Search still on for SPRD executive director

The recently completed search for a new executive director at Sisters Park & Recreation District came up empty.

The preferred candidate, selected by both the board and the citizen committee, received an attractive offer from his current employer when they found out he was considering a position with SPRD - an offer that he couldn't refuse. He notified SPRD he was withdrawing his name from consideration.

Courtney Snead, the current interim executive director, told the board it is important to keep looking to find a person who is the right fit and suggested that now, being holiday time and the end of the year, is not a good time to begin another search.

Snead is able to stay on and continue to implement the transition activities and programs she has undertaken, including getting all of the financial records in good order, and initiating needed maintenance projects on the physical plant and grounds. She is also assisting the board in establishing a retirement plan for all full- and part-time employees.

Finance Manager Kris Harwell, who served for a time as the interim executive after the departure of Liam Hughes, resigned her position effective October 24.

Snead currently serves as a member of the Jefferson County School District 509-J school board. She owns her own consulting business headquartered in Madras, serving as a consultant to businesses and organizations like SPRD that need some reorganization and streamlining.

She thrives on the work of shoring up an organization's policies and procedures. In an earlier interview with The Nugget, Snead said, "I love this stuff." She sees internal controls of finances as crucial to the health of any business. Establishing clear policies and procedures for all employees and human resources-related issues is one of her goals. She is also working with the board to prioritize programs and create a solid cost recovery plan.

SPRD recently succeeded in securing three $5,000 grants, one to assist with rekeying the building, another to go toward scholarships, and a third to help support a new 10-week Friendly Agers Program.

Snead reported to the board that the Senior Health Fair held on October 19 had 18 vendor/participants and 99 attendees. The Happy Girl Run on November 2-3 saw 765 race participants. SPRD was able to make $1,936 on the event through the silent auction, driving a van shuttle for participants, and receiving $1 per participant as the local beneficiary of the event.

"We feel very lucky to have the option of having Courtney stay on," said SPRD Board Chair Jeff Tryens.