Office being staffed one day a week for the rest of the summer; board hopes to have full-time staff back in September
By TESHA M. CHRISTENSENThe Hamline Midway Coalition (HMC) has suspended most functions for the time being due to staffing challenges.
The Board of Directors is currently working on a transition plan and hopes to have a full-time person in the office again by September, according to Board President Steve Samuelson.
Hamline Midway Coalition (HMC) Executive Director Michael Jon Olson is currently on an indefinite medical leave.
Kyle Mianulli, HMC’s former Director of Communications and Community Engagement, has left HMC to pursue a career opportunity in the Hennepin County Public Works communications department. “It was an offer he couldn’t refuse,” remarked Samuelson.
Samuelson pointed out that the staffing problems facing HMC are part of a bigger issue for community organizations: it’s hard to retain good staff, Samuelson said.
Office staffed on Wednesdays
During the transition period, former board member Melissa Cortez is staffing the office every Wednesday from 10am to 5pm. Email her at Melissa@hamlinemidway.org, or contact Samuelson at ssamuelson11@comcast.net.
Meanwhile, Olson has been meeting once a week with the bookkeeper to keep up with HMC’s financial transactions.
Olson has been with HMC for about ten years. “He’s been a tremendous asset for the neighborhood,” said Samuelson.
At its August meeting, the board members intend to discuss the job responsibilities of a full-time position they will be hiring.
The organization’s 11-person board is made up of Hamline Midway neighbors, business owners, and community members.
Samuelson pointed out that August is a historically slow time for the organization.
“If something comes in we have the mechanisms in place to deal with it,” assured Samuelson. “We have the basic services in place while we go through this transition period.”
