FYI - Below are my latest exchange of email with Ms. Heart Communications Chair, for the BFW board. As you might guess, no substantive information is forthcoming from the board.
Pam Reverse chronological order. ++++++Februrary 2nd+++++++ Ms. Heart, You obviously did not read my email very well. At no time did I ask you to divulge the details of the "confidential personnel issues" surrounding the executive director's termination. At the heart of the issue is that the executive committee acted irresponsibly and with a lack of forethought. 1) They did not inform the full board of their intentions to terminate the executive director prior to, the termination. 2) They did not afford the executive director the proper notice and severance for loyal service rendered. 3) They did not develop a plan for informing the membership and media of their decision. 4) They had no strategic plan for dealing with the interim staffing crisis that would result following the termination (they are lucky that Chuck and Jack agreed to step up). 5) They subsequently released misguiding information that cited a "new vision" as the reason for the executive director's termination. The board clearly does not have the will to address these issues with its membership. Sincerely, Pam Barrett BFW Member/Volunteer +++++++February 1st++++++ Dear Ms. Barrett, I have been in your place in the past, and I genuinely understand your frustration. However, it is unethical for the BFW board to discuss confidential personnel issues. The executive committee, with the support of the full board, made a difficult decision. I want to assure you that the decision to part company with the executive director involved a great deal of thought and consideration for the long-term viability of the BFW organization. BFWs board of directors mirrors its membership. Board members are talented and committed volunteers representing various cycling interests from around the state. Board members are respected members of their communities with broad interests in bicycling including commuting, recreational riding and owning bicycling-related businesses. In addition, board members bring professional talents representing financial, human resources, legal and public relations disciplines. The Board of Directors is working swiftly and thoughtfully to fill the vacant executive director position. In the interim, we are working with the Madison and Milwaukee staff, and are confident in our ability to make this staffing transition. In the past the board has strived for transparency, but it can always do better. We plan to build our communication with membership by sharing the annual report and other communications as they become available. In addition, the BFW will continue its efforts to communicate thoroughly with members and other interested constituents via newsletters, email alerts, and the website. The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin appreciates your past support and volunteer commitment. It is my hope that together we will continue to make Wisconsin a better place to bicycle. Sincerely, Amy Heart Mountain Biker / Commuter Stevens Point, WI ++++++++++January 30th++++++++ Ms. Heart: Reference your press release of January 29, 2007, exactly how has the BFW board renewed its focus on education, advocacy and coordination of bicycle interests across the state? In a brief communication released by, Chuck Strawser, on January 24, 2007 (as approved by your board president), you cite "a vision for a new direction for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin." A direction that could not be fully realized with the current leadership. This leads me to believe that a new vision/direction has already been formulated. After all, how could you possibly know the current leadership would be unable to adapt to the change in vision/direction had you not formulated that vision? To take it one step further, why would you fire the Executive Director (with no notice) without consideration to establishing the new vision/direction first? Your press release does not identify any changes in the vision/direction of the BFW. It simply restates the BFW's ongoing mission. In other words, your press release says nothing. How does keeping the new vision/direction of the BFW a secret benefit cycling in Wisconsin? We don't need town hall meetings. We need clear direct communication. We need leadership with integrity. Yes, there is a lack of leadership at the BFW. But that lack of leadership originates from the BFW board, not the staff. I again call for the immediate resignation of the four member executive committee so that the BFW may move forward, in a positive direction, promoting cycling education and advocacy throughout our state. I look forward to receiving your reply. Sincerely, Pam Barrett BFW member and volunteer _______________________________________________ Bikies mailing list [email protected] http://www.danenet.org/mailman/listinfo/bikies
