1. Executive Director Boot Camp
Lessons Learned and
Still Learning”
Marilyn Barr
Executive Director
CASA of Tulare County

2. Introduction
Welcome to each of the NEW CASA Executive Directors & Thank You to all who are veterans
I will share my Christening as the new Executive Director for CASA Tulare County March 1998
And some challenges since that time
How many of you are brand new EDs?
Less than 2 years
As we go through this training, be thinking about what you see as YOUR greatest challenge?

3. Agenda My own personal experiences as a brand new Executive Director
Being THE Leader while Building a Team
Dealing with What comes at You
Dealing with Change

4. Overview We are all in this together Can you see the big picture?
Individually we cannot make the world a better place for our children
Funders
Partners
CWS
Court
Child
Caregivers
Families
Community
CASA

5. Vocabulary
Rule California Rules of Court/Judicial Council of CA/AOC IMPORTANT ALLY
National CASA Standards/SOE
Community Partners: local agencies/funders that you work with for best interests of children/ sharing challenges and successes, working together
Community: the area you encompass where you must build relationships and garner support
Integrity: doing the right thing even when nobody is looking; moral & ethical principles

6. My Own First Year Welcome! BUT we don’t trust you
“Us and Them” Environment
Demolition/Eviction notice 1st week
Things are not always as they appear
(sometimes on purpose)
What Rules?
How do we build with no foundation?
Walked in to an extremely competitive environment, Staff vs Board, CWS vs CASA, NotStatistics, D&O, National CASA grant,

7. Change and Crisis can build leaders and strong teams
What matters the most?
Integrity builds trust, even if what was there previously was not “straight up”
Building trust results in a solid reputation, not just an image, you must not waiver
Words & Deeds match up, straight shooter
If you are wrong, admit it and learn from it
Build relationships with stakeholders and your community

8. Summary Yes, you CAN do it Lead with Integrity & Decisiveness
Your county is unique, it is like no other. Strive to be the best you can be without comparing
Build relationships
To succeed you must build a strong Team
Be an integral part of your community
Be creative
See the big picture
Have a vision

9. Where to Get More Information
Local leadership training
California CASA
CASA Executive Directors
Other non-profit ED’s in your local area
Websites of non-profits you respect
Developing the Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell
Non-profit Insurance Alliance of California
National CASA