BCHFS Board of Trustees

Meeting Minutes

October 16, 2021

I. Call to Order

Rebecca Whittington called to order the regular meeting of the BCHFS Board of Trustees (BOT) at 9:00 a.m. on October 16, 2021. GraceHaven Pregnancy Resource Clinic, 4227 Lincolnshire Drive, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Chris Slusser and Cheryl Dorsey open the meeting with prayer.

II. Scripture and prayer

Cheryl Dorsey shares on the importance of sight, seeing, and vision. Through her experience with cataracts, we are reminded of importance of our eyes being enlightened with spiritual understanding (Eph. 1:18). Through Hagar’s encounter with on El-Roi, The God-Who-Sees (Genesis 16:13), we are assured that God “sees” is aware of our situations, at all times. And, through lessons learned in Hebrews, grasp the responsibility we have to God and that “great cloud of witnesses,” (Hebrews 12:1) as we carry out the mission As relates to the BCHFS that “great cloud of witnesses” include people like Rev. D.F. Marlin of First Baptist Church, his two deacons, John W. Hall and Eben Renshaw, and the 20 families who sacrificially gave $3,000 to purchase the first 40 acres of land for an orphanage in 1918. They “laid aside every weight” to heed God’s call and give sacrificially during the height of WW1 and the Spanish Flu pandemic to start an orphanage that would become BCHFS, a five-fold ministry Pastor Marlon was only at FBC of Carmi for 6 years (1916-1922). He like Esther was put in this place “for such a time as this.” He obeyed God.

“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20, 21

The time of devotion closed with a circle of prayer lead by Cheryl Dorsey.

III. Roll call

Cheryl Dorsey conducted the Roll Call. The following members were present: Sandy Absher, Sarah Ballard, Brock Bauer, Tom Denton, Cheryl Dorsey, Jake Gray, Tina Grooms, Doug Haile, Danny Hampton, Diana Henry-Aten, Kevin Hutchinson, Chris Slusser, David Smith, Emily Tynes, Bennie Tomberlin, and Rebecca Whittington. Absent members: Sarah Clark, Rick Layne, Mark Lee, and Sherman Smith, Rockell Warren-Daniels.

Also attending today’s meeting were Nate Adams, Denny Hydrick, Bill Foote, Paula Joy, Krystal Donelson and Melinda Thomas

IV. Approval of Minutes

1. Minutes of the Regular Quarterly Board meeting were not posted to the portal, and so the motion to approve was tabled until the next board meeting. Motion to table by Brock Bauer and second by Danny Hampton The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

2. Minutes of the Special Called Board meeting of September 23, 2021 Motion to table by Bennie Tomberlin and second by Danny Hampton. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

V. Adoption of the October 16, 2021, Board Meeting Agenda

The motion to adopt today’s board meeting agenda was made by Kevin Haile and seconded by Jake Gray. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

VI. Welcome to Visitors and Announcements

Nate Adams, IBSA Executive Director visits via Zoom at President Rebecca Whittington’s invitation and provides a word of encouragement to the board. He shares some key points for the board as we work during this time of transition:

1.In the IBSA, at any given time, 10 percent of the member churches are searching for a pastor.

2. You are not alone. There is a larger Baptist family to encourage, support, and advise your board.

3.Many times, the work of the board is routine, but there are two instances when the work of a board requires heroic effort. Those times are:

A. In a time of leader transition.

B. In a time of crises. (And sometimes that time of transition is a time of crises.)

Nate reminds us of various Psalms of Assent (Psalm 22, in particular). BCHFS Board, like the children of Israel making the arduous upwardly trek from Jericho to Jerusalem, you’re being called to heroic effort and “higher ground.” The Psalms of Assent, like Psalm 125:1,2, which says

“A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people both now and forevermore.”

When God calls us, challenges us, it’s festival time, it’s a rallying time. It’s time for heroic effort, and trust in God. A board’s responsibility is not to the leader or each other, the primary responsibility of the board is to its mission of the organization, and, in our case, to the God we serve. Be encouraged!

VII. Election of BCHFS BOT Officers

The vice-chairmen of the Advisory Committee, Danny Hampton, makes the report. The Advisory Committee recommends, in view of this time of transition, that the slate of BOT officers remain the same. Current BOT officers are Rebecca Whittington, Chair; Danny Hampton, Vice-Chair; and, Cheryl Dorsey, Secretary. Motion made by Tom Denton, and second by Cheryl Dorsey. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

VIII.Executive Director’s (ED) Report – Denny Hydrick

The Chair advises that the ED report will include the ED’s resignation, which will be voted upon as part of the acceptance of the ED report.

