health of 
the society depends on it. The ideal candidate should have good writing and 
communications skills, as well as a working knowledge of information 
systems. A passion for irises should not be a prerequisite for the position, 
but a passion for quality should. "People skills" would also be at the top 
of the list. (I added that just so none of you would think that I'm looking 
for a job.)

If indeed the AIS Board members were ever to take so brave a step as to 
create, FUND and fill this position, the title that goes with it would be 
part of the pay, just as Wal-Mart has "associates" and every bank seems to 
have more "vice-presidents" than tellers. Although "Operations Director" has 
a nice ring to it, "Executive Director" has an even better one.

I'm not sure which direction this discussion will go, but I hope that it 
goes somewhere. I post this with the full understanding that finances are 
tight and there is risk involved, but I just hope and pray that there are 
enough board members who have the foresight and understanding to see that 
this is about the ultimate survival of the organization.

Back in my little hole.

Dennis Hager




----- Original Message ----- 
From: <MORRISJE1@aol.com>
To: <aisdiscuss@aisboard.org>
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 9:26 PM
Subject: Re: [AISdiscuss] DISASTER PLAN


> In a message dated 9/14/2009 6:28:45 P.M. Central Standard Time,
> ritagormley@yahoo.com writes:
>
> Bob,  Operations Manager sounds like a reasonable thing to do especially 
> the
> part  that Jody outlines.
>
> "Just as an aside we might consider an  ombudsman that could help 
> affiliates
> coordinate with AIS."  We already  have an RVP Respresentative working 
> with
> the
> RVP Counselor for that  function.  But you really already knew  tha!
>
> Rita
>
>
>
> ****************************************************************************
> *********
> Bob,
>
> I agree with Rita that Operations Manager sounds reasonable.
>
> As to an "ombudsman" my experience in both industry and volunteer 
> societies
> is that after appointment there is an initial flurry of complaints brought
> up  with little resolution, followed by benign neglect and the eventual
> fading away  of enthusiasm and any belief in change and then the position 
> dies.
> I have  seen this time and time again even with top management support.
>
> Jim M.
>
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