Board transitions can bring about hand wringing or a promise of welcome change, they may feel like a small shift or a seismic one. But at root, there are fundamental lessons to be learned if you, as the executive leader or manager, are going through one for the first time.

On today's show, we welcome Sara Gibson, Borough Manager at Camp Hill Borough, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and Scott Hutt, Assistant Manager of Hatfield Township in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Though the size and structure of the governments they manage differ, they both bring a wealth of knowledge about the core elements of effective onboarding. 

Today we talk about the importance of patience and open communication, a structured onboarding process that also encourages mentorship and an ongoing need to balance change while preserving the core values of local government.

We hope you enjoy!

SHOW NOTES

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Sara Gibson has served as Manager of Camp Hill Borough for the past three years, driving progress on strategic initiatives like pedestrian connectivity, zoning updates, sewage and stormwater planning, and downtown development. Under her leadership, the Borough adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2023 through the DEP Local Climate Action program. Sara has championed environmental efforts, including the innovative StormFest public outreach event and the establishment of a Sustainability Committee. Camp Hill also participates in Bee City USA, Tree City USA, Bird Town Pennsylvania, and SolSmart programs, with Sara and her team securing grants and technical assistance to bolster these initiatives.

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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

[00:01:10] Importance of Board Transitions in Shaping Organizational Life

• Sara reflects on her first experiences with board transitions and the challenges of being a professional manager.

[00:05:07] Onboarding New Board Members

• Scott shares his first experience with onboarding and the importance of structured, effective processes.

[00:06:21] Structuring the Onboarding Process

• Detailed explanation of onboarding approaches, including educational seminars with consultants and department heads.

[00:07:45] Building Personal Connections with Board Members

• Sara emphasizes the significance of developing personal connections and understanding board members' backgrounds.

[00:10:44] Quality Interactions Between Board Members and Staff

• Discussion on fostering trust and ensuring productive interactions through community events and informal gatherings.

[00:12:45] Setting Boundaries and Roles for Effective Governance

• Scott elaborates on defining roles and staying in lanes for efficient operations and collaboration.

[00:17:30] Community Events and Relationship Building

• Sara and Scott discuss the role of community events in creating stronger bonds among board members, staff, and the public.

[00:23:00] Navigating Difficult Transitions and Conflicts

• Nancy and Scott explore managing transitions when new board members have conflicting visions.

[00:26:48] Facilitating Dialogue and Building Common Ground

• Strategies for finding common ground and bridging divides among board members.

[00:30:00] Professionalism and Maintaining Boundaries

• Sara emphasizes the balance between personal connections and maintaining professional integrity.

[00:34:00] Vulnerabilities of Managers During Board Transitions

• Discussion on why board transitions can lead to manager turnover and strategies for navigating these periods.

[00:40:27] Preparing for and Embracing Change

• Advice for managers on embracing change and viewing transitions as opportunities.

[00:44:55] Final Reflections and Advice for New Managers

• Sara and Scott offer insights and advice for new managers facing upcoming board transitions.