In December, Sid Rutland, our Camp Manager, submitted a letter of resignation. In February, a search committee, of over a dozen people, was formed to do an exit interview, revise the job description and design a search process. Then, a smaller group consisting of Mark Watkins, Bob Gleason, Belinda Amend, Loy Hoskins, Laurie Lewis, Larry Ross, and Ken Marston worked to advertise the position, interview the candidates, and make an offer to the best qualified.
We received about 40 applications. Initial examination narrowed the pool to 10. Then, after some thought and prayer, the team settled on four candidates. These remaining candidates had post graduate education, and significant experience in the three main areas we were assessing:
- Their knowledge and ability to maintain and repair facilities and equipment
- An understanding and vision for the type of essential regional programing and events
- Knowledge and vision for how to promote use of the camp so that the camp becomes self-sustaining.
Among the four that remained: two had degrees from Texas Christian University and the other two from other institutions of higher learning; two were male, two were female.
One had significant experience and skills and marketing but was not as strong in maintenance or programing use of facilities. One had significant experience as a camp manager, but there was at least a 10-year gap between that experience and the present. Another also had extensive knowledge and experience in the maintenance of buildings, and some knowledge about marketing and programing, but had changed jobs every year or two for the past 20 years.
The fourth candidate was Rev. Olivia See. While the other candidates had strengths in one of the three assessed areas, Olivia was the most balanced of the candidates and brings to the work of camp manger the perspective ministry we felt would enhance the work of the region for the future. The interview team is excited about how Oliva will help us adapt to the new reality of camp ministry and regional life.