Strengthening the Mission: GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta Board of Directors 2025 Strategic Retreat Recap
In January, the GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta Board of Directors gathered for their highly anticipated annual strategic retreat. A cornerstone event for the organization, the retreat was an opportunity to reflect on the successes and challenges of 2024, strengthen the mission, and set a clear path forward for 2025. The board’s commitment to the Playhouse’s mission and the individuals it serves was evident throughout the weekend as members delved into the essential elements of their role and laid the groundwork for another impactful year.
Meet Your Board
Executive Committee:
President: Miles Knight Treasurer: Marci Schlemmer
Vice President: Dani Higley Secretary: Allyson Mize
Members at Large:
Ainsley Gatlin Michael Dunn
Cynthia Livingston Orit Levy-Dor
Andi Fox Yvette Norwood
Front Row L-R: Cynthia, Yvette, Miles, Allyson, and Dani
The Purpose of the Board
The GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta’s Board of Directors plays a critical role in ensuring the organization’s continued success. Their core responsibilities include:
Mission and Management
- Preserving the mission and structure of GiGi’s Playhouse.
- Selecting and managing staff to ensure the organization is well-run.
- Ensuring the board, as a collective, has the right skills and practices to meet its responsibilities.
Fundraising and Development
- Raising a minimum of $2,000 per board member through “give or get” efforts.
- Sharing, developing, and stewarding donor relationships.
- Actively participating in fundraising initiatives.
Fiscal Responsibility
- Overseeing budgeting and financial planning.
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Advocacy
- Representing the community to GiGi’s Playhouse and the Playhouse to the community.
- Protecting the Playhouse from external threats.
Engagement
- Encouraging greater participation in the Playhouse by families, volunteers, community members, and local businesses.
The board operates collaboratively, with no individual member having independent authority. Instead, decisions are made collectively, ensuring a unified vision for GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta. Members also volunteer within the organization and work closely with Playhouse staff, effectively wearing different hats depending on the capacity in which they serve.
Highlights of the Strategic Retreat
Session 1: Reflecting on 2024 and Preparing for 2025
Led by Miles and Stacy Jackson (our GiGi’s Inc. Regional Director), the retreat began with a review of the December 2024 board meeting minutes and a heartfelt discussion about the Playhouse’s mission. Board members shared their personal motivations for serving (“Your Why”) and celebrated key accomplishments from 2024. Challenges faced throughout the year were candidly discussed, providing valuable insights for future planning. The session concluded with the approval of board member and officer assignments for 2025 and a review of the self-assessment observations, ensuring the board is well-prepared for the year ahead.
Session 2: Playhouse Organization and Programming
Howie led a deep dive into the Playhouse’s organizational structure and programming goals for the first half of 2025. Discussions centered on aligning staff efforts with the mission and enhancing programming to meet the needs of the community. This session underscored the board’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for families and participants.
Session 3: Strategy Development
The afternoon focused on developing and refining the Playhouse’s strategy for 2025. Key topics included improving the volunteer experience, enhancing programming, and advancing grant and donor development efforts. The board also collaborated with the Executive Director on the Vision/Traction/Organizer (VTO) framework, ensuring a cohesive approach to strategy execution.
Session 4: Committees and Special Operations Efforts (SOEs)
The final session reviewed the current committee structure and status updates for 2025. The board’s committees include:
- Executive Committee (Board Officers)
- Finance Committee, led by Treasurer Marci Schlemmer.
- GFAC Committee, co-chaired by Andi Fox and Cindi Livingston.
- Golf Committee, chaired by Michael Walsh.
- Gala Committee, co-chaired by Allyson Mize and Dani Higley.
- Program Committee
- Development/Fundraising Committee
- Gratitude Committee (New for 2025)
Discussions highlighted the critical roles these committees play in advancing the Playhouse’s mission. Board members also defined responsibility for SOEs, ensuring accountability and clarity as they move into the new year.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The strategic retreat underscored the unwavering dedication of GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta’s Board of Directors. From celebrating past successes to addressing challenges and setting ambitious goals, the board reaffirmed its commitment to the Playhouse’s mission of making a lasting impact on individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
As the board embarks on the journey ahead, their collective efforts promise to elevate GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta to new heights, creating even more opportunities for growth, advocacy, and community engagement. Here’s to a successful 2025!
Do you have any questions about our board or want to learn more about getting involved at the Playhouse? Email us at Atlanta@gigisplayhouse.org
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