Strike the word “interim” from Cindy Thompson’s title at the Anna Maria Island Community Center.
Thompson, hired as interim director Nov. 15 on the departure of Dawn Stiles, was named to the executive director position Nov. 26 by the board of directors.
As a board member and a participant on the governance committee, she had been evaluating candidates who applied for the job, board chair Scott Rudacille said.
Jim Froeschle, a member of the board’s search committee, told the board “once Cindy assumed her duties as interim director it became clear to all of us that our best candidate was already on the job, in house.”
Board member Blair Schlossberg agreed: “Cindy moved quickly and effectively to identify and implement needed financial oversight, while working almost single handedly to fill 130 vacant seats for the recent murder-mystery event. Due to her efforts, the show went on before a full house.”
Other members recognized her swift action to update safety standards for youth programs.
Board member Mike Coleman said Thompson is “a doer,” and the “obvious choice.”
Rudacille said the vote was unanimous.
Thompson resides in Bradenton and owns a day-care facility there.
Rudacille also announced the board has implemented cost controls and a financial restructuring plan for center operations. The plan was created by volunteer consultants and board members, he said.
Thompson thanked the board and said the announcement was unexpected. She had been helping the board interview candidates and said she didn’t realize she was being considered for the job.
“I’m pleased the board has placed its trust in me and my abilities. With such a great staff here, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish,” she said.