1. General Report.

A. “What do you see?” Denny shares 3 photos of a woodland road in a forested area. It’s the same photo, the original, then the original with two filters. Each filter gives us a different context of the picture. We also have filters. What is the context of my last ED report today? I want to focus on the context, I reflect on the last five years. Focus on the numbers

(1) Twelve – In five years, Salvations in the ministry (at least 12). That’s worth celebrating in God’s kingdom.

(2) 5,571 – Since January 1, 2017, we have served 5,571 individuals in ministry.

(3) $16,051,406 – The number of dollars received from people by this ministry since January 1, 2017.

(4) Four– the number of adoptions last year, the number of infants in a new home because of the ministry of BCHFS

(5) Three – Three Moms who just in the last few weeks have visited GraceHaven, and because of that ministry, they will carry their babies to term.

Let’s celebrate God’s work. Psalm 9:12, “Teach us to number our days carefully so we may develop wisdom in our hearts.” Let’s filter these things through the lenses of our Creator, who allows us to do the work.

B. Oil Leases. The new well in Carmi, IL, as of August 2021, has produced gross value $100,918.69, and 17% of the should be coming to BCHFS. In September, it produced $82,674.19, of which $14,040.56 (17%) should be coming to BCHFS. As of this week, they began drilling a second pump that they anticipate will be a better producer than the first one. So, Denny estimates that by year’s end, BCHFS should receive approximately $115,000 to $120,000 in royalties. Note: We own 100% of the mineral rights on these tracks, but that is not the cases on other tracks we own. There may be some pumps where that royalties are shared.

While this is a blessing, it also creates a need for PR component to explain this income merely offsets our use of investment money that we use to operate. There is buzz in White County about “all the money coming to BCHFS due to the oil wells.”

C. Resignation. Denny has previously submitted his letter of resignation. Denny must change the date of his resignation from Friday, December 3rd to Wednesday, November 30th.

The motion to accept the ED’s report, which includes Denny Hydrick’s resignation and new out date, was made by Bennie Tomberlin and was second by Tina Grooms. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

The Chair called for a Voice Vote for all those who wish to signify by “Aye” their regrets that all this is happening in the way it is happening. The Roll Call unanimously said, “Aye!” None opposed.

IX. Report of Administrative Committee

1. Administrative Committee – Sarah Ballard, Committee Chair. (Since Sarah is joining via Zoom, Kevin Hutchinson, Cmte. Sec’y. assists by presenting the recommendations.)

A. Recommendation #1 – Part 1, to approve the limits of work-related Family Travel Expenses in 2022 at the current maximum of $850.00, and Part 2, to Establish Honorarium Limits for BCHFS employees in 2022 at the current maximum $250.00. Both items are a continuation of limits set in current policy. An annual review of these policies is required. The policy was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

B. Recommendation #2 – Approval of Director of Operations & Compliance job description. With the retirement of the Director of Clinical Services, we’ve made some adjustments. The manager of Compliance and Quality Improvement was moved into this new position. Bill Foote is currently carrying out those responsibilities of Dir. Of Operations & Compliance, and the proposed job description aligns with current responsibilities. This recommendation to approve the job description comes from committee.

Question: Is that a temporary change as we go through this season, or is it a permanent change? Rebecca Whittington notes that there was some discussion on this point, that is, interim vs. permanent. The consensus was that to foster stability in day-to-day operations & upper management, the position is permanent, but can be changed by the board in the future. It does not preclude any reorganization in the future and does not bind the hands of the ED or the board pursuant to current operational practices. This does not expand the duties that he already has, nor does it give this position hiring/firing authority.

Question: Given Bill is in the room, is this something that should have been discussed in Executive Session? Rebecca Whittington responds that were the discussion covering an individual’s performance, it would require moving to executive session. However, in this case, we are discussing the establishment of a position.

Question: Where is the accountability for this new position? How does the BOT know what is going on? Kevin Hutchinson & Rebecca Whittington note according BCHFS bylaws, in the absence of the ED, the Advisory Committee will give oversight to day-to-day operations. With regard to DCFS compliance, policy has been established that provides for a backup to the ED with the clinical credentials to meet DCFS compliance standards. Per that policy, Bill Foote is already the “next in line” meets DCFS requirements. The Advisory Committee consists of the BOT Officers, and the Committee Chairs of all standing committees. The job description was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

C. Report of New Officers for the Administrative Committee for 2022 – Tom Denton, Chair; Tina Grooms, Vice-Chair; and, Chris Slusser, Secretary.

