Dear Shalem Community,
For the last ten years, the Shalem Institute has been blessed by the dedicated and skilled leadership of the Rev. Dr. Margaret Benefiel. As Margaret shared in her letter above, she has let the board know that she is ready to retire as Executive Director. As Executive Director, she enhanced the financial stability of Shalem through exceeding the Annual Fund goal every year and also leading a successful $1,050,000 Capital Campaign, she increased participation and leadership of BIPOC and younger people, developed new programs, and recruited new leadership. Margaret hopes to continue to be involved in some Shalem programming, depending on Shalem’s future needs. I hope you will join me in giving God thanks for her dedicated service.
As you would expect, Shalem will move through this time of discernment with careful reflection and contemplation. Our Vision 2025 document provides a solid foundation and outlines some of our aspirations for the future. We remain passionate about expanding our contemplative ministry with both diverse and younger communities. We have hired a consultant to help us more through this transition time as we prepare to clarify our leadership needs and cast our nets far and wide to attract the best candidates to serve as a new Executive Director. This transition process will offer opportunities for all of our donors, staff, partners, and program participants to take part in deepening our understanding of our future, as well as shaping the job description and hiring criteria for Shalem.
Our consultant is Sonia J. Stamm, the Founder and Principal of Stamm Consultancy Inc., a boutique consulting firm committed to enhancing the effectiveness of mission-driven organizations since 2008. She brings experience in organizational development, executive search, and facilitation in the nonprofit sector. Sonia has worked with a wide range of nonprofits in the areas of leadership transition and succession, board development and governance, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. Sonia has begun her work with the board, and we welcome her guidance.
YOU play an essential part in this transition, and we request your prayer support for Shalem- both for the institution and for its community. We appreciate that we live in a time that is hungry for the gifts and blessings that come from deep contemplation. As we continue to build on the legacy of our founder, Tilden Edwards, we know that we are called to new horizons of prayerful service. In addition to the wonderful programs Shalem offers, it is essential that we maintain our robust financial stability. The search for an optimal successor will entail considerable expense. We hope that we can count on your generous financial support during this pivotal time in the life of Shalem.
Thank you for your continued and dedicated support. Please know that I welcome your thoughts and questions. You may reach me via my email: frjeffross@aol.com. Please pray for all of us engaged in this work. We will keep you informed throughout this process of discernment and transition.
Blessings and peace,
The Rev. Jeffrey Austin Ross,
President of the Board, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation
*If you are able, please donate to help Shalem with their search Here.*