Church Leadership News

With the December departure of our Executive Director, we enter into a somewhat liminal – or in-between space – in how UUCB manages its administration, finances, facilities and all the details that go into church operations.

As we enter this new time, UUCB is first and foremost blessed with talented employees upon whose dedication, skills, and insights about our future staffing structure we will heavily rely. Please thank them generously!

To advise during this transitional period, the Board of Trustees established a Staffing Task Force to work with Rev. Marcus on:

1. For the near term, provide support and guidance on fulfilling at least the essential duties & responsibilities of the Executive Director position; and
2. With input from staff, leadership and other members of the congregation, develop a recommended staffing structure for church administration/operations.

A key development is that a highly experienced Executive Director, transition consultant, and long-time Unitarian Universalist is available part-time starting February 10 to help manage UUCB operations and advise us on future administrative structure. As our interim Executive Director, Sharon Dolan* will work with us on options for our next chapter of church management.  (Please check out Sharon’s website – scdolanconsulting.com – to learn about her extensive executive experience in non-profit management, including Freight & Salvage, Bay Area Children’s Theater and more.)

In the meantime, a combination of additional staff hours, assigned volunteer support, and your equanimity, patience and willingness to step up to help will keep UUCB’s many projects, programs and pursuits underway.  For the immediate future, administrative contact information is:

• Connections & Communications: Charis Domador – Connections@uucb.org
• Finance & Administration:  Janae Heard – Janae@uucb.org
• Facilities: Peter Barnholdt – Peter@uucb.org

Again, much gratitude to our staff!

The Staffing Task Force (StaffingTF@uucb.org) is available for questions, concerns or ideas about present or future staffing considerations. We are confident about UUCB continuing to be strong, vibrant and well-managed!

Staffing Task Force Members: Suzette Anderson-Duggan, Carolyn James, Beth Pollard, Marta Tobey, and Tom Tripp, along with Rev. Marcus

*Sharon Dolan Bio

Sharon is an experienced leader of non-profit organizations over 30 years, with expertise in management of transitions, turnarounds, and organizational change. After serving as the Executive Director of the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, California for 6 years,

Sharon has used her skills to lead organizations in transition including Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra & Chorale, Yerba Buena Community Benefit District, Pacific Stroke Association, Bay Area Children’s Theater, California Film Institute, and Aurora Theatre.

Sharon has assessed the needs of each organization and supported staff and board in areas such as long-term financial sustainability, fundraising, stronger infrastructure and simplification of processes, improved communication, board and professional development and human resources. Her knowledge and long-term passion for justice, equity and belonging has had an impact on the work of several organizations. Sharon has been an active member of the First Unitarian Church of Oakland for 25 years and has served on the board (twice), produced and participated in scores of concerts, and been a member of many small groups and activities. She lives in Oakland with her two dogs, Sammy and Hazel. She looks forward to joining the team at UUCB and working with Rev. Marcus.