By Nena Montgomery, Board Chair
Editor’s note: This is the first spotlight article in an ongoing series about our dynamic and diverse Board of Directors. The new feature in our monthly e-newsletter is an opportunity for you to gain insight into their inspiring stories of success and the reasons they consistently volunteer and give back to Morgan Autism Center.
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So you might ask – what does the MAC Board do? The eight people currently serving on the Board of Directors meet once a month (with the exception of December and August) to carry out the mission of Morgan Autism Center, stated on our website:
“Our mission is to help children and adults with autism or other developmental disabilities maximize their potential in a dignified, positive and loving environment.”
We work closely with Executive Director, Brad Boardman, to ensure that all aspects of the center run smoothly. Brad updates the entire Board once a month about ongoing issues such as staffing, program development, enrollment, regional center engagement, and outreach to the larger Santa Clara community or success stories. We have also invited various teachers to come and speak to us about their individual classrooms.
Financial stability of the organization, which is a non-profit, is a priority so we work with the Development Committee and Finance Committee to ensure we have robust fundraising as well as adhere to reporting guidelines. It is important for parents to remember that the reason they don’t have to individually pay for the costs of their child/children attending Morgan Autism Center is due to those costs being borne by the Regional Centers and educational school districts. Our fundraising enhances all the programs that the center offers our children in addition to maintaining funds for our primary goal — to one day purchase a permanent site. Additionally, in conjunction with the Executive Director, we set strategic goals for the organization.
Every member of the Board serves as volunteers in this capacity in addition to on separate committees. I am Chairwoman of the Board and also serve on the Major Gifts Committee. Member Ted Moorhead is also on the Major Gifts Committee. Vice Chairman Thomas Caulfield (parent of Thomas) is on the Major Gifts Committee and Board Recruitment Committee; Member Lindley Zink is on the Board Recruitment Committee; Member Ruth Cook advises on grants; Member Christopher Escher (parent of Johnny) heads up our Communications Committee; and Members Rickey Green and Barbara Wright serve on the Finance Committee.
Some of us are parents, some teachers, some have financial expertise and others have marketing, fundraising or public relations experience. Regardless of background, we are all dedicated to maintaining the qualities that make Morgan Autism Center the special place it is — passionate people who serve our students and adult clients and their families to create possibilities.
We look forward to telling you more about each one of these dedicated people that serve on the Board in future issues of the e-newsletter.
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