Impact: Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank
Organization Overview
The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank is committed to providing quality food, hygiene items, emergency supplies, and resource referrals to anyone in need in their service area. IFCB has a special emphasis on healthy foods and works hard to get fresh, local produce into the homes of customers.
Founded as a 501c3 in 1982 and built by a dedicated group of volunteers serving what was then rural east King County as Issaquah Valley Community Services, IFCB is a vital link to families and individuals navigating food insecurity.
The Challenge
Prior to their work with Valtas Group, IFCB had been led for 11 years by an executive director who had been mentored and supported by the organization’s founder.
- Long Term Leadership Transition – After 11 years as Executive Director of Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank, Cori Benson, stepped down from her role, leaving big shoes to fill.
- Post Pandemic Critical Services – IFCB offered essential services through the pandemic, and demand remained high as the community returned to work and school in 2022.
- Staff and Board Continuity – Staff and board retention was a key area of focus to maintain connections with community partners, donors and customers.
- Strategic Planning – The organization was on the cusp of developing a new strategic plan, faced with major questions related to the organization’s physical location and which programs to prioritize coming out of the pandemic.
Our Approach
Navigating long term leadership transitions can be particularly challenging, but the Valtas team has deep knowledge and background supporting these unique transitions. Laura Skelton stepped into her role as Interim Executive Director, bringing a hands on approach and deep sense of connection to the mission. She stabilized both board and staff, led planning efforts, and brought back dormant fundraising activities including the community’s annual Turkey Trot.
Assessment
All Valtas interim assignments begin with an organizational assessment. Long term leadership transitions present a unique opportunity for a fresh perspective on organizational systems, processes, people and overall health to establish best practices.
Interim Leadership
Laura Skelton stepped into an Interim ED role following the quick departure of the long term ED, guiding the organization through a yearlong transition that focused deeply on building organizational resilience and systems for the next leader.
Search
Following the completion of the assessment and stabilizing the organizational systems, the Valtas search team stepped in to conduct a full and comprehensive leadership search for the next Executive Director.
The Outcome
The IFCB board selected Valtas due to deep connections in the community, expertise in navigating long term transitions and the strong and compassionate leadership of the consultant selected to serve as Interim ED, Laura Skelton.
Operational Improvements
Laura’s deep experience as an Executive Director and consultant proved invaluable as she worked closely with the board and staff to improve operational systems, and ensure ideal staffing levels at IFCB. Her work smoothed the pathway for the search and arrival of a new leader.
Strategy and Governance Support
IFCB has always been led by a committed group of community members who are deeply connected to the work. Laura’s work helped support the investment in stronger governance best practices, allowing the board to help clarify roles, improving communication and partnership with the staff. Her partnership led to clarity of direction and strategy for the organization.
Comprehensive Search
Following a comprehensive regional search, the Valtas search team supported the board in hiring Stephanie Norton-Bredl as the next Executive Director. She began her role in March 2023.
Client Perspective
Laura was an invaluable partner to me and the board. She quickly learned the workings at IFCB and was instrumental in leading strategic future planning with significant involvement from board and staff. Her attention to operations helped IFCB improve our financial reporting and align our budget, her guidance sorting through staffing issues helped us to strengthen teamwork.
We were very pleased with the support from Ed Rogan and the team in guiding our search and value the partnership Valtas offered between our Interim consultant and the overall search process. We are grateful to the Valtas team for their support and direction.
Mike Bresko
Board Chair
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Every leadership transition represents both a risk and an opportunity. With the right support, it can be a catalyst for renewal and growth.