In a vote Wednesday, May 26, KCD’s board approved a motion to move forward with a reorganization of district staff. KCD sees this reorganization as necessary to improve the fiscal and structural health of the district and meet our obligations as a public organization.
In February of 2021, KCD brought in Cynthia Setel as Interim Executive Director to review KCD structures and make recommendations on ways to improve the district while a permanent executive director search is undertaken. The board vote is in accordance with one of these recommendations.
Over the last several years, the structure of KCD has developed in a manner that does not match the realities of our funding and the needs of our programming. KCD does not take this decision lightly but believes that it is in the best interest of the long-term health of our organization and of our mission.
The immediate effect of the vote is to abrogate the four existing director-level positions (Director of Strategic Partnerships, Director of Engagement, District Engineer, and Finance Director) at KCD. The individuals in these positions will be kept on for a period to transition their duties. The other elements of the reorganization will be worked out in the coming months.
KCD looks forward to working with staff and their union representatives at WFSE (Washington Federation of State Employees) to develop a smooth transition that will streamline organizational functions and leave KCD in a better position to meet the needs of our cooperators and community.