Posted on July 23 at 12:57 p.m.

This is very sad. Effective nonprofits require leadership boards that understand their roles as policy makers and work as a team to set strategic goals. When they hire an executive director they are giving authority to an executive to run the organization and create/carry out sound structures and procedures to achieve the goals set. How could this possibly be judged in 7 months? Ms. Stokstad has clearly taken strong steps to instill confidence in those she leads (staff) and those the organization must serve (members). And this while also preserving threatened funding. Seems like a remarkable start. If the board leadership empowered and supported her, as a professional executive, to do her job (and they, as a whole, did theirs), Santa Barbara residents would be the winners. Ms. Stokstad brings a very strong community media leadership track record ... but Santa Barbara may never get the benefit of her knowledge and experience if the current board fails to let her lead. What a shame.
BTW...I have been a nonprofit media director and organizational development consultant for over 15 years. I am familiar with Ms. Stokstad's work and fine reputation in our field.

On Infighting at Santa Barbara Channels