SPOTLIGHT

Highlights

Guest Speaker: Candidate for U.S. Senate Cheri Beasley

Won Primary Democratic nominee for US Senate with EMPAC's endorsement

ƒ Beasley has been a SEANC member since 2003 and said she joined because it was "the best decision for me and my family."

ƒ Beasley commented that her opponent's supporters began running attack ads against her before the primary ended, which indicated that they knew she could win.

ƒ "When we stand united we win. I’ve been in tough fights before. I didn't back down then and I won’t back down now."

Guest Speaker: DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley

DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley visited the board meeting to receive his 2020 Unsung Hero Award for his efforts to keep employees informed and safe during COVID-19.

ƒ He thanked SEANC for its partnership with DHHS during the pandemic.

» At the time he was the deputy secretary in charge of DSOF facilities. He came to SEANC for help reaching out to members.

» Partnered with SEANC to push for hazard pay.

» Pushed tough issues/conversations with the legislature and training.

ƒ Kinsley also talked about the state of DHHS at the moment. The department is experiencing an unusually high vacancy rate and is having trouble hiring new workers. "We have got to invest in our staff," he said.

SRS Consulting Presentation Kim Westbrook Strach,

kwstrach@srsconsultingservices.com

ƒ SEANC has contracted with SRS Consulting to tackle major issues with our IT systems as well as the organization as a whole.

ƒ SRS will be looking into every aspect of the association to make sure we are in compliance with regulations and to offer suggestions on ways to improve at every level districts, committees, staff and membership.

ƒ Ultimate Goal: Efficient train, executive leadership making good decisions, and prospering and growing membership.

ƒ Currently, sorting out and refining payment processes and issues resulting from our change to a new database management system is the top priority. We are hopeful that an IT strategy currently being implemented will be effective at speeding up processing of reconciling payments and decrease headaches for members.

ƒ SRS is requesting copies of various district financial documents from Oct 1, 2020 - Dec 31, 2021. Send the documents to Accounting Specialist Michael Norris at mnorris@seanc.org no later than Fri., May 27. Kim Westbrook Strach will be sending emails and visiting the districts as a part of the information gathering process.