June 5, 2018

Dear Board of Directors for the Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter,

We, the staff and volunteers of Nancy K. Perry, feel that there is no one better suited for the position of Executive Director than Mrs. Trinka Williamson. In some capacity, we have all had the opportunity to witness Trinka Williamson’s strengths as a leader, organizer, and representative of the shelter and its’ children. Mrs. Williamson possesses managerial skills, motivational skills, and an understanding of the social service/ foster care system that one cannot obtain in school. In addition to these strengths, we have listed below the following qualities that we feel describe Mrs. Williamson’s ability to help her be a successful leader for the shelter.

• Mrs. Williamson takes an active approach to leadership. If she is not completing paperwork or taking care of necessary communications; she is observing the relief workers and volunteers interacting with the children.
• Her first priority is the safety of the children in her care. She takes great strides to ensure that staff is competent and knowledgeable. She meets with the trainer to help develop trainings that are relevant to staff and address current needs of the shelter.
• We would also say that she is a servant leader, she is involved with the children and we know that she would continue this involvement if she is the ED. We feel this is an important part to being an ED because the more the head knows about what is occurring within the shelter, the better they can advocate for the needs of the shelter and support staff. They can also adhere to the contract and regulations required by the state.
• Mrs. Williamson is a decisive person, she takes the time to think about her decisions and will gather all the facts prior to making her decision. This includes adhering to contract guidelines and regulations, the placement of children, the need to move a child, which staff to hire and what volunteers are appropriate for our shelter.
• Mrs. Williamson communicates well with staff and the children. She always has an open door policy that allows for children and staff to come talk with her as needed. She also expresses what needs to be done or what is expected and follows up to ensure that it was completed. She also does well in addressing concerns with children and staff. Making sure there is a positive home and work environment.
• She has many years of experience in working with foster children, not only in her home, but within the shelter setting. This has given her connections both within the foster care system and the community which has resulted in lasting relationships. She is able to utilize these relationships to enhance the shelter and the lives of the children that reside in the shelter.
• Mrs. Williamson has compassion for the children, their families and the system itself. She is able to support each part, but will also advocate for the children where needed. She is able to chose her words wisely and get her point across without being critical of the person she is speaking with. This has been helpful in maintaining placements, helping children cope through tough transitions and with being supportive of caseworkers.
• She truly wants what is best for these children and families. She may not always agree, but she will support the children and/or the shelter to help them manage the situation.
• Last, but not least, Mrs. Williamson is invested in the shelter. She has many goals and dreams for the shelter that will not only enhance the children's lives while they are living in the shelter, but it will allow us to expand our services to helping families as a whole.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let us know if you have any questions, we are happy to answer any that you may have.

Sincerely,

Nancy K. Perry staff and volunteers