wfn.org | NBA restructure

[wshuffit@oc.disciples.org]

Date: April 17, 2001
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
E-mail: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

01a-25

	ST. LOUIS (DNS) -- National Benevolent Association President
Cindy Dougherty has announced the completion of a restructuring
plan, which includes a workforce reduction of 21 full-time
employees and nine promotions at NBA central office and at seven
NBA units in Florida and Indiana. The plan also consolidates
business operations and development functions of NBA facilities
in Indiana and business operations in Jacksonville, Fla.

	The move, approved by the executive committee of the NBA board
of trustees in March, is expected to save $580,000 in the
current fiscal year. NBA central office savings amount to
$220,000, with the balance tied to earlier restructuring moves
in the field. It is projected that in the long term, NBA will
save $1,230,000 annually beginning in 2002. 

	The consolidation of NBA unit business offices and development
functions in Indiana in March resulted in the elimination of
eight full-time positions and an estimated annual savings of
$270,000. Consolidation of business operations in Jacksonville
eliminated three full-time positions and resulted in an
estimated annual savings of $90,000. 

	As of April, NBA had eliminated nine full-time positions in its
central office in St. Louis, saving $220,000. In May, NBA will
start outsourcing trust accounting for a savings of more than
$100,000.

	"This restructure is designed to make the NBA more fiscally
responsible as we continue to move forward in a volatile
market," said Dougherty. "By consolidating functions in
administrative areas we're able to reduce operating costs
without cutting back on the quality of care we provide at
locations across the country. The people whose job descriptions
have changed as a result of the restructure have assumed
numerous new responsibilities. We are very appreciative of
everyone's ‘can do' attitude." 

	The workforce reduction involved staff at all levels of the
organization and with varying levels of experience. Separation
packages were offered on the basis of each person's history with
the organization. 

	In February, NBA created "mentor CEO" positions, putting top
NBA experts in direct supervisory contact with similar units and
chief executives. "By using mentor CEOs in place of associate
vice presidents, best practices are shared by like NBA units
nationwide," said Dougherty. This program allowed the
elimination of one associate vice president position. 

	Overall, the restructure reduces NBA's national administrative
workforce by about 10 percent. The total savings amount to less
than one percent of NBA's annual budget. 

"Considering current economic conditions, it is a necessary move
in the right direction," said Dougherty. "The NBA's financial
position remains strong. We continue to enjoy BBB bond ratings
from both Moody and Fitch. These moves are designed to keep the
financial strength of the NBA intact for future generations."

	The National Benevolent Association is a general unit of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It serves more than
30,000 people annually through 87 facilities and programs in 22
states. Its residential and community-based programs serve older
adults; children, youth and families; and differently-abled
individuals. Founded in 1887, NBA ranks as the 47th largest
non-profit in the United States, based on annual income. Less
than one percent of the NBA's annual revenue comes from Basic
Mission Finance, the shared outreach fund of the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ). 

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