Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services makes leadership change permanent

CEO Ray Gadd with new board chair Barbara Sterensis. Ray Gadd, interim CEO of Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services since Oct. 27, 2009, was named permanent CEO of the Clearwater-based agency as of May 10.

“The signing of his contract is only one of many positive changes for the agency,” said newly-elected Board Chair Barbara Sterensis.

The new board of directors took office effective May 11.

Gadd became interim CEO in the wake of a state investigation and allegations of financial mismanagement in a small portion of one state program managed by Gulf Coast, loss of a $1.2 million grant, and the resignation and death of longtime CEO Michael Bernstein.

As a traditional Jewish family service in Pinellas and Pasco Counties, Gulf Coast is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties. Its far larger, non-sectarian Gulf Coast Community Care social service division operates in Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough and elsewhere around the state, receiving funding primarily through governmental and non-governmental grants.

Gadd is a former assistant school superintendent with 28 years administrative experience in the Pasco County school system.

Since Gadd was hired as interim CEO, a major restructuring has been under way at the agency.

“All these changes are designed to insure the ultimate efficiency of the agency while at the same time maintaining the excellent client services for those in need,” said Gadd, a Land O’ Lakes resident.

In recent months, new by-laws were written and approved by the board of directors. “The goal here was to empower board members to become working partners with the CEO and to be accountable for what happens at the agency,” Gadd said.

Other key changes include:

• Reduction in the number serving on the board of directors (maximum of 17). There were 30 members on the immediate past board, some of whom rarely attended meetings. An Advisory Committee of Tampa and Pinellas County Jewish leaders and businessmen, former eight months ago, remains in position.

• Creation of working committees whose chairs oversee specific areas of the agency in partnership with senior management.

• Elimination of the six-member executive committee. Governance issues will be determined by the entire board.

After several months of research and preparation, the board of directors developed a strategic plan identifying “SMART Goals” for the coming several years. In recent months, the agency has been focusing on financial restructuring and tightening of controls.

Carla Washinko, hired as CFO in November, said many of the internal control systems have been redesigned for the “ultimate efficiency in the agency… by streamlining the systems we are able to be more accountable, eff icient and better steward of our funders’ investments.”

Washinko also said restructuring also has included several new technology programs that move the agency closer to a paperless system for both client and employee materials. “We are saving over 300,000 sheets of paper by converting to electronic payroll,” she said.

Another key initiative incorporated in the past several months — has been the focus on employee job satisfaction and the reduction of turnover, according to Gadd.

Activities such as an employee survey and town hall meetings with the more than 600 employees have identified areas where improvements can be made, he said.

“Our hope is to reduce turnover signif icantly, thereby reducing costs and maintaining the continuity of care for our clients,” said Gadd.

In addition to the hiring of Washinko as CFO, in the past eight months other senior management additions have included the hiring of Cathy Gardner of Tampa as director of Marketing and Development, and a Quality Improvement officer. Gardner’s position combined two previously vacant positions.

The role of Quality Improvement (QI) officer has been filled by Tara Scalise. She comes to the agency from the quality assurance field specializing in providing social services for children.

Rounding out the Senior Management Team is Rochelle Tatrai- Ray, the only team member with tenure with the agency. Tatrai-Ray has been with Gulf Coast JFS for over seven years as the Chief Operating Officer.

Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services’ headquarters is located at 13041 Icot Blvd., Clearwater 33760. For more information, go online to www.gcjfs.org, or call (727) 479-1800.