When Deanne was fired, the college was not given any insight into the Board's decision and over the years, this same pattern has persisted. I urge the Board to address the membership with a solid plan for the future of our organization and a pledge that, in the future, no matter how painful, decisions such as 'firing trusted midwives in leadership' will be made transparent
L
Letitia Sullivan
7 years ago
We need to stop this hemorrhaging of Midwife staff at the national office.
H
Hillary Brown Kieser
7 years ago
There are too many questions being raised by this action, that need to be answered
C
Carol Roedocker
7 years ago
It is hard for most of us so far from all of this to know what is going on. Sounds like there is enough concern for some further investigation, conversation to occur.
M
Mairi Breen Rothman
7 years ago
This sequence of events is very concerning--not just the 2 most recent firings, but a whole series of exits that have diminished the organization's capacity. It feels like we are systematically getting rid of anyone on staff who can actually be of use to the members of this organization, either individually or as a profession. Do those that remain know enough about midwifery to represent us at all the tables we need to be sitting at? Do they have the time or the bandwidth to do so? This truly seems like a crisis. I don't know if an external audit is the answer, but something certainly needs to change.
A
Anne Malley Corrinet
7 years ago
Due process not followed. More information needed
S
Sukey Krause
7 years ago
Although I am willing to consider that there is a “grander” plan that will move the organization forward I cannot forgive the way the first steps of implementation were carried out. If there is some sort of greater plan, I cannot accept that any transition is accomplished effectively by alienating these experienced and skilled CNM professionals. Even if the "grand plan" resulted in workforce reduction, to imagine that either Kate or Elaine would impede this effort, if it would indeed be better for the organization, is unimaginable. Importantly, it appears the integrity of Kate and Elaine is doubted by ACNM leaders. National Office is now at odds with the membership. How was that a good idea and how could any be surprised, given the high profile of these midwife leaders? That the leadership of ACNM believes they can move forward having positioned themselves thusly shows tremendous lack of insight. If they wanted the trust and support of the membership, this is exactly the wrong way to obtain it.
E
Evelyn Haley
7 years ago
The membership deserves an explanation.
J
Joanne Middleton
7 years ago
E-mail is valid
S
Shirley White Walker
7 years ago
I strongly agree with comments stated which were relative to effective leadership and the appropriate way to treat staff with regard to terminations.
V
vicky Ferguson
7 years ago
What have we become that this behavior and treatment of valued staff /members is normal and acceptable?
C
Cheri Van Hoover
7 years ago
I support an external audit of ACNM business practices, organizational culture, and financial management in hopes that it will affirm our organization's commitment to the fundamental principles of midwifery philosophy and practice. Our organizational values must reflect the same respect for human dignity, inclusiveness, and fairness that midwives practice in the service of individuals and their families.
R
Ronnie Dubrowin
7 years ago
Transparency is always the best
A
Anastasia Ott Hallisey
7 years ago
WTF?
N
Nora Lewis
7 years ago
There needs to be more open communication regarding the treatment of these valuable midwives to our organization
R
richard jennings
7 years ago
Has the Board no decency?
G
Gretchen Mettler
7 years ago
The sudden “departure” of these two incredibly dedicated CNMs begs for sunlight. The Board of Directors needs to know that this does not feel, look or seem right!
S
Sarah najamy
7 years ago
What’s the truth
B
Barbara Decker
7 years ago
Featured
I understand that there is often tension between the professionals for whom the organization exists (nurse-midwives) and the professionals who administer that organization (CEO and staff). but the way to resolve this is not to dump two of the finest nurse-midwives I know.
R
Robyn Schafer
7 years ago
I care deeply about the important work of ACNM and the many staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to carry out its mission. For the future of the organization and the wellbeing of the profession it represents, I support this petition for an audit of ACNM's business practices, organizational culture, and financial management as well as full, transparent communication of the audit's findings to the membership.
When Deanne was fired, the college was not given any insight into the Board's decision and over the years, this same pattern has persisted. I urge the Board to address the membership with a solid plan for the future of our organization and a pledge that, in the future, no matter how painful, decisions such as 'firing trusted midwives in leadership' will be made transparent
We need to stop this hemorrhaging of Midwife staff at the national office.
There are too many questions being raised by this action, that need to be answered
It is hard for most of us so far from all of this to know what is going on. Sounds like there is enough concern for some further investigation, conversation to occur.
This sequence of events is very concerning--not just the 2 most recent firings, but a whole series of exits that have diminished the organization's capacity. It feels like we are systematically getting rid of anyone on staff who can actually be of use to the members of this organization, either individually or as a profession. Do those that remain know enough about midwifery to represent us at all the tables we need to be sitting at? Do they have the time or the bandwidth to do so? This truly seems like a crisis. I don't know if an external audit is the answer, but something certainly needs to change.
Due process not followed. More information needed
Although I am willing to consider that there is a “grander” plan that will move the organization forward I cannot forgive the way the first steps of implementation were carried out. If there is some sort of greater plan, I cannot accept that any transition is accomplished effectively by alienating these experienced and skilled CNM professionals. Even if the "grand plan" resulted in workforce reduction, to imagine that either Kate or Elaine would impede this effort, if it would indeed be better for the organization, is unimaginable. Importantly, it appears the integrity of Kate and Elaine is doubted by ACNM leaders. National Office is now at odds with the membership. How was that a good idea and how could any be surprised, given the high profile of these midwife leaders? That the leadership of ACNM believes they can move forward having positioned themselves thusly shows tremendous lack of insight. If they wanted the trust and support of the membership, this is exactly the wrong way to obtain it.
The membership deserves an explanation.
E-mail is valid
I strongly agree with comments stated which were relative to effective leadership and the appropriate way to treat staff with regard to terminations.
What have we become that this behavior and treatment of valued staff /members is normal and acceptable?
I support an external audit of ACNM business practices, organizational culture, and financial management in hopes that it will affirm our organization's commitment to the fundamental principles of midwifery philosophy and practice. Our organizational values must reflect the same respect for human dignity, inclusiveness, and fairness that midwives practice in the service of individuals and their families.
Transparency is always the best
WTF?
There needs to be more open communication regarding the treatment of these valuable midwives to our organization
Has the Board no decency?
The sudden “departure” of these two incredibly dedicated CNMs begs for sunlight. The Board of Directors needs to know that this does not feel, look or seem right!
What’s the truth
I understand that there is often tension between the professionals for whom the organization exists (nurse-midwives) and the professionals who administer that organization (CEO and staff). but the way to resolve this is not to dump two of the finest nurse-midwives I know.
I care deeply about the important work of ACNM and the many staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to carry out its mission. For the future of the organization and the wellbeing of the profession it represents, I support this petition for an audit of ACNM's business practices, organizational culture, and financial management as well as full, transparent communication of the audit's findings to the membership.