Motion made by Cheryl Dorsey, and second by Brock Bauer. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

X. Finance

& Development Committee

Report and Recommendations – Emily Tynes

Financial Report – Krystal Donelson, Director of Accounting

1. PPP Forgiveness. Krystal Donelson reports that PPP Forgiveness is still pending but with assistance of board member Chris Slusser, she was able to contact Congressman Mike Bost (IL12), who reach out to SBA on our behalf. SBA was aware of the widespread problem with K-Services. They kept in touch with us, and Krystal continued daily monitoring of the site. On August 26, 2021, we did gain access and were able submit our application for PPP Forgiveness. Our account status is now, “Under Review,” and the process takes 90 days. Krystal’s hope is that the process is wrapped up by years end, so it can be reflected in our reports. Chris Slusser’s assistance is greatly appreciated. We filed a complaint against K-Services with the Better Business Bureau.

2. Financial Report. Krystal Donelson gives a brief report on our financial report. Our revenue continues to be below budget, but about the same as last year’s. Our expenses are 13% below budget, but 7% more than last year. So, our net expenses exceeding revenue this year, ignoring our investment distributions, is at a negative $700,000.00. So, we have been drawing off of our investment account, which Krystal will highlight in that report. Our Accounting Director reminds us that we are a non-profit, but expense-wise nothing unusual has come up.

A. Capital Improvement Status highlights. See financial reports, page 11. In total, we’ve spent about $95,000 YTD. We still have a few items in progress, i.e. the Angels Cove Security System, as well as, that facility’s Landscaping. Our ED notes that the Angels Cove Security System is complete, Krystal indicates that we may not have received all billing for that project yet. GraceHaven Landscaping project for capital not showing any expenses for this year because we tried to take care of it with just items that would be expensed. Rather than major capital improvement. However, this project will be included again in next year’s budget; in case the winter weather proves that the major project still needs to be done. That is the replacement of this porch. Recognition and gratitude is expressed by Denny for Krystal’s husband, Leslie Donelson, an engineer by trade, who has helped us with this project.

B. Investments Report. Krystal advises that it has been an amazing year market value-wise. We began the year with a Fair Market Value of $5.4 million, and we’ve taken out $494,000 to support our operations and capital improvement projects. However, with the gains, both realized and unrealized, we’re sitting at a Fair Market Value of $5.4 million. As of this meeting date, Krystal had not received the September 30th statement from the Illinois Baptist Foundation, so the numbers reflected in the report is as of August 31st

C. 2022 Budget. The 2022 budget calls for total revenues and expenses of $3,905,000. Krystal gave an overview of the budget highlighting key items by ministry. The budget highlights include:

• Oil Lease Royalties of $100,000 have been included in the budget. As Denny noted in his report, the royalties will be used to offset (decrease) our use of investment money used for operations.

• Residential Care We have a 2nd full time maintenance specialist is included in the budget. Two cottages with four sets of fulltime houseparents. Contracts Tutors to assist student with homework. ARC Training and Consultation. Sealing of campus circle.

• Angels Cove. Two sets of houseparents. Case manager/Transportation Coordinator. ARC Training and Consultation. Painting of Cottage.

• Faith Adoptions. Renewal of Haig accreditation is not included.

• GraceHaven. With more historical information, we are able to improve our estimates, and reduce our utilities and maintenance budgets to be more accurate.

• Pathways Counseling. The addition of a FT therapist (salaried) for SE Pathways, and a additional licensed (contractual) and non-licensed (salaried) therapist at Metro East.

• Development. Giving Tuesday Appeal and Fall Festival are being combined. Title I grant income is being moved to “non-development income.” Addition of both a FT marketing person, and a FT development officer.

• General. Retirement of the Director of Accounting and accompanying training and recruitment expense.

Question: The last time there was a search for an ED, 1) were there expenses, 2) how were they handled in the budget, and 3) how do we handled them in this budget? Krystal explains the proposed budget was prepared and submitted to IBSA prior to the 2021 annual meeting, as required. Denny notes that last time, while the board voted to cover moving expenses, recruitment and associated expenses were not in the budget. Further, he notes that the BOT has the ability to change the budget up to within three percent, which is approximately $100,000.00. A buffer that would cover said expenses. In closing on this question, Krystal and Denny share that there are areas (i.e., Workers Compensation premiums, Salaries for open positions, etc.) where budget vs. actual expenses will give us a slight surplus that will allow us to absorb unanticipated recruitment expenses.

