Financial Task Force, March 7, 2007
Special Financial Task Force Named
As I reported recently, our seminary faces a serious financial challenge, representing problems that have developed over a period of several years. When our Board met with Dr. Curt Bechler in retreat, they issued this charge: "Recognizing the seriousness of the current financial situation, the Trustees empower the President, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board, to create a governance task force to prepare a thorough plan to respond to the situation."
The stated goals of this group are:
To identify critical components of the financial situation
To analyze alternatives for cost reduction and income generation
To recommend a strategic plan to the President and Board of Trustees to address the current financial crisis and give direction for future stabilization and growth.
This task force is accountable to, receives direction from, and presents recommendations to the president and Board of Trustees. The President makes all "final" decisions with counsel from the Board of Trustees.
Members of the Task Force:
J. Ellsworth Kalas, President
Jim Smith, Chairperson, Board of Trustees
Bill Arnold, Provost
Randy Birdwell, Finance Committee Chair, Board of Trustees
Bryan Blankenship, Acting Vice-president of Finance
Steve Harper, Vice-president, Florida campus
Dan Johnson, Vice-chair, Board of Trustees
In addition, the Task force will seek counsel, as needed, from stated persons with specialized knowledge, as follows: Janelle Vernon, Larry Brooks, Ken Boyd, Robert Mulholland, Deb Rice, Mike Rynkiewich, Shawn Smith, Bill Tillmann
The task force is already hard at work. I am greatly encouraged by the spirit and skills of the group. I feel that we are moving with strength, and with vision that will not only see us through the present crisis but that will provide a more substantial foundation on which to build our future.
We are grateful for your trust and your prayers.
J. Ellsworth Kalas
President