OCA organizational task force begins third phase of its work

SYOSSET, NY [OCA Communications] — The Task Force chartered to improve the management structure of the Orthodox Church in America’s Chancery here will complete the second phase of its work in May-June 2007, when Chancery personnel changes will be effected. The third and final phase will put in place written policies and procedures for future operations.

The work of this Task Force, as approved and encouraged by His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, the Metropolitan Council, and the Holy Synod of Bishops, has addressed the Church’s headquarters, its financial management, and its efficiency.

Metropolitan Herman chartered the OCA Organizational Task Force in September 2007 to improve the organizational structure of the Church’s central administrative offices. In its Phase 1 report to the Metropolitan Council and Holy Synod, the Task Force said the existing management structure of the Chancery deviated from the OCA Statute and from accepted management practices by concentrating administrative and financial authority and responsibility in a single position, the Chancellor. Among other things, the structure lacked “checks and balances,” a basic and necessary element in all organizations. The Task Force recommended the immediate recruitment of the three positions required by the Statute—Chancellor, Secretary, and Treasurer—as well as a fourth position to manage the Church’s ministries and external communications activities, identifying this as a major priority of the Church.

After receiving approval and support from the Metropolitan Council and Holy Synod in December 2006, the Task Force mobilized selection teams to recruit and recommend candidates for the four top Chancery positions. The selection teams comprised Metropolitan Council members who volunteered for the assignment, as well as others with subject-matter knowledge of the positions. These volunteers, from widely differing geographic locations, worked together to design measurement criteria, conduct interviews, and rate the job candidates. With Metropolitan Herman’s approval and encouragement, the selection process was unprecedented in the OCA; it was openly competitive and based exclusively on quantifiable job-related requirements. Twenty-five candidates responded to the call of the Church for the new administrative leadership positions.

The Holy Synod and Metropolitan Council also approved in December 2006 the establishment of a temporary Transition Officer position to put in place the Task Force’s streamlined Chancery structure with its reduced administrative costs and clarified lines of responsibility and authority. Deacon John Zarras accepted the appointment to the position as an unpaid volunteer and began work at the Chancery in January 2007. His role includes both implementing the revised structure and assisting the staff in understanding how every job relates to the overall vision and needs of the Church, its parish communities, and its volunteer ministerial departments.

At the March 2007 meetings of the Metropolitan Council and Holy Synod, those bodies approved appointments based on the successful work of the selection teams: the Very Rev. Alexander Garklavs as Chancellor, Mr. Kevin Kovalycsik as Treasurer, and the Rev. Andrew Jarmus as Director of Ministries and Communication. The Task Force expects to propose a candidate for Secretary of the Church by mid-May 2007. The Transition Officer and the Task Force will assist the new managers, as needed, as they assume their roles.

In its Phase 3, the Task Force will develop personnel policies and procedures for such areas as salary and wage administration, job descriptions, performance reviews, pay setting and adjustments, vacations, holidays, and sick time. Its end product will include a “Human Resource Handbook” for the Chancery.

Another major accomplishment has been the purchase and implementation of a new financial accounting system. Mandated by the Metropolitan Council, the new software and hardware have been purchased and installed at the Chancery, and training for affected personnel is being scheduled. This new technology will enable more timely and accurate financial reports, as well as regular public disclosure of Church finances. Its implementation also enables the elimination of the position of Comptroller, for further administrative cost savings.

The work of the Task Force and the selection teams has earned the support of the Metropolitan personally, as well as that of the Metropolitan Council and Holy Synod. Those entities have worked in synergy to decide how the Church can best serve our Risen Lord in the months and years ahead. It is this conciliar realization that has made possible the work accomplished to date and that offers promise and hope for our future as the Orthodox Church in America.

Task Force members include Mr. Bob Kornafel, Chairman; Deacon John Zarras, Transition Officer; Mr. Peter Bohlender; Mr. Marty Brown; Mr. Al Wetmore; and Mrs. Carol Wetmore. Advisors are the Very Rev. Paul Kucynda and Protodeacon Peter Danilchick.