GUILFORD — I am saddened and disturbed by the recent actions of the Board of Directors of The Gathering Place.
Lynn Bedell, who worked as its executive director, built up and maintained a vibrant, financially sound, much-loved program.
The staff were very happy with her leadership as well as the support and respect they received from her program participants. Their families and caregivers were happy with the caring, safe, fun environment that Lynn and the wonderful staff made available at The Gathering Place.
I resigned from the board in March because I was very concerned with the direction the board was taking. As far as I could tell, during my time on the board, Lynn's only “misdemeanor” might have been her expression of commitment and passion to continue to move forward and to offer the very best adult day program imaginable.
The board began to hold meetings that Lynn was excluded from. At these meetings they discussed the issues they had with her. These issues were of a personal nature and never had anything to do with her performance as the executive director.
The board had repeatedly informed Lynn that they felt she was doing an excellent job, and they gave her very good reviews.
Problem solving begins with open listening and communicating with a respectful exchange of ideas, but Lynn was not included in the discussions about her and was not given the opportunity to know and understand, and then work through, whatever issues the board felt they had with her.
With no opportunity to have a voice in these meetings Lynn was informed one day that she was fired. She was told that someone who had been hired to take her place would begin work the next day.
Lynn was then escorted out of the building without having a chance to say goodbye to her staff.
The act of firing a successful, well-liked and respected executive director raises serious questions and concerns about the judgment and motives of the doard. My hopes are that The Gathering Place will survive the board's unjustified and wrongful act that was committed against the organization and Lynn Bedell.