United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Board of ...

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Attendance
Board: Julio Conception; Bill Dowling; Rob Earley; Otto Eichmann; Angela Kahrmann; Gary
Kozak; Shawn Maynard; Kola Olofinboba; James O’Meara; Karen Prendergast; Wayne Rawlins;
Joseph Savage; Jack Soos; Luis Taveras; Lyn Walker; and, Jennifer White
Staff: Susan Dunn; Jennifer Gifford; Paula Gilberto; Tom Glynn; Tomeka Martin; Lindsey
Niarhakos; Matt Riley; Kim Russo; and, Laura Schmelter
Community Investment Staff Guests: Liz Buczynski; Melissa Camacho; Ben Shaiken; Aviva
Vincent; Jennifer Pettit; and, Marisa Lee-Vaught
Call to Order
Wayne Rawlins called the meeting to order and introduced new Board members in attendance:
Angela Kahrmann from ING and Kola Olofinboba from Fairview Capital.
Wayne also introduced Joseph Savage from Webster Bank who has agreed to serve as the
2013 Campaign Chair. Joe noted the importance of the campaign, his personal commitment
and that of Webster Bank.
Wayne also introduced the Community Investment department staff who were attending the
Board meeting as the fiscal 2014 recommendations were being presented later in the meeting.
Action Items
Consent Agenda
Wayne noted that the Consent Agenda represents items that are considered routine and noncontroversial.
He asked if there were any items on the Consent Agenda that needed to be
moved to the regular agenda for discussion.
Hearing none, he asked for a motion to accept the Consent Agenda as presented which
included: the Minutes for the April 24, 2013 Meeting; Committee Membership Update; Partner
Agency Audit Update; Recommendation from Changing Community Conditions; Regional
Advisory Board Community Investment; and, the Financial Report as of April 30, 2013.
Motion was made by Lyn Walker to accept the Consent Agenda as presented; seconded by
Karen Prendergast; and, unanimously approved. (Rob Earley was not present for the vote.)
Funds Under Volunteer Management: Community Investment Funding Recommendations
Jennifer White, chair of the Community Investment Operations Committee, provided
introductory comments on fiscal 2014 Funding Recommendations and asked Kim Russo,
director of Community Investment to review the recommendations in greater detail.
Kim shared that the funding recommendations were guided by the 2009 multi-year goals
approved by the Board of Directors. Kim noted that information on the goals had been shared at
a prior Board meeting and at the recent Board Retreat. In addition, detailed information on the
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Operations Committee’s recommendations had been shared with the Board prior to today’s
meeting.
Based on the multi-year goals and available Community Investment resources, the Operations
Committee recommends that programs, services and initiations in Education receive 43% of
total funds available, Financial Security (Income) 14% and Basic Needs (formerly called Safety
Net) 43%.
Kim noted that the amount directed toward Education is increased from last year, in part, due to
expanding investments to further support Hartford Community Schools. The amount directed
toward Financial Security is decreased from 25% to 14% due to dissolution of a one agency and
rebalancing investments to focus on access to income supports and employment. Kim also
noted that: five agencies will be phased out as partners due to performance and/or alignment.
Two agencies closed during the year and The Village for Families and Children was selected to
manage the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Wayne Rawlins reminded Board members that if they serve on a Board of a partner agency
they must abstain from voting on the fiscal 2014 funding recommendations.
Motion was made by Shawn Maynard to approve the Community Investment funding
recommendations as presented by the Community Investment Operations Committee for fiscal
2014; seconded by Bill Dowling; and, unanimously approved. (Note Rob Earley was not present
for the vote; there were no abstentions.)
Wayne also thanked the Community Investment staff for their work in supporting community
change and then excused them from the meeting.
Fiscal 2014 Operational and Capital Funding
Susan presented the Operating Plan and Funding Proposal for fiscal 2014. She noted that the
2014 plan has been reviewed and approved by both the Finance and Executive committees.
The operating deficit for fiscal 2013 has improved from $593,000 projected at the April Board
meeting to the current projection of $266,000. This improvement resulted from better than
expected results for donor designations from the 2012 campaign and the use of $200,000 in
previously allocated but undistributed Community Investment funds to help offset this year’s
awards.
