Tom White announced to the MSBO Board some time ago his decision to retire in 2009 to pursue other personal and professional interests. On behalf of your MSBO Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that David Martell has been selected to be the successor to Tom White as the Executive Director for MSBO. This decision is the culmination of considerable time and effort by the MSBO Board over the last year.
A special succession committee was formed last summer with the current MSBO executive board along with three immediate MSBO past presidents. The succession committee collected information from the current board to determine critical Executive Director characteristics. The committee also interviewed MSBO staff members for their input. The targeted MSBO executive director characteristics were determined to be:
- Knowledge of Michigan school business issues including the challenges faced by small and large districts, rural, suburban and urban districts, and K-12 and Intermediate School Districts.
- Demonstrated understanding of how the educational “system” works in Michigan and Lansing. This would include state agencies, educational associations, the MEA and the media.
- Communication skills that prepare the individual to communicate in writing and verbally on behalf of MSBO and its membership. The ability to communicate and serve as spokesperson on school finance and business issues as well as with membership from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience working in an association recognizing that associations operate differently than school districts.
- A visionary thinker capable of maintaining a long-term perspective in the face of complex short-term challenges. This includes demonstrated decision-making ability.
The MSBO board then spent much time throughout the fall of 2007 working through the succession committee recommendations. Considerable time was spent to determine the best course of action for the association for the future.
An independent consultant was utilized to analyze the skills and personality traits of the candidates. Following this evaluation an intensive interview process was developed. Interviews included a visionary presentation by the candidates.
It has been very interesting and challenging to work through the process of selecting a new Executive Director. While it will be difficult to say good-bye to Tom, a visionary and charismatic leader who has advanced our organization in so many positive ways, the MSBO Board is excited to welcome David Martell to this new position. We are confident that he will successfully propel us into the future and continue the legacy of excellence that Tom and his predecessors have established! I would like to thank the board for their efforts through this process, and the MSBO staff for their input. As school business officials, we face challenging times. And while no two leaders are the same, David has demonstrated his passion and expertise for education during his tenure with schools and with MSBO specifically. Please join our board in welcoming David to this new and exciting chapter in his career. We are in good hands!