Provided by: Julie Henderson, Chief Financial Officer and Interim Executive Director
I was both honored and excited to step into the role of Interim Executive Director of OSCIA, all while remaining the Chief Financial Officer for the organization. This transition represented a new chapter, not just for me personally, but for our organization as a whole, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support I’ve received from all of you during my journey.
Having had the privilege to work closely with many of you as CFO, I have come to know and admire the passion, dedication, and talent that each representative of OSCIA brings to our mission. Our collective efforts have positioned us for great things, and I am more enthusiastic than ever about what lies ahead. As we look to the future, my commitment to our core values, our people, our strategic plan and our mission remains steadfast.
Over the past year, OSCIA took the opportunity to pause, reflect, and rebuild the association to better support our staff, service providers, external partners, and members. We are still in the process of building staff capacity, refining policies/procedures and enhancing our communication channels, however, change is a process that takes time, often requiring patience and persistence. While it’s easy to want immediate results, lasting transformation typically unfolds gradually as new practices, behaviors, and systems are integrated. Whether in an organization or in personal growth, the most meaningful change occurs when we allow space for learning, adjustments, and continuous improvement. Embracing this timeline helps ensure that change is not only implemented but sustained for long-term success.
I also want to take a moment to commend our Senior Leadership Team for their unwavering dedication, vision, and collaborative spirit. Their ability to navigate challenges, drive innovation, and lead with integrity has been instrumental in advancing our mission and positioning us for future success. Each member of this team has demonstrated exceptional leadership, consistently making thoughtful decisions that have had a lasting impact on our organization and its people. Together, they’ve fostered a culture of excellence, accountability, and mutual respect that inspires everyone around them. It’s because of their tireless efforts and commitment that we are where we are today, and I look forward to seeing what is accomplished together in the future.
Collaboration has been my theme of the year, and it has been clearly evident in the new partnership established between the board and operational management. Under the leadership of the outgoing Chair, Phil Oegema, we have successfully built this partnership, defined roles and responsibilities, and fostered trust through shared expertise. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the board for welcoming my ideas and insights as we continue to cultivate a positive direction for OSCIA.
Another key element of OSCIA is our members, who serve as the foundation of our organization. We deeply appreciate the vital role they play in shaping our future. To enhance our support for this important group, we have established a new full-time senior role, Director of Member Services and Business Development. Through our reflection process, it became evident that OSCIA needed to place greater emphasis on this area to ensure we continue to prioritize the needs and success of our members.
I would also like to thank our trusted partners for supporting OSCIA as we reconditioned our organizational structure. I am confident that this new structure provides a solid foundation for us to actively pursue new programming opportunities and strengthen our position as a resilient, leading delivery agent serving the agricultural community.
In conclusion, it has been a truly rewarding experience serving as your Interim Executive Director. We are a reinvigorated organization with a clear and promising vision for the future.