The fiscal 2014 plan reflects $25,500,000 in campaign funds raised, operating expenses of
$5,400,000, Community Investment awards of $8,000,000, and an operating deficit of $676,000.
Susan reviewed the operating expenses of the organization for the past several years pointing
out that the plan for 2014 is still below the spending level from 2009. The plan reflects a 3.3%
increase in spending compared to 2013. This is primarily because of lower than projected salary
expense due to several open positions throughout fiscal year 2013.
Susan then presented our spending policy, which represents amounts which may be withdrawn
from our reserves to help support operations. By formula we could withdraw $656,000, however
the proposal is to remain consistent with prior years at $400,000.
Next Susan presented the proposed Capital Spending Plan for fiscal 2014. This proposal totals
$92,000, $52,000 of which is earmarked for security upgrades to the building.
Finally Susan presented the proposal for administrative fees on designated gifts. By United Way
Worldwide guidelines we would be permitted to charge up to 14.36%. However the proposal is
to keep this unchanged at 10% capped at $100 per designated gift.
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Motion was made by Lyn Walker to approve the fiscal 2014 Operational Plan and Funding
Proposal totaling a net $5,423,712 and inclusive of: Spending Policy withdrawal from
unrestricted investments of $400,000, Capital Expenditure plan of $92,000; and Administrative
fees on donor-directed gifts of 10% capped at $100 per designated gift; seconded by Luis
Taveras; and, unanimously approved.
Approval of Agreement with Community Health Charities
Wayne reminded the Board that at its April meeting Susan Dunn had shared that an Ad Hoc
Committee, chaired by Natalie Morris, had been working for the past year to redefine our
relationship with Community Health Charities of New England (CHCNE) in light of a much
changed environment and United Way business model.
Wayne noted that a new agreement had been reached and that the proposed agreement and
background information had been shared prior to the meeting. Wayne added that if both boards
of directors approve the agreement at their respective June meetings it would be effective as of
July 1, 2013.
Wayne summarized the highlights of the agreement noting that it reduces the percentage share
that CHCNE receives through the annual fall campaign to reflect donor choice for its member
charities; that we are still partners in the workforce campaign in our 40-town region; and, that
the CHCNE logo would be included on the pledge form and brochure.
Gary Kozak, president and CEO of CHCNE described the agreement as a ‘win-win’ for both
organizations.
Motion was made by Otto Eichmann to approve the agreement between United Way, Inc. (dba
United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut) and Community Health Charities of New
England effective July 1, 2013; seconded by Bill Dowling; and, unanimously approved.
Nominating and Governance: United Way Worldwide Membership Certification
Shawn Maynard, chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, shared that the Board is
asked annually to review and approve the United Way Worldwide Membership Certification
form. He added that the 2013 Membership Certification, which was shared with the Board prior
to the meeting, was approved at the June 13, 2013 Nominating and Governance Committee
meeting.
Shawn also noted that two new questions have been added to the survey this year:
Requirement E relates to agreeing to purchase promotional products bearing the trademark of
United Way only from vendors licensed by United Way Worldwide and Requirement I relates to
conducting and submitting to United Way Worldwide, a self-assessment of community impact
work, financial management and organizational governance and decision making. Shawn noted
that we responded ‘yes’ to both new requirements.
Motion was made by Shawn Maynard to approve the United Way Worldwide 2013 Membership
Certification; seconded by Karen Prendergast; and, unanimously approved.
Shawn also asked Board members to complete and return a demographic/diversity form adding
that the results will be presented at the September meeting. This is part of the Nominating and
Governance Committee’s commitment to the organization to recruit candidates for the board
that reflect the diversity of our community.
