Transitions and Succession

By Linda Andron-Ostrow, Director of Programs and Services

I would like to thank everyone who read our last email blast announcing my position change, and mostly to the many people who responded. It really highlights the fact that at FACT, we are a family.

To clarify, I am not retiring but rather transitioning. Transition has many meanings to many people, but what all transitions have in common is change—ideally a change that is gradual and keeps supports in place. The word succession contains the word success. For an agency, and particularly a not-for-profit human services agency, success depends upon a smooth succession of leadership. Again this should be gradual and with all necessary supports in place.

So as I step down from the position of Executive Director, Marc Haupert has taken on the overall direction of the agency at the executive level. The concept of a trained interim executive is fairly new for nonprofits, but it means that someone is simultaneously charged with running the agency and undertaking all the decision making and management tasks of the executive, and at the same time working to get the agency ready for a new permanent full-time executive.

I remain with the agency full time, but now I can concentrate all my efforts on the programs and services that we offer. And they are many and varied. We hope you will stay in touch for all the exciting things that are upcoming including:

– Our Dance-a-Thon in August

– FACTx – an exciting conference that will be “TED–style,” October 14th and 15th

–  Our partnership with the Strindberg Laboratory is renewed, this time, under a grant from the LA County Board of Supervisors through the County Arts Commission. This collaboration is currently being designed, but looks like it will result in a four unit class at West Los Angeles College, which will culminate in public performances in January.

While I am busy directing these and our ongoing programs for children, families, young adults and older adults, Marc will be providing guidance and oversight, while ultimately working with the board on choosing a new executive director to continue our transitioning and our success. I am available to speak with any of you and welcome your emails with questions and ideas.

Success in succession and transitioning takes people with dedication and experience.
Rachel Orlick-Bloom is known to many of you and as Director of Behavioral Health will be at the helm of our school district and behavioral and clinical services. Her years of experience with families and working with school districts will ensure that our high quality of service continues. Jillian van Leuven continues with us as our Director of Operations, built on her 15 years of service to FACT; she makes sure we are operating at the highest standards and business best practice for a not-for-profit, complying with all state and federal regulations.

As FACT transitions and continues to focus on success and succession, along with quality, we are clearly taking a lead position in light of state and federal trends. Marc and the board have clearly reinforced our movement to support and promote self-determination, inclusion and a focus on gainful employment for our clients.

We appreciate all your support and look forward to your continuing with us on this journey.