HomeMy WebLinkAboutURD Interim Admin Memo 11-17-20
TO: Downtown URD Board FR: Chris Naumann DA: November 17, 2020
RE: Interim Administration of the URD
As I continue to transition towards my last day at the Downtown Partnership, one issue that needs to be addressed is the continued administration of the URD during the Executive Director vacancy. I anticipate the vacancy lasting from December 18, 2020 until sometime in March 2021—approximately three months.
Below is a list of the URD functions that need to be carried out during the interim.
• Basic communications regarding URD business (e-mails, phone calls, voicemails)
• Accounts payable processing (review of invoices, staff signature, submittal to COB)
• Board meeting facilitation (preparing materials, coordinating platform, meeting admin)
• Strategic project management (maintaining progress on select implementation)
In my May 6, 2019 memo to the Partnership Management Committee about expanding the DBP’s organizational capacity, I stressed the importance of “success(ion)”: “Having a manager for each organization will create critical “institutional
knowledge” and potential leadership succession when a current director leaves the
organization. Considering the paramount importance of our organization’s role in
shepherding downtown’s evolution, the Partnership needs experienced and
capable employees that are prepared to either assume these roles or maintain basic functions during a leadership transition.”
Over the last year Emily has gained the necessary experience, and she is certainly more than capable, to “maintain basic functions during a leadership transition”. I will be asking the board to consider the following motion for action at URD meeting on
November 24, 2020. RECOMMENDED MOTION: I move to designate Emily Cope, DBP District Manager, as the interim administrator of the Downtown Urban Renewal District until such time that a new DBP Executive Director is in place. Interim administrative roles shall include, but not be limited to,
managing district communications; accounts payable; board meetings; and project
implementation. This designation will be effective December 15, 2020.