Community Goals
Wayne reminded the Board of the five-year community goals developed in 2008 and approved
in 2009. He noted that staff had shared information at the April meeting and at the Board
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Retreat on June 14, 2013, recommending an affirmation of the community goals with
refinements to reflect our region, what we have learned as a result of participating in United
Way Worldwide Mobilization Groups as well as further alignment with the United Way
Worldwide network. Members received a handout that included United Way’s Mission and
Vision along with a restatement of Community Goals which included, in priority order:
Education – Children graduate from high school college and career ready; Financial Security -
Families are financially secure; Health - Individuals have access to health care; and, Basic
Needs - Individuals and families have basic supports.
Motion was made by Jim O’Meara to approve the Community Goals as set forth in the
document Community Goals in Priority Order; seconded by Shawn Maynard; and, unanimously
approved.
Informational Items
Community Engagement Update
Jack Soos, a member of the Community Engagement Committee, reported on behalf of Michael
Goldbas, chair. Jack referred to information at each place about various community
engagement opportunities. He summarized United Way Worldwide Day of Action activities on
June 21, 2013, and noted that our United Way is focusing on recruiting volunteer tax preparers
as well as volunteer readers. Jack shared that training for the Summer Volunteer Reading
program was scheduled for June 27, 2013, with the program itself scheduled from July 8 th to
August 9 th .
Board Retreat Review
Wayne thanked those who attended the Board Retreat on June 14, 2013, and shared the
highlights which included discussion of setting community level goals and support for increasing
the rate at which we are investing our resources (dollars and staff and volunteer time) to be
more in alignment with our goals. Wayne also shared that further discussion is also needed in
how we spend our Community Investments in the area of safety net services or ‘basic needs.’
He invited attending members to share their feedback. Board members complimented staff on
the quality of the presentation; one Board member asked that the record reflect the contribution
of Jen Gifford, director of Community Engagement, and Kim Russo, noting the quality of their
work and their professional development.
Wayne noted that one of the Retreat’s action items was accomplished earlier in the Board
meeting (voting on Community Goals). Other action items include a request for a list of the top
18 to 30 workforce campaigns with dollars raised and percent of resources under management
(at each Board member’s place) and a breakdown of how Community Investment dollars are
currently being spent in the safety net area (provided to the Board in advance of the meeting as
part of the fiscal 2014 funding recommendations.)
Staff will now begin the planning process for how we move forward on achieving our community
level goals as an organization. There will be an opportunity for Board participation in the
process.
President’s Update
Susan asked the Board to reflect on the significant decisions made at this Board meeting:
approval of Community Goals; a new agreement with Community Health Charities of New
England; and, the fiscal 2014 funding recommendations. She added that it takes courage to
make tough decisions.
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She noted that Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra shared with her how proud he is that Hartford
Community Schools received a national award. United Way, the City of Hartford, Hartford Public
Schools and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving collaborated on the establishment of
community schools, an element of the school district’s education reform agenda. Susan added
that Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford also received a national award. United
Way led the establishment of Workforce Solutions.
Susan added that the second annual Power of the Purse event was attended by more than 800
guests and raised $180,000 to support United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s family
financial centers at two of Hartford’s community schools.
She also noted that United Way is searching for a Director of Marketing Communications and to
urge qualified candidates to apply.
Susan noted that the United Way Campaign is off to a good start with Joe Savage as the chair,
adding that his personal remarks at the Jumpstart coordinator training energized participants.
She added that Joe will be formally announced as the Campaign Chair at the Metro Hartford
Alliance Rising Star Breakfast on July 23 rd . Susan added that Stacey Stewart, president, United
Way Worldwide U.S.A. is the featured speaker and will focus her remarks on family financial
stability.
Susan closed with urging members to complete and return the Code of Ethics and Conflicts of
Interest Policy questionnaire as well as the demographic/diversity form.
Other Business
Wayne urged members to attend the Rising Star Breakfast. He added that United Way will host
a reception for community and corporate leaders immediately following the event. Wayne added
that this is the third year United Way has partnered with the MetroHartford Alliance on a Rising
Star Breakfast.
Wayne then introduced United Way’s new promotional video highlighting Community
Investment.
Adjournment
Motion made by James O’Meara to adjourn the meeting; seconded by and Luis Taveras; and,
unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted by:
Susan B. Dunn
Secretary of the Board of Directors
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