Dear Editor:In the article that appeared on the front page of the January 26, 2011 Yorkton this Week entitled, "SIGN seeks new Executive Dir.", the question was asked to the Board Chair, Ms. Rhinas, "whether Sevigny resigned or was let go"? She stated that it was "a 'confidential matter' between the Board and Sevigny". The answer to that question is that I was let go and given no reason for my dismissal.
I was surprised by this because I feel that I had made some positive accomplishments in the short 18 months I lead the agency. One major accomplishment had been the stabilization and re-establishment of a positive financial situation at SIGN on Broadway after the sudden non-renewal of the RCMP training contract in September 2009. SIGN had lost close to a third of its funding base when this happened. SIGN was in a serious financial crisis. During my leadership, SIGN on Broadway has regained its financial stability and has truly become a "Community Centre" for which it was intended.
During my leadership at SIGN, the agency partnered with the City of Yorkton, various businesses and community based agencies to continue the required completion of the fire code upgrades and building improvements. SIGN on Broadway continues to grow into a much needed synergistic one stop place for the citizens of Yorkton in which to receive a wide range of comprehensive social and health services, especially at critical times, such as the July 1st flood. SIGN on Broadway is no longer in a deficit situation.
During my tenure, we have stabilized, improved and expanded the programming of several important programs within the agency. One program, in particular, was slated to be shut down. The Board felt that SIGN could not properly manage this state of affairs to ensure the safety and support of its clientele. During my 18 months at SIGN, I worked closely with the Board, staff and the funding agency to turn this situation around. Since June 2010, this program has become a strong and well managed program. There is now in place, a well organized and competent leadership to properly oversee the program. Program outcomes have greatly improved. I have been praised by the funding agency for my ability and persistence to find a long term viable solution to this "tricky" situation.
During my 18 months, I have focused on critical operating tasks. I was beginning to work on the important strategic management tasks that are so critical to the development and long term viability of the agency. The agency once again finds itself in a difficult situation because of this decision by the Board, yet it is unable to identify to me or the community why this critical leadership change was needed at this time.
SIGN is a community agency owned by the community. The eight Board members (Myrna Rhinas, George Plews, Donna Coleman-Trembley, Joanie Litchfield, Lise Perrault-Streeter, Joe Milburne, Sonja Gehl, and Rev Faye Greer) are representatives of the community. The community needs to know why the Board has made this decision at this critical time. If the Board will not give it to me, it should give an explanation to the community, to the people it serves and to the organizations and persons that fund and donate to the agency.
I thank the community for its support to SIGN, an agency that has continued to provide good quality service to the people in Yorkton and area for over 40 years. SIGN is one of the best agencies I have worked for. It has been a pleasure and an honour to have been given the opportunity to contribute to the Yorkton community as one of SIGN's Executive Director.
Richard SevignyYorkton, Sask.
