Elimination of the Development Supervisor position at the Largo Cultural Center – Sent to Largo Mayor and CommissionersI am writing to share with you my concern regarding the potential elimination of the position of development supervisor at the Largo Cultural Center. Joan Byrne has given the individual in this position notice that the position is being eliminated and though John Sanguinett, has done a creditable job for the short time he has been in this position, my concern is more about the position than the person. Until approximately six months ago this position was a full time position. At that time, due to the economic crisis we are all living in currently the positions of Development Supervisor and Volunteer Supervisor were combined, decreasing the number of hours the person charged with bringing donations and sponsorships into the Cultural Center had to commit to this endeavor. In the future, the elimination of this position means that there will be no position dedicated to bringing in sponsorships or donations and that the remaining staff will have to fulfill this responsibility as time permits. Again, due to the economic times we live in, many individuals are fulfilling broader responsibilities than normal and I question how much time any of them will have to take on development responsibilities as well. Development Specialists raise money by establishing rapport with individuals and businesses over time. Their success is the result of the relationships they build over time. Though I have only been involved with the Largo Cultural Center on a volunteer basis as a board member and now president of the board for 2 ½ years, I have been told that the center has had several development specialists over the last eight years or so. Some have resigned, others have been terminated. None has been in the position for two years or more. It is no wonder that none has been successful at raising the dollars you may be looking for from such a professional as none has had the opportunity for one reason or another to put enough time in the position to make it a success. The last development supervisor resigned just as she was beginning to have results from her efforts when the position of Volunteer Supervisor and Development Supervisor were combined. Now John Sanguinett has assumed the combined responsibilities and has in his short tenure brought in a ticket back sponsor, a hospitality sponsorship for performers and renewed an agreement to provide lodging for performers with a local hotel. Additionally he has secured an in kind hospitality sponsorship related to children’s performances. I understand that decreasing staff due to budget constraints is necessary. I am requesting that you look at all the positions at the Largo Cultural Center before eliminating the Development Supervisor position and consider combining or eliminating one or another of those. My recommendation is to combine the Box Office Supervisor and Office Supervisor positions and keep the Development Supervisor position so that the individual in that position could concentrate on raising funds for the Largo Cultural Center. Thank you for taking the time to read my recommendation, I would be happy to meet with any one of you to discuss the need to maintain the Development Supervisor position at your convenience. - Judy Hall
|