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Thursday, June 23, 2011

ADRA Confronts Crisis of Confidence - Apr 4



Submitted Apr 4, 2011

Reported by Edwin A. Schwisow

A bulwark of confidence and hope for millions, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) now appears to be suffering its own internal meltdown of confidence and morale, in the wake of termination several weeks ago of more than a dozen key mid- and high-level administrative personnel.

Last month, ADRA administration announced the terminations—effective immediately in early March—and cited economic reasons for the cutbacks. Several of those affected were reportedly career, or near-career employees of the organization, which has assets and ongoing projects valued in the millions of dollars.

"The firings sent a wave of uncertainty and distress throughout the world, as project managers and employees began to question the economic viability of their parent organization," a highly placed former ADRA employee and contract worker with a wide network of ADRA contacts has told Adventist Today, on condition of anonymity.

"ADRA is one of the largest U.S.-based non-government organizations (NGOs), and its excellent track record through the years has instilled a great degree of confidence, among the nations of the world and among ADRA employees," the source told AT.

"While it had been generally known among ADRA employees that the number of projects being administered had declined during the worldwide economic downturn, there had been no direct indication that the organization was in financial straits. The termination of key personnel who had been the most successful in negotiating past projects sent a tremor through the organization—raising the question of whether ADRA could recover."

The terminations came only five months after the replacement of long-time ADRA president Charles Sandefur by Rudi Maier, an experienced NGO consultant and a professor at Andrews University. The transition of chief executives, though not widely expected, followed regular channels and did not noticeably traumatize the inner workings of the organization, according to AT's source—and if it did, the effect was of a far lesser magnitude than the recent terminations.

"One of the serious problems with the recent terminations is that they came without apparent full board authorization," says AT's source. "The firings were abrupt and were apparently instigated by the [ADRA] president. In light of the tremendous waves created by the actions, the ADRA board will be convened [April 6] to review the decisions. There are also reports that the economic condition of ADRA is better than some had been led to believe, last month."

Other knowledgeable sources have speculated that, beginning with the replacement of Sandefur in October 2010, a plan from the highest levels of General Conference administration was being enacted to seriously alter the ADRA philosophy and organizational structure, which has generally been held in high esteem by Adventist church members as well as organizations and nations that donate large sums for relief and development throughout the world. If such a plan existed at any time, current distress within the organization itself now appears to overshadow such concerns.

"A disruption of confidence in an organization of this sensitivity, with so many employees and so much responsibility, is very serious," noted AT's source. "We are hoping that this crisis will pass quickly."

"Adventist Today (AT)is dedicated to pursuing this story and learning more about the momentous events leading up to the current crisis at ADRA. AT intends to provide added information and context for this ongoing story, as facts become available," said Clive Holland, Adventist Today Foundation chairman and chief executive officer.
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