New
Management Structure Focuses on Next Level Services
By Mark Peterson, President/CEO
Regular readers of
Changing Lives are accustomed to learning about changes at LSS. Like other
organizations, LSS is in a continuous state of change, reflecting what is
happening in the economic, social and governmental environments.
Enhancements to our organization and the services we offer are designed to
make our mission more effective.
This summer, we have
made some significant changes to our executive management structure, which
are intended to help us reach the "next level," by setting new standards
for Minnesota's largest statewide social service organization. Part of
this strategy includes an efficient standardization of processes and
systems so that more time and resources can be directed toward helping
people, with less resources being applied toward administrative tasks.
Further, we are also more sharply focusing on further integration of LSS
services so that access to care is improved as we gain greater
efficiencies.
To foster greater
integration within LSS, all services will be led by Bob York, Vice
President and Chief Service Officer. Bob, formerly Vice President of the
Community Services Division of LSS, will be assisted by two Associate Vice
Presidents, Jeri Schoonover and Bill Vanderwall. This leadership team will
work to assure that our services are as integrated as possible, and that
the various service lines share as many common practices as appropriate.
I am delighted that Jeri
and Bill, both long-time LSS Directors, have accepted their new positions
and new responsibilities. They are extremely gifted and energetic. Their
extensive experience in a broad range of social services will help develop
integration of services for children, families, seniors and persons with
disabilities of all ages. Accompanying these management changes is a
renewed commitment within LSS for developing the skills of our
considerably gifted staff.
There are a number of
other changes being made within our lines of service. Many of these
changes, frankly, are being made to respond to the continued failure of
the State of Minnesota to pay for the cost of care. So, we're tightening
up. On a going forward basis, we will be seeking restoration of the
substantial reductions in State government commitment to care for the
vulnerable. Your support and encouragement for that will be very
important, indeed!
To express the love of
Christ for all people through acts of service requires that we be as
nimble and efficient as possible. The more people we are able to serve
with dignity, safety and hope, the more grace we are able to demonstrate
in the world.