Question: Should the BOT choose to the hire of an interim ED, how are those expenses handled? Krystal responds that an interim would receive a salary, and because Denny’s salary is in this budget, a salary expense for an interim ED would be covered. Additionally, Denny’s retirement percentage of between six or eight percent would provide a savings, as a new person would start with a retirement percentage of two percent. Jake Gray recalls that the last time an ED was hired, we authorized the board to spend up to $20,000.00 from our investment account for expenses related to recruitment/hiring of an ED. Krystal concurs, and notes that the BOT has the authority to do so.

Question: Do you have a recommendation that the BOT adjust or change the budget in light of this discussion? As the proposed budget has already been submitted to the IBSA for their annual book of reports (flagged as “subject to change”), but Krystal is comfortable with leaving it as is and believes we will still meet budget.

Denny highlights and wants the BOT to understand that in this budget, based on his review of the data from the past six or seven years, the proposed Residential Care budget is based on the operation of only TWO cottages. Historical data doesn’t support the sustainability of more than two cottages. Once voted upon this will be a big change to the budget and to staff expectations for next year.

Question: Do we have any tracking on what the residential care budget has been? How has the residential budget changed in regard to staffing? If the budget has stayed the same, and we are only serving 11 children, it is time to address the issue of residential care. Denny responds that staffing overall (the number of staff) has changed dramatically, but the expenses has not decreased. Denny also notes that he made the decision to early in the year to increase the salary of our house parents to make it more marketable. Turnover for the house parent positions is high. It is challenging work.

Question: Is there data available to determine where we stand in comparison with other children’s homes? Denny has exhaustively talk with other ministries, and there is a network of other Baptist Children’s Homes executives, which meets annually. We met last month in San Antonio, TX, and there was discussion about this. Most children’s homes, including Baptists, are closing down cottages. They are moving toward “a family model,” where single moms (and in one case a dad) move into the cottages. The agency then works with the kids, as mom works on her life/job skills to move toward independent living with her/his family. Florida no longer to group home care, and Oklahoma & Alabama are moving away from group home care toward this “family model.” Oklahoma only has one campus (out of three) doing group home care. We are one of the few ministries still offering group home care; the others are Mississippi, New Mexico, and Indiana. Those ministries operating successfully are smaller campuses like Illinois, Indiana, and New Mexico with two or three cottages versus up to 20 buildings.

Question: Do you have an estimate on what percentage of our budget goes to residential care compared to the overall ministry? Because if, for example, we spend 60% of the budget on two cottages, a discussion on viability is warranted. Denny says, in terms of dollars, $1.2 to $1.3 million of our expenses goes to residential care annually.

Question: Are there plans for the shuttered cottages; and in terms of the budget, what provision has been made for maintenance of the shuttered cottages? Denny: Various ideas on alternative uses have been discussed. A number of ideas were brought up during our recent strategic planning retreat. They are assets that should be used for ministry. Krystal: The budget includes funds for maintenance & upkeep of shuttered cottages.

Comments from the floor: 1) If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. 2) In view of the historical data, staffing challenges, and changes in group home care landscape, God may be telling us to study and address issues for the future. 3) This will be important as we go into the recruitment process.

Denny feels the proposed budget is a solid, robust, and doable budget. It is the best we can do to predict 2022. It is only $28,000.00 higher and will allow the new ED to have some flexibility. Comment from the floor: This is amazing in light of the fact that we added the GraceHaven ministry this year, and with that addition, we are only $28,000.00 higher.

Question: Is there data available on how donations are going for nonprofits? Denny: There is a trend upwards that is heavily focused on “mission.” New generations are more focus on the mission versus historical or denominational value. So, it’s time we communicate our mission better. Perhaps that’s a name change. Perhaps a name that more accurately reflects our mission. Newer generations are moving away from the concept of group homes because children should be in families. That orphanage structure no longer exists. There are truly no orphans in the United States. Should a child have no legal guardian, the State steps in and becomes that guardian, the adult making decisions for those kids.

Comment from the floor: Fox Valley Christian Action runs Riverwoods Family Camp, and they have an apartment dedicated to use by Pastors and pastor families needing R&R. Covenant Harbor Christian Camp and Retreat Center in Lake Geneva offers a similar program to pastors and their families. Recently, we hosted a IMB missionary on furlough from Tanzania who stays on David Jerimiah’s church campus in California, where they have housing for missionaries on furlough.

