After a year of study, surveys, interviews and discussions, CCNW member organizations voted to approve important changes to the Center's governance structure at the March 22nd Annual Meeting. The changes include the election of a new board of directors: 14 people recruited from throughout the community to create a stronger leadership team.   

The newly elected CCNW Board of Directors: (back row, l to r) Chris Perkins, Manuel Mendez, Lisa Raue, Deborah Cerar, J. Michael Drude, Barbara Murphy, Fran Dowling, (front row, l to r) Alicia Sandberg, Shirley Buontempo, MaryEllen McLaughlin, Joni Martino, Lauren Cohen, Sheryl Bernhard, Laura Kaplan.

 Co-Presidents Sheryl Bernhard and Laura Kaplan led the meeting, attended by representatives from CCNW's sponsoring organizations. "This new structure supports the Center's mission and provides a more focused and well-equipped Board of Directors," Kaplan said. The newly constituted Board will oversee Center policies, finances and operations.

Co-President Laura Kaplan opens the Annual Meeting

The 28 churches, synagogues, schools and civic groups that sponsor the Center will now be known as Community Partners. "Community Partner representatives will continue to be the backbone of the Center, as they have since our founding," said Co-President Bernhard.

Key responsibilities include representing their organizations, electing directors and, as needed, approving amendments to the Center's by-laws. "Community Partners will no longer be burdened with oversight of Center day-to-day finances or operations," Bernhard said. 

The Board is new, but the Center's mission  remains the same. "Stronger governance, supported by the amazing generosity of the community and our outstanding corps of volunteers will enable us to continue to improve the dignity, security and well-being or our neighbors in need," said Executive Director Sherry Wolf.