Strengthening Organizations That Serve Communities
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| CASE STUDY: National Coalition of STD Directors |
| When Don Clark took over as Executive Director of the National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD), he had a pointedly full plate on his hands. At the same time he faced a new staff and board of directors, he also had to oversee NCSD’s main mission: promoting a sound public health approach around issues related to sexually transmitted diseases. Fortunately, Don had Managance by his side. “Putting it simply, working with Managance has been one of the highlights of my career,” Don said. “I breathe easier knowing I can count on them.” Don began counting on Managance soon after he was hired as Executive Director. Together with TransitionGuides – an innovative national consultant collaboration that Managance helped establish – Managance worked with NCSD to help ease the changeover from the former executive director to the new one. Once Don was on the job, Managance was called upon to help NCSD create a post-transition strategic plan, and to work with its Board of Directors on setting achievable future goals. “What sets Managance apart is that they really do their homework,” said Tom Bertrand, who chaired the Board during the transition period. “From her first meeting with our Board, everyone could tell that Denice (Rothman Hinden, Managance’s Founder and President), already knew who we were, and what our issues were.” Don credits Managance’s targeted board exercises - and the knowledgeable but personable approach of its staff - for making Board members feel comfortable with the process. “Denice really wanted to create a process specifically for us,” Don said. “I liken it to a computer program designed just for our needs.” That process paved the way for Don and the Board to focus more on raising national awareness about STD prevention and treatment. Following the strategic planning process Managance was hired to help facilitate the development of Internet guidelines for NCSD-affiliated agencies. The goal is to help these agencies use the power of the Web to communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients and the public. “This project was even more difficult than the strategic plan, because we had a variety of organizations involved,” Don said. “One of our challenges is that, aside from AIDS and HIV, sexually transmitted diseases really aren’t on people’s radars the way they should be. Denice was able to help us effectively communicate the fact that HIV is an STD.” Don said NCSD plans to have an on-going partnership with Managance. “We want Managance to be part of our entire focus as an organization,” Don said. “They’re not just about getting projects completed, although they do that very well. Managance really cares about everything we do now, and want to do in the future. I certainly look forward to working with them in the future.” |
