So, You're a New Executive Director. Now What?
Starting as a new Executive Director of an organization is nerve-wracking – especially if you're new to the role! New EDs may be wondering: What decisions need to be prioritized? How will I interact with the board? How can I optimize my relationship with the staff? In this episode, you will hear from Kristina Schmidgall, LMSW, the Executive Director of the Lansing Area Aids Network. Kristina shares her journey to the role of an E.D., how she prepared for the job, what she did to make her first two years a success, and how you can adapt her guidance to your career path.
Here are some parts of the interview you don't want to miss:
9:00 - Lansing Area Aids Network's approach to supporting clients holistically
10:00 - The Biggest Misconception around HIV/AIDS
14:50 - The path toward becoming an executive director
20:30 - Learning from staff through 'stay interviews,' and the benefit of sending questions ahead of time
25:50 - The challenges of transitioning into an organization as a new leader, and what makes it easier
30:00 - Tips for the first year of being an ED
About Our Guest
Kristina Schmidgall holds both a Bachelor Degree and Master Degree in social work and is licensed in the State of Michigan. She is employed at Lansing Area AIDS Network in Lansing, Michigan as the Executive Director. She has over 20 years of experience working in the HIV field including non-profit agencies in Detroit and the Detroit Health Department.
