When maybe "bad" things happen in a nonprofit, what should be and who should tell the "story"? This is the question that arises for me after reading the following (Ohio) bizjournal story about an exec's relatively short tenure as CEO of a nonprofit.
The short of the story is that after only four months in the position, the CEO is no longer in the job. The board's (and yes, this is who I think should tell the story) says that basically the hire wasn't a good fit and they are rethinking what they need while continuing to do service.
Good enough? For sure, the board is taking responsibility and taking control of the message. Smart PR stuff. Are all the questions answered - is there not a feeling of some kind of cloud? Perhaps but does the board really owe more of an explanation? I believe donors in particular will be the judge and who knows, given how savvy this board appears, it is probably taking care of this audience as well. Clouds of course do go away and I am sure the board has learned a lesson they will eagerly apply with their next hire. Maybe it's good enough to know they "cut bait" while the time was best.
After less than four months on the job, Mary Cusick is no longer CEO of The Women's Fund of Central Ohio.
"Mary is a compassionate, committed leader within Central Ohio, and we appreciate all she does on behalf of women, children and families," The Women's Fund said in a statement.
"While we are all disappointed that this relationship wasn’t a fit, we are grateful to Mary and look forward to seeing how she continues to advocate for social change through her ongoing community involvement."
Board members for The Women's Fund said they would not discuss Cusick's exit.
Cusick took over the post in April after Nichole Dunn left to assume the CEO job at Flying Horse Farms, a camp for children with serious illnesses. Cusick began the role there April 30.
The organization is “fiercely committed to igniting social change for gender equality,” according to its website.
Before the Women's Fund, Cusick was the director of TourismOhio. Over four years there, she was credited with helping the tourism industry in Ohio grow into a $43 billion industry.
"During this period of transition, we will operate on parallel tracks – evaluating leadership needs and opportunities for growth, while continuing to do the critical work needed to spark social change for women and girls in Central Ohio," The Women's Fund said in the statement.
Cusick has served on nonprofit boards including South Side Learning and Development Center at Reeb Avenue, Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX), Action for Children, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Development Board, German Village Society and Public Relations Society of America.
She had worked at Bob Evans in various public relations and marketing post for 32 years, including 5½ five years as chief marketing officer before she left in December 2010.
We are seeking comment from Cusick as well.