Question: According to the line item, is the Executive Dinner being canceled in 2022? The Executive Dinner was turned into a fundraiser. Why was the Executive Dinner turned into a fundraiser; how did that come about? Denny: We wanted to have a fundraiser for the GraceHaven ministry, and with COVID-19, the two events were morphed together in 2021. Given the unknowns about the pandemic, social distancing, and the like in the future, that same model (of a combined event) was budgeted for 2022.

Comment from the floor: Danny gives a word of dissent and gives an example of how the Executive Dinner in his region is a celebration, introduction to the BCHFS ministry, with outreach potential. He believes fundraiser for GraceHaven is a wonderful idea but should not replace the Executive Dinner. In the northern part of the state, the BCHFS ministry is not well known. Rebecca expresses concern about clipping the wings of the incoming ED and ask how we can address reinstating Executive Dinners in the budget. Denny says there is very little expense (food costs), and should we choose to have a few executive dinners next year, the costs would be easily absorbed in the proposed budget.

Additional Comment: As we are discussing the budget, both the executive dinner and a GraceHaven fundraiser are essentially programming issues involving discretionary funds. Shouldn’t we approve the budget, and this discussion move to the Development & the Programming committee? There was agreement on discussing programming & development issues later as ordered in the agenda.

3. Financial Committee Recommendation – Emily Tynes. The Finance committee voted to approve the 2022 Budget/Capital Improvements as presented. This comes from the committee as a recommendation to approve the financial reports as presented, and the proposed budget for 2022.

The 2022 Budget & Capital Improvements were unanimously approved by Roll Call.

Development Report – Paula Joy, Director of Development & Marketing

1) The new BCHFS tote bag is introduced and will be used in promotions. The maroon tote not only advertises and promotes BCHFS, but also lists the other ministries available: Faith Adoptions, Pathway Counseling, Angels Cove, & GraceHaven a. The Fundraising Dinners – In an effort to reach a different group people, invitations were sent to major gift donors and new donors. b. Social Media – All program ministries have their own unique Facebook pages. The individual pages will offer detailed information about that ministry. Through this effort we also hope to reach clients. The BCHFS Facebook page is designated to reach and inform our donor base. Comments: Can we post announcements to Associational or Church facebook pages or websites? Can social media be an assigned task, where the person responsible reaches or and posts to these pages, etc.? c. Through our Virtuous System Specific Marketing or Fundraising Emails – These emails are targeted to a specific interests or significant calendar days. That is, in honor of a birthdate or memoriam; or geared to those with interest in babies or abortion prevention, etc. Prayer prompts are also being posted and have generated a lot of interest and engagement. d. Marketing/Development Literature are now being updated. e. Development Officer – Our new development officer is Mariah Bowker who was introduced at the dinner last night. She’s has also been doing client relations for GraceHaven, working to identify our target group. She has visited health departments, schools, churches, and doing diaper drives, etc. She also connecting with Rend Lake College and getting information to students. f. Fall Festival – Our Fall Festival was a success. Despite attendance being down compared to past years, we tried both “site” and “online” quilt auctions with wonderful auctioneers who donated their time. The quilt auction raised $25,000.00, the largest amount in many year, if not the highest. Quilts went to Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri. Mariah actually hand-deliver the Missouri quilts to the families. While interested in quilts, they had no knowledge of BCHFS, so Mariah was able to share about the BCHFS ministry. g. Thank You Notes. A general thank you card for BCHFS has been development. h. Women of Compassion Events. We will be hosting events in northern Illinois, in the suburbs of Elk Grove Village, and the town of Chabanse. i. The Newsletter – The format has been changed from newsprint to magazine style. Question: What can the board to do to help you? Be a champion. Visit and share with your circles.

2) Fundraising Goals and Methods.

Motion to accept the Development Report was made by Jake Gray, and second by Danny Hester. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

3. Slate of Finance Committee Officers for 2022 – Emily Tynes

Emily Tynes, Chairman; Rockell Warren-Daniels, Vice Chair; Doug Haile, Secretary

XI. Program Committee Report and Recommendations – Brock Bauer

Recommendation – The committee recommends that BCHFS not renew its Haig accreditation in 2022.

