A newsletter for alumni, students, parents and friends.

USCA Executive Director: the search is on!

By Sandi Garcia

Transition Committee Chair

The last time the USCA hired for its top position, the internet did not exist. Since then, some of our houses have come and gone, our property values have escalated, and the term “seismic retrofit” has worked its way into our everyday conversations. The world, both inside the co-ops and beyond, has changed dramatically.

This is the challenge that faced the USCA’s Transition Committee (comprised of alumni, staff and members) when it formed last Spring. How to begin searching for a new top-dog when we haven’t had a major overhaul in over three decades? Where do we start?

After more than six months of work, TransCom has completed its assessment of what the role of the USCA’s new leader should be. With the help of CompassPoint (a non-profit consulting firm from San Francisco), we’ve decided that it is time for the USCA to make a change. The new Executive Director position is similar in many ways to the “General Manager” job, but has a stronger emphasis on visioning, long-term strategic planning and development.

Now the search is on! In addition to a strong network put together by CompassPoint, alumni, Cal Jobs and NASCO are helping to distribute the announcement.

While resumes are solicited, TransCom is now working on some interim office redesign to make our central level run more smoothly. The deadline for resume submission is November 30, and we hope to have the Executive Director in place by the end of January 2007.