Message from Mike Watters, Interim President
On Tuesday, January 21, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to implement a reduction in force and eliminate our Executive Director position due to funding. The Board did not take this action lightly; however, we felt it was necessary to sustain our programs and our other full-time time staff member, the Membership and Programs Manager (janine winters).
The Board hired the Executive Director in 2024 with the understanding they would need to meet revenue targets to support their salary. ORPIB’s optimal budget to sustain two full-time positions is $17,750 monthly. Since November 1, 2024, we have brought in just $14,397.04. Although our monthly revenue varies due to membership and sponsor renewal dates, we were at risk of being unable to meet payroll obligations if we did not take immediate action.
I want to thank Michael Jonas for serving as ORPIB’s first-ever Executive Director. During his tenure, we increased memberships and revenue over the prior year. We built foundational structures and processes that will serve the organization into its future. And we expanded our reach into other areas of the state. Michael brought tremendous energy to the role and reestablished important connections throughout the community. It is my goal to maintain this upward trajectory as we enter ORPIB’s next phase. Thank you, Michael, for your service and leadership.
Why was the Executive Director position eliminated?
After assessing the organization’s recent revenue, the Board concluded ORPIB can no longer sustain two full-time positions. When we hired our first full-time staff member in 2023, ORPIB’s highest needs centered around administrative and programmatic functionality. Our Membership and Programs Manager continues to be essential to our ongoing operations.
Who made the decision to eliminate the Executive Director position?
The Board of Directors voted on January 21, 2025, to eliminate the Executive Director position. I notified the Executive Director on January 22, 2025.
What happens now?
In the coming weeks, I will work with janine and our volunteer committees to assess works in progress and next steps for programming. Our incoming Board will do the best we can to connect with our members, sponsors, and community partners to keep the momentum going. Thank you for your grace as we work through this transition. We will do all we can to avoid programming interruptions.
For those attending tonight’s membership meeting, I welcome your questions and feedback. We will have a member Q&A toward the end of the meeting, and the Board will be available to answer any questions you may have.
While this is disappointing news, I am optimistic for ORPIB’s future. I am looking forward to working more with you over the next two years as your President. Together, we can continue on this journey to bring greater economic empowerment and prosperity to our community.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me at president@orpib.com. I look forward to connecting with you.
Mike Watters, Interim President, ORPIB Board of Directors