Rationale: Due to the decrease in international placements, and the willingness of all countries (with the exception of China) to allow home studies to be completed by agencies without Haig accreditation. Additionally, there have been changes in the accreditation body itself, it’s an intensive process, and there are fees associated with accreditation. With these things in mind, it’s the committee’s recommendation that the Haig accreditation NOT be renewed.

The recommendation was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

Report of New Officers for the Program Committee for 2022 – Brock Bauer, Chair; Diana HenryAten, Vice-Chair; and, Sarah Clark, Secretary.

Motion made by Jake Gray, and second by Doug Haile. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

XII.Executive Director transition and Ad Hoc Committee Reports – Rebecca Whittington

1. Bylaw review – discussed earlier in the meeting.

2. Review of Position Requirements and Job Description. Tina Grooms shared the Ad Hoc committee review process and presented the changes to the ED job description made with suggestions by Denny Hydrick. A line-by-line review was completed, suggestions were made, and there was discussion on to clarify and include financial background checks pursuant to final attorney review.

The committee modified their recommendation to include the changes discussed and present the ED job description for approval. The recommendation, as discussed, was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

3. Committee to Aid in Transition Planning – Benny Tomlinson. Update: One matter is recommended by the committee, Denny’s laptop computer purchased in 2017 and scheduled to be replaced in 2022. The committee recommends that Denny purchased his laptop for $225, a fifth of the purchase price. After discussion, the recommendation was amended to “give the 4 yr. old laptop computer” to Denny at no cost. This comes from the committee as a motion and a second. The recommendation, as amended was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

4. Office and cybersecurity – The committee reviewed various office and cybersecurity needs in transition. Overall, we are in good shape. Upon further discussion, we need an authorized signatory for the primary operation account to replace Denny Hydrick, where he is the sole signatory. The suggestion is for Emily Tynes, Finance Cmte. Chairperson to be the signatory on those accounts. Any fees required for Bonding will be considered a business cost, so no motion/action on this point is required.

Krystal Donelson secured from the files a previous resolution, which after necessary language changes, will cover the needs discussed here.

Action: Chris Slusser made a motion that the resolution that Emily Tynes, become a signatory on any account where Denny Hydrick was the sole signatory, be approved, subject to necessary language changes. The motion was second by Brock Bauer.

The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

5. Liaison Committee with counsel, insurer. Update: The claim we discussed before in now in the hands of our insurance carrier. Any discussion must be done in executive session.

6. Interim Executive Director – Jake Gray, Sandy Absher, & Sara Ballard. Denny supplied the committee with his thoughts on the Interim position, which Jake shared with the BOT.

Recommendation: No former employee of BCHFS should serve as Interim Executive Director.

• Will an interim be caretaker only or will that person be allowed to apply for the ED position?

• Would we consider a female for the interim position?

Action: Rebecca Whittington, BOT President & Moderator appoints the Advisory Committee to act as the Search Committee for the Interim ED, with the advice and consent of the full board.

XIII. Recognition of Retiring Board Members - Denny Hydrick. Our ED recognized all retiring board trustees: Bennie Tomberlin, Rick Layne, Mark Lee, & Jacob Gray. Thank you all.

XIV. Miscellaneous Items - Rebecca Whittington

Review of Letter drafted by Rebecca Whittington at the request Doug Morrow, Illinois Baptist Foundation. He would use the letter address, if needed to explain our transition and provide encouragement to anyone he encounters who has questions. It is for informational purposes.

XV. List of 2021 Meeting Dates and Location – Rebecca Whittington. There was discussion on changing the location of the October Board meeting to GraceHaven, and the July Board meeting would be held in Carmi.

January 22, 2022

April 23, 2022

July 16, 2022

October 15, 2022

GraceHaven

GraceHaven

Carmi

GraceHaven

Motion to accept the change in meeting locations as noted above was made by Jake Gray and second by Bennie Tomberlin. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

XVI. Executive Session – Rebecca Whittington.

Motion to open executive session by Danny Hampton and seconded by Sandy Absher. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call. A quorum was present.

Motion to go into regular session made by Danny Hampton and seconded by Tom Denton. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call.

XVII.Return to Regular Session

The board returns to regular session. The chair recognizes that we still have a quorum. No action was taken in Executive Session.

XVIII. Adjournment

Rebecca Whittington entertained a motion to adjournment subject to prayer; the motion was made by Jake Gray and seconded by Diana Henry-Aten. The motion was unanimously approved by Roll Call, and the meeting adjourned after a closing prayer by Jake Gray

Submitted by Cheryl Dorsey

December 31, 2021.