Leadership Group

Lynda Ronie
http://www.theleadershipgroup.biz
32675 Bingham Road
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
248-647-5090 [phone]
lmr8855@aol.com

Non-Profit Experience	Anti-Violence/Crime, Arts and Culture, Employment and Training, Healthcare; Social and Community Service; Education; Housing Organizational Assessment; Board Governance/Development
Skills Profile	Communications, Human Resources, Organizational Management, Executive Coaching and Teambuilding
IT Expertise
Affiliations	Management Research Group Consultant Group; Michigan Nonprofit Association; Kellogg Fondation's College of Consultants; State of Michigan Life, Health Insurance Licenses
Consulting Summary	A Recent Consulting Assignment: THE CHALLENGE: A small Flint based nonprofit that served a specialized critical needs population was faced with significant funding challenges. After considering a number of possible solutions, the Executive Director obtained funding to explore and effect a potential merger with a larger social service organization. THE PROCESS: The Leadership Group (TLG) was retained to provide consulting services to facilitate an alliance or merger. I was one of two TLG consultants to work on this project. We developed and applied a structured process to determine the appropriateness of the merger and its potential for success and to lead us through the process. A joint merger committee was established to shepherd the process and to ensure the full participation of both parties. We conducted a culture survey to identify areas of similarity and difference which gave us a positive foundation on which to move forward. The consultants facilitated four structured joint merger committee meetings during which issues related to Culture, Governance, Finance, Human Resources, Program, Facilities and Communication were addressed, negotiated and agreed upon. We oversaw a due diligence process in which each party identified its internal processes and accounting of its assets and liabilities. A merger agreement was negotiated and presented to each board for approval. The consultants worked with the two organizations to develop a transition plan to facilitate the process of merging two organizations into one. A final agreement was reached and the merger took place approximately five months after the consultants were engaged. During the five months of working with both parties, the consultants provided advice and guidance to the leadership of each organization and focused on facilitating positive, open communication.
Professional Summary	ANTI-VIOLENCE/CRIME - al. Haven (Help Against Violent Encounters Now) - Served on Board, total of 10 years in two terms. Chair of its Human Resources Committee for 6 during which time we completely overhauled HR policies and practices. Cocoon Shelter (domestic violence program and shelter in Bowling Green, Ohio): Conducted organizational assessment and facilitated strategic planning process. In a separate engagement, conducted Board governance training session. General: AAA Michigan - Served in numerous leadership positions in a 20+ year career. Included numerous HR executive leadership roles. Also served as manager of AAA branch office. ARTS & CULTURE - ArtServe Michigan ?Board and Executive Committee member. Twice served as Chair of Search Committee that hired President/CEO. Served on the merger committee which resulted in merger of Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies and ArtServe Michigan. Theatre - Undergraduate work in this area and taught at University of Maryland?s department of communication and Wayne State?s department of speech, communication and theater. Music: Consulted with leadership at the Detroit Symphony. Art ? Have had significant exposure to the arts, artists, funding sources, etc. Assisted Flint Arts Council in developing a sustainability plan for its capacity building efforts. EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING: Provided Employment and Training as well as general HR counsel to every Board with which associated. AAA Michigan - Served 20+ years in various HR leadership functions including HEALTH CARE - Professional. Karmanos Cancer Institute - Team development for Hospice group, consultant; University of Michigan Health System - Provided leadership development and coaching for executive team. American Diabetes Association- Conducted strategic planning process. SOCIAL SERVICE: Big Brothers/Big Sisters- Flint; Provided years 1 and 2 BEST project capacity building consulting including board development, HR policies and practices and leadership coaching and development and staff team building. Urban League- on board of Detroit Urban League; Conducted organizational assessment for Flint Urban League. Loose Senior Center- Best capacity building project. Provided leadership coaching and development and sustainability consulting. Michigan NOW project with My Father?s House Ministries ? Angel Food Program. HOUSING: Flint Neighborhood Improvement and Preservation Project: Through BEST, conducted organizational assessment and capacity building. Provided executive and leadership coaching and development and staff team building. EDUCATION: University of Michigan including organization development for Finance Dept., executive teambuilding for Health System; leadership assessment and coaching for HR and IT depts. Academy of Sacred Heart- Leadership Strategic planning and Assessment and Development.
Admin Experience	Meeting/Retreat Facilitator, Trainer in area(s) of expertise Consulting: 20+ years nonprofit Management/Executive: 28 + years
Our References	Auto Club Group (AAA Michigan) University of Michigan Big Brothers-Big Sisters- Flint Loose Center ? Linden, MI Flint Neighborhood Improvement and Preservation Project Family Service Agency ? Flint